An observation that I forgot to report last month.
I think I saw a Carolina wren. Carolina wrens are said to be indicators of harsh winters, but since there are so many different types of wrens that visit Alabama, distinguishing them can be confusing.
Here is a description of a Carolina wren...
Carolina Wrens are small, big noise birds often seen near human habitation. Midway in size between the larger tufted titmouse and the smaller Caroloina chickadee, stocky Carolina wrens display a rich, rusty brown head, back, and tail; a white chin and a warm buffy wash to the breast and belly. The tail is often held cocked, and frequently "flitered". In perticular note the bright white stripe over the eye and the decurved bill.
Carolina wrens are entergetic singers and fill the air with their loud JEPETER-JEPETER-JEPETER (or TEAKETTLE-TEAKETTLE-TEAKETTLE) calls.
After mild winters these wrens can be seen almost everywhere but after harsh winters their numbers can drop by as much as 60 percent. It is not the cold that kills the wrens, it is their inability to aquire sufficient food to maintain their bodyheat. Carolina wrens eat insects, and specialize in spiders, which are vulnerable to a hard winter freeze.
Last edited by themilum; 03/12/06 03:37 PM.
