Wrens are one of the most commonly spotted birds in British gardens and they’re known for their distinctive look and fast-moving behaviour, and as the cold weather approaches they will appear more
The chill has arrived, rain is falling and summer feels like a distant dream.
And as the seasons shift, it brings tough times for all manner of creatures that pop into our gardens – including one of Britain’s most beloved and recognisable birds.
Wrens might lack the festive charm of the red-breasted robin on Christmas cards, but they rank among the most familiar, cherished and frequently seen birds in British gardens – and like robins, they remain here throughout winter.
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With the chilly and soggy conditions the UK has started experiencing this September, wrens face greater struggles finding food as insect populations begin declining and wild berries start vanishing as well.
Wildlife specialists at Ark Wildlife suggest several measures you should implement now to ensure wrens flourish in your garden during autumn and winter, reports the Express.
The organisation explains: “The wren is easily recognised by its small, round, plump shape and its distinctive small chestnut-coloured tail which is almost continuously cocked up. Its brown colouration is paler on the under parts. It has dense dark bars on its wings, flanks and tail. The young are like the adults but have fewer bars.
“Wrens can be a joy to watch in your garden and they’re often quite easy to attract. Firstly, try scattering some mealworms, mealworm bird food mix or oatmeal on the floor in a safe area, such as near trees or bushes.
“Wrens will also take a trip to your garden if they think it may be a suitable nesting site. Try siting a wren nest box in an area that is protected by bushes and trees. The next box can be positioned up to a height of three metres off the ground, ensuring it’s still accessible for these little birds.”
The guidance suggests that providing food should focus on ground level rather than elevated bird tables, as wrens prefer to forage at ground level.
It explains: “In the wild, wrens will eat insects such as beetles, spiders, and they’ll even eat tadpoles. If you want to supplement their diet, wrens will eat live foods such as live mealworms and high-quality seed mixes.
“Make sure you scatter the food low as wrens may not come to bird tables. You can watch the wrens darting about quickly on the ground, feeding from ground feeders. You can also provide a ground bird feeder cage to keep them safe from larger predators.”
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