House Wrens as I Know Them 457 



This arrangement was all right so far as the path to the nest 

 went; but, instead of building in the box, the birds went a 

 little beyond and built upon an overturned scrub brush lying 

 on the scantling. 



I know of a pair once placing their nest in a clothespin 

 basket and on top of the clothespins. Of course they were 

 left unmolested to raise their brood. • Another built in an 

 empty syrup can. 



I find wrens like to have a good approach to their summer 

 homes. They appreciate a ledge, limb, or anything upon 

 which they can first alight. 



This year (1915) I had four nest boxes — two under porches 

 and two in trees. The one in the arbor vitae tree was chosen 

 first ; then one on the back porch ; then one on the front 

 porch ; but the one in the elm tree, for some reason, was not 

 used. 



There was something about the nest on the back porch 

 that was not altogether satisfactory, for they began a nest 

 there several times, but left to start new ones within the cor- 

 nice of the roof. These places were one after the other 

 boarded up, thus shutting them out ; and finally they began 

 on the porch nest in earnest. They raised six birds here, and 

 found porches so satisfactory, they took the other one for 

 their second nest, where they raised but three birds. 



The largest brood any of my birds has ever had is seven ; 

 but a neighbor had nine in one nest this summer. My last 

 brood left here July 31st — somewhat late; but 'there was one 

 in another neighbor's yard that stayed until August 20th. 



Wrens are most sociable, and show very plainly that they 

 like people. They seem to enjoy the coming and going — 

 even though the screen door bangs quite often. During those 

 days when they are feeding the little ones, they do more or 

 less scolding of the people whom they have adopted ; but do 

 we not likewise grow impatient and irritable with our best 

 beloved when we are busy, anxious and harassed? With 

 all our faults they love us still ; and will build nests about us 

 every season if we put up boxes, drive away cats, sparrows 



