Carolina Wrens and Saxapahaw birding on Mother's Day

Carolina Wrens Take Center Stage in Our Backyard

The past few weeks brought a surprise that brightened every day. A pair of Carolina Wrens built a nest in our bird house out back and soon welcomed several tiny hatchlings. The babies started as soft chirps in a crowded nest. They later became bold explorers who hopped across the ground with impressive confidence. After a few days of practice, every baby took flight. The entire family now zips around the backyard/neighborhood like they own the place.

Carolina Wrens are small birds with big personalities. Their distinguishing marks to me are the bold white eyebrow and tail cocked upward. They also defend their territory with surprising intensity as noted by several harsh scolding calls anytime I was near their nest to snag a picture and refill the suet on the birdfeeder, which became their food of choice. They were able to raise a family while ignoring the chaos of humans nearby. Said chaos created mainly by yours truly.

Watching the babies grow reminded me why I enjoy birdwatching so much. The process brings calm and curiosity. It also brings humor when the babies attempt flight with the grace of popcorn kernels. I attempted to capture every stage and share below in this post.

A Mother’s Day Trip to Saxapahaw

Today my partner, kids and I celebrated her for Mother’s Day in Saxapahaw, North Carolina. We enjoyed brunch at the Eddy Pub before walking along the river and the historic dam. 10 out of 10! Highly recommend for the delicious food, rooftop views and vibes. The weather cooperated and scenery impressed us. The walk also helped me stack habits by adding steps toward my daily ten thousand step goal. I enjoy any activity that supports my health while giving me new birds to identify.

During the walk, I added two new lifers to my Merlin App list. We spotted a Great Blue Heron standing across the river. The bird moved slowly and watched the river and us with expert focus. Great Blue Herons occur in almost any wetland habitat. Glad this one graced us with its presence today.

A pair of Canadian Geese also appeared in the river accompanied by their reflections in the water. They meandered about and supervised the area like seasoned security guards. Canadian Geese mate for life and migrate thousands of miles each year. They also hiss when annoyed. I was today years old when I realized I may be part Canada Goose.

A Few Interesting Notes About the Saxapahaw Dam

The Saxapahaw dam has a long history connected to the village and the Haw River. The structure once powered a cotton mill that supported the local community. The mill has now transformed into a cultural hub with music, food, and art. The dam still shapes the flow of the river/lake and creates a peaceful backdrop for visitors. The sound of rushing water adds a steady rhythm to the walk. The area attracts hikers, birdwatchers and families who enjoy quiet moments outdoors.

Walking along the river supports my health journey, while habit stacking continues to bring joy to everyday moments such as birdwatching. Today delivered that and more. I will continue sharing these moments with you. Nature offers endless stories and I plan to keep collecting them.