In a visit to Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve we came across a congregation of Wrens. At least eight birds, feeding in a small patch of vegetation, presumably focussed by the cold snap and available food. It was an opportunity to study the subtle markings, the barring, the adorable tail, just absolutely cracking birds.
This led to the usual chit chat, why are they called Jenny Wrens? How long does a Wren live? A few Googles later and all hell broke loose...
Druids protected Wrens, considering them sacred and a bird of wisdom. They also believed that if you stole a Wren's egg your hand would shrivel up!
Things took an even weirder turn in the seventeenth century, when in Ireland a Wren had apparently betrayed St Stephen (whoever he was), resulting in Wrens being stoned to death on St Stephens day. I mean, like WTF? Have you seen a Wren? They're tiny! More of a pebbling to death. To make matters even weirder the 'stoned' Wren was then paraded around by Wren Boys and collections made - as far as I can make out to be spent on booze?
There are similar 'Wren Days' around Europe, all of which require a dead Wren to be paraded around on a pole.
Seemingly linked to the Wren Day and St Stephen festivities is a story around the Wren becoming the 'King of Birds'. The Wren won an impromptu inter-species bird competition by hiding in the feathers of an eagle, hitching a ride then jumping out at the last minute and climbing higher. Indeed higher than any of the birds that tried to keep up with the eagle, and the eagle itself. I mean it's a valid claim.
It seems insignificant now, but the Jenny Wren moniker comes from either the Middle English word 'wrenne' meaning little tail or a feminisation of the bird yester year. Perhaps owing to the insistent, loud song and demure appearance? According to the BTO, Wrens generally live for two years, with the longest lived bird making it to seven years.
I have a new found love of the humble Wren, one of the most unassuming yet thoroughly metal birds ever. Like ever. You shrivelled handed, Wren Boy...
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