Wrens in nest box

[werdnal]

Hubby was outside just as it was getting dark, and suddenly rushed in - "quick put the nestbox cam on, there are wrens queuing up outside the box". We counted 8 entering the box, but there were some already in there by the time we'd switched on. They crammed in, snuggling down to get warm - every time another one came in, they jostled for position, and one that was already jammed in to the crowded mass, was pushed out and had to fight their way in again. They all seemed to be head down, so heaven knows how they manage to breathe.

We are hoping to remember to switch it on early tomorrow to count how many are actually in there. I looked a couple weeks ago, when the cold snap first set in and there was nothing in there. They have obviously found it since. Will post tomorrow on the final headcount!

[aeshna5]

Wonderful story- keep us updated. Though I've heard of these massed roosts I haven't had first hand experience of it.

Let's hope they survive- Wrens really suffer in this harsh weather!

[Blizzard]

Wow! Good to just see them going in but to have a camera as well so you could see the inside action must have been amazing!

Is it possible to transfer it onto here so that we can see it?

[Littlesparrow]

Yes, it would be good if you could post a still or wren movie of that.

[werdnal]

If I remember to switch on early enough tomorrow, I'm going to try to get it on DVD and then may be able to transfer it here - will have to get my techno head on!

[Blizzard]

Originally Posted by werdnal

If I remember to switch on early enough tomorrow, I'm going to try to get it on DVD and then may be able to transfer it here - will have to get my techno head on!

Thanks, that would be great.

[Kayleigh]

Wow..
I saw my first wren of the season today and have 3 nest box's up but I cant see if any are in mine.
Will be watching this thread..

[werdnal]

I'm surprised my OP has caused so much interest. We have always had mass roosts here. They used to use a previous "non-camera" nest box we had, but we took that one down as it was too close to our camera box and we wanted to ensure Blue tits nested in the camera box rather than the other one. They have also used a piece of old carpet which is nailed under a low beam in our shed (to cushion it from banged heads). There is a small gap between the carpet and the beam, and the wrens used to cram themselves in there too. I thought this type of roosting together was much more common place.

One thing I don't understand though is that we hardly see a wren during the day, so where do they all go?

[barquar]

Lucky you it must be a sight to savour hope they survive this cold snap.my blue tit that roosted in my camera nest box as not been back for two nights fearing the worst for it.
Barquar

[werdnal]

Switched on the camera early tonight, and watched (and recorded on DVD). They started to arrive at about 4.35pm. First one came in for a look around then went out again, several times. Then 2 appeared, and went in and out a couple of times. Its almost as if they are rounding everyone else up to make sure they have enough to make it worthwhile roosting in there. Then they started coming in regularly over the next 10 minutes. We counted 12 the first time, then watched the recording back and came up with 13. They mill around, and fight for the warmest spot in the middle of the crowd, so its difficult to count them. Its also on infrared B&W night vision by then, so hard to tell where one bird ends and the next begins. They just end up as one mass of feathers. I wondered whether they change places overnight, to let the outer ones into the middle to warm up!

Now playing with the DVD and some video editing programs I have to try and post here, but not looking hopeful so far