Since the weather has warmed and we’re able to leave windows open at
night, we’ve been served clear notice that a male House Wren is
defending a territory which includes the area directly outside our
bedroom window. Note to self: consider moving that nest box next
year! Suffice it to say, this little guy has a strong work ethic
which includes a very early start in the morning.
So, just how often was he singing? I timed him for exactly one hour
around midday on Sunday. During that hour, he sang within earshot for
a bit more than 35 minutes. Then, he was out of range at the far
borders of his territory, perhaps, or -- little bigamists that they
are -- entertaining another female at a different location.
The results:
I timed in five minute increments, tallying each song. When he was
singing most persistently, he performed his song almost exactly 50
times during each five minute segment, so 10 times a minute. When he
was singing persistently, that was his pace. I spot checked this
several times later in the day; each time, ten repetitions per minute.
At one point, after he was absent for a ten minute stretch, he
returned and sang without stopping for nearly 20 straight minutes at
that pace. Then, he sang erratically -- I think he was feeding
between songs. He then again left the immediate area for almost 15
minutes. When he reappeared, he got revved up again and was singing
persistently when the hour ended.
Total number of songs during that one hour = 218. That’s a lot of
encores!
Dan (& Sandy) Thimgan
--
Thimgans
Battle Lake MN
Otter Tail County
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