Seeking A Second Home

This cactus wren is scoping out a cholla (choy-a).  Perhaps he's looking for a place to build a nest for his mate to lay another clutch of eggs. Cactus wrens build nests that are like a football with an opening at one end. They will build these nests, usually in this type of cactus.

While the female is incubating one clutch of eggs, the male wren builds another nest. This nest will be used on a second clutch as several may be laid in one year. Building nests in cactus provide some amount of protection for the young. They use the nests throughout year to roost, too.

Tidbit:  The cactus wren is the official bird of the State of Arizona.