(Off Alamo Road.) You never see a cactus wren impaled on a yucca, or limping with a cholla spine in its leg, though the birds fly through the thickest tangles of cacti at speed, without flinching. The build their nests therein as seen above, and their young emerge already skilled in evading the desert’s slings and arrows. An animal to emulate.

1. 
   Bill 2006 05 05 at 1:29:57 pm

   Chris,

   I can’t say I’m very familiar at all with wren behavior, as if it’s fair to lump them.

   But, seeing those cholla thorns brought to mind the Carolina Wren who’s been nesting under a leaf of a potted agave (¡espinas!)in our backyard (as of 3 days ago, the parents have had at least 3 mouths to stuff). The agave probably affords a reasonable defense against some potential predators.

   You reckon that such thorny environs are typically sought out by wrens?

   Since that agave wasn’t accessible last year, I’m guessing that wren might have been attracted to one of our thorny Washington Hawthornes.

   BB

2. 
   Holly 2006 05 06 at 10:26:23 am

   I love this photo!

3. 
   spyder 2006 05 06 at 4:36:08 pm

   I guess size and disposition matter.  As i look down from the river bluffs into the osprey nest, watching the two youthful chicks, i am amazed that they just are so open to the world.  There is no protective thorn wall, just their natural size and gnarly snarky attitudes to keep the ravens and crows at bay.  Ma and Pa seem to feel most confident in spending more and more time out fishing, though i suspect one of them does have an eye on the situation.