A male Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) has been busily constructing a new nest in my backyard, and I've seen him all over the yard hunting for nest construction materials.

Cactus Wrens usually place their globular nests in tall, spiny cholla cacti, but this Cactus Wren has chosen to build his nest on the crown of a Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) where it is protected by a ring of spiny palm frond stalks.

Male Cactus Wrens are industrious nest builders, and they not only build a nest for breeding purposes, they also build a number of other nests for themselves and for their family to roost in. It's also possible that these extra nests may serve as a territorial claim. I certainly have far more Cactus Wren nests than Cactus Wrens in my yard.

Cactus Wrens' globular nests consist of a framework of twigs and grass with a small entrance hole into their snug, feather-lined interiors. Since this Cactus Wren's industrious nest building is taking place in September, this nest will be used for sleeping.