Wrens nest

Chevvyf1 · #1 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 08:05 AM

We have a bungalow and Wrens have nested in the Ivy outside our bedroom window ! Its has been wonderful watching them go in and out in the early mornings ...

However, THIS morning we found Ivy on the path below the nest ! We fear a Cat has climbed up to the nest and the Ivy fallen down with the Cat

... we are not cat lovers!

In the nest are 4 eggs, one broken. The Wrens have been there 4 or 6 weeks.

What are the chances of the Wrens returning ?

Can we do anything to help ?

htcdude · #2 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 08:08 AM

It may have been a cat, however it may also have been a corvid of some sort (a Crow, Magpie, or Jay) They will also predate nests, take the eggs and even destroy the nest.

The adults may return, they may just decide to give up and try again elsewhere (perhaps too late though)

Nige

Chevvyf1 · #3 (**permalink**) 30-06-2011, 08:24 AM

Nige thanks for this - I do think it was a cat because of the pieces of Ivy in lengths of 12 inches torn away ... The Parents have been back ! so maybe

ok fingers crossed !

htcdude · #4 (**permalink**) 30-06-2011, 08:47 AM

That would be great if they do return to nest. Try and find a way to cat-proof the area around the nest if you can.

Hope you have success!

Nige

Naturenutz · #5 (**permalink**) 30-06-2011, 08:54 AM

hi chevvyf1.4 eggs is not usually a full clutch for a wren which means either they are still laying or some eggs were predated.unfortunatly many birds will desert when an egg has been broken. I hope this does not happen.the good thing is they have 2 broods per year and may well lay again.

galanthophile · #6 (**permalink**) 30-06-2011, 11:17 AM

I hope this clutch is successful! I have been lucky enough to have a wren nesting in ivy in my garden for the last 2 years. Since the young have fledged a few weeks ago I've not seen the birds but can hear them singing in the area so I hope they haven't gone too far. They are a delight.

Chevvyf1 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2011, 05:45 AM

Nige, Naturnutz and Galanthopile, Thanks for your support and advice! We have made the area less cat attractive

and are aggressive in chasing the cats out of our garden too, with garden hose/water

We have seen them a few times yesterday in and out of the nest, and hear them in the garden, so are hopeful, fingers still crossed for a few fledgelings