Pacific Wren, Estes Park, Larimer County, 9/5

[Jim Nelson]

We had a remarkably birdy day Friday at our vacation home in Estes Park. The socked-in, and off-and-on rainy conditions seemed to be concentrating migrants around our yard, and I think this was the most species we have ever observed in and from the property in a single day. Late in the afternoon, we were outside tracking lots of warbler activity in the trees and bushes around the house when we spotted a small brown bird fly into a clump of bushes. Our first impression was of a small wren. Almost immediately we heard a long, soft musical song coming from that clump of bushes that we had not heard before. I slowly circled the bushes as the bird continued its soft song. I got many tantalizing, short looks at the bird deep in the bushes. It clearly was a Pacific/Winter Wren based on its size, short tail, and overall markings. (I have observed many Winter Wrens at home in Maryland in the winter.) As the rain picked up, I had to retreat to the shelter of the house, and the bird stopped singing. We immediately went to the computer to listen to Pacific Wren and Winter Wren songs. After listening to them, it was clear that this was a Pacific Wren song.


After the rain ended, we went outside several times, but did not hear or see the bird again.


Quite a memorable experience.


Jim Nelson
Bethesda, Maryland