Nest site selection in the Carolina Wren: Gonzo or what?

[blindpig]

That question has been weighing on me heavily lately. For the past few years I have observed what the generous would refer"interesting" choices of Carolina Wrens in placing their nests. In recent years I've had nests on a shelf in the garage(usually closed), in a 1/2 empty bag of mulch on the car port, on the sill of a defunct greenhouse. This years we have the following selections: a nest in the cap of the propane tank, a nest under the front steps on top of the down spout and best of all in the newspaper box by the mailbox. Every morning when I approach the box a bird flies out between the folds of that rancid rag.

No doubt nesting close to humans provides some protection from predators(excluding cats!) but introduces new problems.

Care to add to this list of curious domestic arrangements?