It is very unusual for monitors to get “attacked” when checking a nestbox. This House Wren was MAD. (Babies had hatched inside.)
It is common for birds to swoop at a monitor (Tree Swallows get pretty close but I have not heard reports of them “connecting,”), vocalize (chickadees), or chatter and bill clack (bluebirds, which will also swoop, although not as close as Tree Swallows.) Once at dusk (not a good time) I was checking a box, and stood in front of the hole as I opened the door (bad idea.) I startled a roosting nuthatch, which flew straight out and his bill hit me in the forehead. I survived. But usually you have nothing to worry about. If you are really scared, wear a hat or carry a broom.
See more info on how to monitor, and links to information on House Wrens below.
You can see that this box is close to the forest edge – this is House Wren habitat. If you wish to deter House Wrens, try moving boxes as far away as possible from trees/shrubbery – at least 50-100 feet – farther is better. Wren Guards may also help protect other birds eggs and young from House Wren attacks. They are installed after the first egg is laid and can be used on chickadee and bluebird nests.
Video by Jeff Hansen of Topeka
- House Wren Biology
- House Wren photos – nests, eggs, young
- Other Brown Birds
- Deterring House Wrens
- In defense of House Wrens – another perspective
- Links for more information on House Wrens
- Video of HOWR removing newborn bluebirds from nest
- Monitoring – How to
Video archives (Some are no longer live, sorry!)
- The Story of the Titmouse – Paul and Austin Murray
- Bluebird Food action – John Beaudette of Canada
- House Wren Attacking Eggs – Bet Zimmerman
- House Sparrow attacks another bird inside a nestbox – Tony Carita
- Hissing Titmouse – Bet Zimmerman
- Also see Nest Cam webpage (Sialis)
- House Wren attacks bluebird nestlings – Linda Moore
- Bumblebees in EABL nestbox – Bet Zimmerman
- Mouse House – Bet Zimmerman
- Flying Squirrel eating – Joe Chapuis, WebVideoZone.com
- Starling Attacks Purple Martins – Simon of purplemartin.tv
- Flying Squirrel peeks out of nestbox – Bet Zimmerman
- Nuthatch Roosts in Gilwood Nestbox claimed by EABL – Bet Zimmerman
- Bluebird Lays an Egg – Bet Zimmerman (with captions)
- Helpers – Fledglings feeding nestlings – Kenn
- House Wren divebombs monitor – Jeff Hansen
- Oak Titmouse assists egg hatching – Sue Flynn, Oregon
When it comes to bluebirding, if you think you’ve seen it all, you’re probably wrong.
– Bet Zimmerman
