Gourds as Birdhouses

A few years ago, my sister and I were enjoying the company of some friends and fellow Cherokees at a backyard barbeque. One of the guests and member of the CNCV Council, Debby Rising, happens to make and sell beautiful gourd art. Debby had brought a few examples of the gourd craft she was working on. They were all wonderful, but both my sister and I were taken with a birdhouse gourd with bees all over it... so bright and happy! We brought it home and have had it hanging in the backyard for a couple of years.

Recently, a couple of small birds moved in! We have been trying to get a good look without disturbing them and a few photos so we can identify them. After much research and discussion, we believe they are Bewick’s wrens. If any of you are experts, please feel free to weigh in.

Hopefully we will soon have baby pictures to share!

-- Martha Blackbird