Yesterday while walking along the creek at Rancho Mark West, we spied our favorite, egg-shaped hermit of a bird popping in and out of crevices near the rushing water. He bopped his way downstream – appearing, disappearing, appearing, disappearing. We followed at a distance and smiled each time he hopped into view and bobbed his body up and down.
This tiny trogolodyte-of-the-Pacific belts out a complex and sustained tune like you wouldn’t believe!
It goes a little something like this.
Say you’re walking in a damp, coniferous forest among the mossy stumps, sword ferns, and redwood sorrel. If you don’t hear his impressive song, also keep your ear out for the Pacific Wren’s typical two-note “smack” call. This call is sharp and loud enough to cut through the roar of a rushing creek it’s often found near.
While we’re on the subject of diminutive and elusive dwellers of the redwood forest floor, let’s pause to appreciate the incredible Calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa). The meaning of the name “Calypso” in Greek mythology is “to conceal” – appropriate for a flower found in the sheltered shade of the understory. We encountered several of these delicate beauties on our walk as well.
Back to the bird at hand – as if the miniscule adult Pacific Wren isn’t delightful enough, get a load of this fledgling from last May! This teeny Grumpy Gus was born just down the street from our house. We’re sure hoping to see more fledglings soon!
Click over to this short audio story from BirdNote, entitled “What the Pacific Wren Hears,” where you can listen to the Pacific Wren song slowed down to one-quarter speed. It’s incredible!
Lastly, if you’re interested in reading more about local wild orchids, here’s a recent Press Democrat article on the subject: Orchid-spotter Paula Phillips Marks searches for a rare pink bloom as spring comes to life in Sonoma County
Pacific Wren is one of the birds I miss since moving to San Diego. Every once in a while I hear a hard “chep” note that reminds me of the Pacific Wren’s doubled call. But it turns out to be Wilson’s Warbler.
Oof, I’d miss them, too – their energy definitely adds a lot to our patch! If I were in SD, I would console myself by going to look for Verdins. Those pics you posted yesterday were great!
They are so cute! Thanks for sharing the little cutie’s song too 🙂
You’re very welcome! They are so tiny but bursting with personality, and we love them so much! It makes us smile that although you’re very far away from here in distance, you were able to have a listen to him! 🙂