Couple find a family have hitched a lift!

A SMALL nest of miracles in West Devon is tucked away in the most unlikely of places . . . A nest of wren chicks was discovered in Exbourne this week — hidden behind the wheel arch of Sheila and Ken White's LandRover. Although unable to fly, the chicks have already spread their wings and toured the West Devon countryside, travelling from Exbourne to Okehampton, Bow and Hatherleigh — all from the comfort of their nest. The Whites' LandRover was taken to Exbourne Cross Garage a few weeks ago after developing a squeak in one of its rear wheels. The couple were advised of a problem with the wheel's bearings which was fixed there and then. But a week later the problem seemed to have returned — only this time the squeak was coming from the other wheel. On inspection of the vehicle, and to their amazement, the mechanics found the chirping noise was coming from a nest of wren chicks hidden behind the wheel arch. Mr White said: 'It's an amazing little episode. The chicks are all fine. We drove back from the garage very carefully and within minutes the mother wren returned to the nest to feed the chicks.' Bryan Bland, a spokesman for the RSPB, stated that, although it was not uncommon for certain birds such as robins and wrens to use cars as nests, the fact the chicks survived a number of car journeys was remarkable. He said: 'Birds will nest almost anywhere and it is not uncommon for some birds, like wrens, to nest in stationary cars. 'The incredible thing here is the nest building skills of the mother wren. To build a nest that has stood up to being driven and bumped around is quite remarkable. 'The brilliant thing is that the mother has continued to feed the chicks.' The Whites will not be using the LandRover until their feathered friends have fledged, which, according to Mr Bland, will take between 15 and 19 days. After this period it is not uncommon for the chicks to stay with the parent bird for a further two to three weeks. Wrens are found mainly in the troglodytidae family. Troglodytidae means 'cave dweller' and wrens take this name from their tendency to forage and nest in dark crevices — like under the wheel arches of a LandRover!