Wrens’ nest
Last year I found a Wren’s nest, high in a tree in a wasteland in Rome. It was in an old hole, probably from a woodpecker, with fungi growing from the rotting wood beneath it. You can see the greenery of the nest bulging out behind the mushrooms.
It was fascinating to sit in the shade of another tree and watch the adults come back and forth with food and then take away the youngsters’ waste.
The land they were on was badly burnt last year and their tree was scorched. The land is due to be built upon and all the wildlife destroyed. Il Pratone di Torre Spaccata, the Field of the Broken Tower, is likely to be concrete and an industrial estate with a cinema studio.
I’d rather have the Wrens living out their tiny, vital lives.
More from il Pratone di Torre Spaccata
Starling in the Meadow As I arrive in Broken Tower Meadow in Rome a group of Starlings scatter from their fossicking in the meadow.… read more
A hunting Hobby I can see a bird of prey high in the sky. I don't recognise it, so I train my lens… read more
Eastern Dappled White Butterfly There are butterflies galore in Broken Tower Meadow, il Pratone di Torre Spaccata. Here's one. I think it's the Eastern… read more
Transparent Burnet Moth There's what looks like a Transparent Burnet moth, Zygaena purpuralis in the park. The larvae feed on wild thyme, which… read more
There’s a beetle-shaped hole in our lives In the UK the species Trichodes alvearius and another, the Bee-Eating Beetle, Trichodes apiarius, “Have not been seen since the 19th century and are… read more
“Gruccione!” We're walking in Broken Tower Meadow, il Pratone di Torre Spaccata when the Puffin Whisperer says "Gruccione". I recognise the… read more
I’m a big fan of garden pests Whenever I search the Internet for an invertebrate, unless it's rare, there's always a result which is "How do I… read more
Thousands of orchids as far as the eye can see Walking around il Pratone di Torre Spaccata in Rome we spot a Long-Lipped Tongue Orchid, Serapias vomeracea. Then we spot… read more
‘Shrike’ she shrieks! We're walking in il Pratone di Torre Spaccata (Broken Tower Meadow) in Rome when I hear the Puffin Whisperer shout… read more

