Saturday, October 25, 2008

Carolina Wrens aka Carolyn, are you missing a couple of birds?!

I woke up Wednesday morning to the melodious but not-oft-heard sound of a Carolina Wren! I had seen this little guy on my deck Sunday morning but thought it would've moved on by now because it's getting a bit nippy up here in Erie, PA. I expect that these cuties are much more acclimated to the area my fellow blogger Carolyn at Mountain Musings posts about. I had a rare early day at work and took a seat on the deck hoping to get a few shots of the resident chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. I had almost forgotten about the wren when I heard what most people refer to as the wren's sweet "tea kettle, tea kettle" call, or, as I prefer to call it the "cheeseburger, cheeseburger" call.I know, I know, not very bird like, and, what's with all these food references for birds?! Anyway, I imitated the wren's call and not a minute later didn't the little guy come swooping over my head (like within 2 feet) and land in a tree above my roof! I kept calling and he swooped over me a few more times but I couldn't get a shot. Dang!! I reluctantly gave up and went back to the way more cooperative chickadees. A short time later I was again taunted by the call of the wren from my neighbor's yard. I took a hike over there and started calling. The little wren flitted back and forth through some brush and small pines and to my surprise (and delight) while I was watching this wren another began calling from the other side of the yard!! I was able to approach the other wren using a rock wall as a blind and got some fairly close looks and shots until it flew off. I waited awhile and called again and both wrens came back. I think they were either getting used to me or they knew I wasn't about to give up my pursuit so they backed down and allowed me to take these shots to get me out of their hair, or is that feathers?!Whatever it was, thanks little wrens, you made my day!! And, yes, of course, you too my little chickadee!!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never seen a Carolina Wren. What a handsome bird!

NCmountainwoman said...

I'm so glad some of "my" wrens paid you a visit. Fantastic photographs, topped off with my other favorite bird.

Unknown said...

One of these days I am going to shadow you. Silly me didn't even know we had Carolina Wrens here.

Awesome beautiful shots Michele.

MicheleRF said...

Hi Linda-I see them only rarely. I did not see or hear them this summer around here. I don't know if they just stop here during migration.
BG-thanks! Do your CWs leave then for the winter?
Carolyn-Thanks for sending them this way. haven't heard them for a couple of days now so I hope they headed for warmer climes. We're supposed to get some wet snow here this week.
Toni-
You're welcome anytime.

Leedra said...

Gorgeous, and the chickadee was a great end to a wonderful post.

Kathleen said...

Your little wrens and the chickadee made my day too. I can almost imagine you lurking around your neighbor's yard with a long lens on your camera. LOL But, they must be familiar with your stalking by now!

Anonymous said...

I've never seen a carolina wren before. What beatiful photos!!!

~Erika

Peggy said...

Great shots! Nice backgrounds! Love those lil guys! Very cooperative too!

Tina said...

You managed to get some excellent shots of that wren, love the one with the mouth open...for such a little bird it sure has a strong set of lungs! I visited some of your other posts and love your pictures...and I also think you do very well with the "talking" part! :)