Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: Luv2Bird on January 25, 2011, 11:57:35 AM

Title: Carolina Wren
Post by: Luv2Bird on January 25, 2011, 11:57:35 AM: Saw a Carolina wren (pretty sure that's what it is) at our suet feeder this morning ... unusual for them to be here in winter isn't it?
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Post by: Brian Bailey on January 25, 2011, 12:38:14 PM: Carolina Wrens are non-migratory. The severity of the winters is probably the main limit on their northern range. They're a lot less conspicuous in winter because they don't sing.

BB
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Post by: Luv2Bird on January 25, 2011, 03:09:43 PM: Thanks Brian ... always learning new things on this forum. I don't know how such tiny birds can survive the -18 temps. ILater it was flitting about a large Yew near the front of the house - making a distinct peeping that I recognize .. but no singing for sure.
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Post by: Axeman on January 25, 2011, 04:06:31 PM: Weird....I saw one today....first time seeing one in the winter for me.
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Post by: Luv2Bird on January 25, 2011, 05:08:09 PM: Same here Axeman .. that's why I was surprised by Brian's info. Have only ever seen them in the summer / fall before. This year has been different for many species, I think.
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Post by: Axeman on January 26, 2011, 10:41:22 AM: Well, I think mine was a house wren...but surprising all the same..as for their size, they're similar in size to the redbreasted nuthatch so I'm guessing size is not a factor.
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Post by: Reuven_M on January 26, 2011, 10:57:01 AM: Quote from: "Axeman"
Well, I think mine was a house wren...but surprising all the same..as for their size, they're similar in size to the redbreasted nuthatch so I'm guessing size is not a factor.

Are you sure its not a winter wren?
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Post by: cloaca on January 26, 2011, 11:29:20 AM: I find that Carolina Wrens are one of those species that will consistenty sing in the winter. Granted, they sing a lot less.

From the Birds of North America: "In temperate zone populations, singing occurs year-round, with greatest frequency probably occurring in spring."
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Post by: Luv2Bird on January 26, 2011, 12:07:59 PM: It was at the suet again this morning and also at the feeder. I got some shots. Will post here tonight so ID can be confirmed, since I'm guessing that it's a Carolina .
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Post by: Axeman on January 26, 2011, 01:56:45 PM: well....I'm pretty sure what I saw was not an LBJ....def. a wren...
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Post by: Reuven_M on January 26, 2011, 03:09:13 PM: Quote from: "Axeman"
well....I'm pretty sure what I saw was not an LBJ....def. a wren...

Well winter wrens (and Carolinas) are pretty normal in winter, and house wrens are very rare.
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Post by: Molebird on January 26, 2011, 05:31:46 PM: We saw what we believed to be a Winter Wren at Rattray Marsh this afternoon. Puzzling though as it had a sort of dark Burgundy colouration. Maybe just the light.
Also saw 30-40 Redpolls in a flock.
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Post by: Reuven_M on January 26, 2011, 05:35:51 PM: Hmm redpolls I definitely need to get out and look for some.
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Post by: Luv2Bird on January 26, 2011, 08:13:16 PM: HI .. here it is .. not a great shot .. but I think it's good enough for ID It's been around for a few days now.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pVoVsVdNXso/TUDF69ToyrI/AAAAAAAAFgo/aAfBHkXAZ2s/s912/_DSC0178.JPG)
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Post by: Reuven_M on January 26, 2011, 08:41:05 PM: Defenitely a Carolina, nice bird!
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Post by: Luv2Bird on January 27, 2011, 12:04:17 AM: Thanks Reuven !
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Post by: Axeman on January 27, 2011, 12:30:17 AM: OK...I had to laugh....there is a design flaw in these feeders...I thought it was just me...but I use twist ties to keep them shut too....
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Post by: Reuven_M on January 27, 2011, 07:53:47 AM: Quote from: "Axeman"
OK...I had to laugh....there is a design flaw in these feeders...I thought it was just me...but I use twist ties to keep them shut too....

Me too :D
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Post by: Vince on January 27, 2011, 10:42:09 AM: Molebird,
What part of Rattray did you see the redpolls?
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Post by: Luv2Bird on January 27, 2011, 09:01:33 PM: Very observant of you Axeman ... it's actually some flexible wire that I use with my plants in the garden. It's the only way to make sure the "squirrels" don't get it all !! :D
I have come up with all sorts of contraptions for keeping them away and they work for a while .. but then they figure it out. I should post my latest one. It was undisturbed for over 2 weeks .. but today they got to it!! :evil: