House Wren In A Big Hurry To Build Her Nest

Something a little different from me.

 

1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 1600, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

Ten days ago I made a concerted effort to capture this female (females do most of the nest building) House Wren as she was running across a rusty pipe with nesting material and this time I actually succeeded. I tried a bunch of times but these little birds run in fits and starts and they’re so darn fast she was usually out, or partially out, of frame when I pressed my shutter button. Either that or I didn’t have enough room in front of her for a composition I liked.

But this time I timed it just right and caught her in a running pose that makes me smile, which isn’t all that easy to do these days. The only thing I’d have liked better is if she’d tripped on the nesting material and I captured her doing a face plant on the pipe.

Actually, that sounds a little cruel so I’m glad she didn’t trip. But looking at the photo I can imagine it.

Ron

 

40 Comments

  1. Just added to my list of all-time favourite bird shots – absolutely delightful. Thanks so much, and all best wishes for full and speedy recovery!

  2. What a pretty little delight! I’m imagining her “jump roping” over the bit of grass like rhythmic gymnasts do with the ribbon apparatus.

  3. Fabulous action shot. Hope your healing accelerates and the pain subsides.

  4. Michael McNamara

    That’s a great shot. Captures so much personality, kinetic maternal industriousness, and a bit of cartoonish joy.

    It must have been fun to have found that you got this one.

    • “It must have been fun to have found that you got this one.”

      It was, Michael. I didn’t know until I got home so it was a nice surprise.

  5. Amazing photo Ron. I hope you are healing well.

  6. They are fun to watch and they sing so nicely. I tried to find a pair who have nested in the same picnic area for 4 years, they are not there this year. I saw a few others but not close enough for my gear. The R5 sure goes though a battery fast. I use my telephoto as a scope frequently, I might have to change that habit.

  7. Scurry Scurry!! Very cute!

  8. Ellen Blackstone

    Yesss! Huge smile here, too. I grew up with House Wrens in Iowa, but don’t see many in Eastern Washington. Fun! Great capture, Ron.

  9. Smiling here too – while well aware that I WOULD have done a face plant if I tried the same thing.

  10. Her tail seems so short it looks like she could easily tip over, out of balance, if she didn’t run that fast! Great action photo of an adorable birb! ♥️

  11. Morning smile 🙂

  12. Great photo . The Road Runner cartoon came to my mind instantly.

    Take Care,
    Kaye

  13. Skip to my lou, my darlin’. A Saturday morning cartoon for adults in which stumbles, face plants, pratfalls can all be had to no ill effect.

  14. Everett F Sanborn

    Really excellent photo. Every detail of the Wren and the nesting material looks so sharp and clear. Put that R5 together with a seasoned photographer and this is what you get.
    How’s the back this morning?

  15. `Me, three… Brings a big grin– reminds me of a little racehorse !
    It’s just amazing what you capture with your lens.

    • “It’s just amazing what you capture with your lens.”

      Thank you, Kris. Given how often I try I don’t succeed all that often but when I do it’s definitely gratifying.

  16. A GREAT giggle to start the day! 🙂 Yeh, I can see the face plant…..;)

    Magpie alarm clock in full force this morning.. 🙁 Young out of the nest and perching on it at this point – not flying yet. Grackles and Robins don’t seem concerned with them – just the adults trying to feed them. Hopefully they ALL move on soon!

    • Judy, I remember that exact same stage when magpies were nesting in my huge elm right next to my house. As much as I love magpies it was hard to love them at that time.

  17. Good Road-Runner photo!

  18. Yup, I smiled as well!!

  19. I love this! Makes me smile also.
    My favorite little bird.

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