Wrens and gourds

BillieJR · Tue May 25, 2021 5:09 pm

I have a pair of wrens that think they have to have the gourds. They've been busy the past 3 days carrying twigs to the gourds - not just one gourd - several of them. As we all know - they won't use only one - but they have to try to hog as many of them as they can. Well, I'm determined they aren't going to have even one gourd. It's not like there isn't other housing here for them. There's plenty of wren boxes as well as bluebird boxes that they also normally love to claim! But even with all the other housing options for them here - they want to claim the gourds. I need some advice. I've been lowering their gourds and emptying out the twigs every day in hopes it will discourage them and they'll move on to a different location........but not yet and I'm really getting frustrated. Any suggestions for getting the wrens to give it up??? Thanks!

daveh · Wed May 26, 2021 8:56 am

plug up the holes until they go away. open them back up when you see martins interested in them.

Dave

BillieJR · Wed May 26, 2021 11:21 am

Thanks, Dave! That's a great idea! But - because I've been very lucky to not have to worry about this before - I don't have anything on hand to plug them with that I've seen suggested before to use. Can I just use some cloth material like a cut up old towel or sheet, etc. Or do you think they will they be smart enough to pull that out of the holes?

flyin-lowe · Wed May 26, 2021 12:35 pm

Be careful with them. I have had more BB's and TS losses due to wrens than any other birds. In my area they nest a little later but it's not uncommon for me to find a nest of dead BB's with twigs on top of them. Usually the second brood of BB's or some of the late nesting TS.

Ed Svetich-WI · Wed May 26, 2021 12:50 pm

Billie,
It's always something trying to get martins. The only choice you have is to plug the holes, as has been suggested.As you already know, wrens will fill as many cavities as possible. I used to use pieces of swimming noodles. They are available at any Wamart. Cut a donut slice and compress into the cavity. Use whatever you have to plug the holes.

Any martins checking you out this year? I was swamped with SY birds this year. I wish you success as always.

Ed

BillieJR · Wed May 26, 2021 1:48 pm

Thanks, Ed. I was wondering how you were doing. Yes, I've had a few around - and about 10 days earlier this year than last year. I'm still playing your Dawn song and praying. Yes, those wrens are royal pains. They usually try taking over all the bluebird boxes but this year they are after the martin gourds. My neighbor said he has lots of wren houses so they shouldn't be bothering my gourds - but apparently he is wrong. haha! It's so annoying! I have the sparrows under control, at least for the moment, and now the wrens are having a field day! If it isn't one thing, it's another. Thanks for your well wishes - I'll take them for sure.

I'm happy to hear you're colony is doing well. Enjoy!

BillieJR · Wed May 26, 2021 1:51 pm

fly-in low - I hear ya on the wrens versus the bluebirds. I've had that same experience with the bluebirds and it's heart-breaking. I wish they would use their own boxes and leave everyone else's alone!

daveh · Fri May 28, 2021 8:17 am

I use the black foam tubes to keep pipes from freezing up. Cut them upto fit the entrances. THe slit in the foam will slide onto the edge of the entrance and keep in place. Buy at hardware stores and lumber yards.

Dave

BillieJR · Sat May 29, 2021 3:06 pm

Thanks, Dave. I did plug the holes so now I wait and keep my eyes open for purple martins. Thanks again, everyone!