One of my favorite song birds, how about you? The wren.

image from nestwatch.org

BRR it is cold out.  -8( -22C) I don’t think the Australia family and friends know how cold this is.  Here is Dougherty we got some snow, but further south they got 6-8 inches.  Cold today, warming up tomorrow and another snowstorm moving in.  I haven’t heard if we will get this or not.  But the wind is going to be 35 MPH, so that will make it blizzard. I will let you know how we are doing.  Larry is pushing snow, cleaning up a little bit he said.         He has all the equipment ready to go and I am so thankful for that.   He is moving in waste oil to put in the tank for it takes a lot during this cold weather.  Because he has worked the two stoves together the outdoor wood burner and the waste oil outdoor burner, he can fill the one with wood and both stoves will keep the shop and greenhouse warm during the night.  The greenhouse doesn’t have any insulation so what the temperature is then that is what it would be inside.   All stay safe and stay warm.    
 
Australia family and friends is having 73F(22C)  with 95% rain.  Evelyn loves that rain, just like us she doesn’t have to spend time watering her gardens. There is a severe weather alert in effect from the Australian Govt of Meteorology.  Be safe, be cool.

I found this article about one of my favorite songbirds.  When I hear the song, I know it is spring.  It is the wren. 
Few birds pack as much personality and melody into such a small package as the house wren. This pint-sized powerhouse, measuring a mere 5 inches, is a common sight and sound in backyards across North America. But don’t underestimate this energetic songbird—beyond its charming chirp lies a fascinating story of resilience, resourcefulness, and audacious song.
The house wren may be small and plain, but it makes up for it with a loud bird song! You’ve probably seen this plain brown bird around your garage or backyard. Take a listen!
The House Wren
Unmatched Songbird: Prepare to be serenaded! House wrens hold the title of North America’s most prolific singer, capable of delivering over 2,000 songs per day. Their repertoire includes mimicry of other birds, creating a delightful mash-up of chirps and whistles.
The Early Bird Gets the Song: Hear their sweet melodies first thing in the morning! House wrens are among the first birds to start singing at dawn, filling the air with their joyful tunes.
 Beyond the Backyard Bird Songs
A Champion of Bug Control: These natural pest controllers are a gardener’s delight. House wrens diligently hunt insects like spiders, beetles, and caterpillars, providing free pest control for your garden.
Tiny Architects, Big Nests: Don’t let their size fool you! House wrens are skilled nest builders, creating cozy abodes in unexpected places like mailboxes or even discarded shoes. Their nests are often lined with feathers and soft materials, offering a sanctuary for their young.
Fierce Guardians: Despite their diminutive size, house wrens fiercely defend their territories and nests. They’ll boldly chase away much larger birds, reminding us that size isn’t everything!
How to Attract Wren to Your Backyard
Offer Up a Cozy Home: Provide nest boxes specifically designed for house wrens. Use natural materials like gourds or recycled birdhouses and place them in sheltered locations at least 5 feet above the ground.
Food for Thought: Plant insect-attracting flowers and shrubs like elderberry or viburnum to entice their favorite snacks. Keep bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds and crushed peanuts.
A Water Retreat: A clean water source, like a birdbath or shallow pond, will be a welcome addition where wrens can bathe and keep themselves hydrated.
More Than Just a Song
The house wren, with its tireless singing, clever nesting, and fierce spirit, is a captivating presence in any backyard. By understanding their habits and providing them with a suitable habitat, we can invite these delightful songsters to share our spaces and celebrate their natural wonders. So, listen closely to their charming chirps, observe their nest-building skills, and appreciate the vital role they play in our ecosystem. You might just find yourself falling in love with the tiny bird with the big voice!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/bird-sounds-house-wren
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook  Becky Kerndt Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse