Winter Secret

Troglodytes hiemalis - Translation: Cave Dwelling + Winter = Common Name: Winter Wren

A secretive sprit of a winged-thing hiding amongst brush piles, dense grass and thicket shrubs. Winter Wrens are found in more habitats than one might suppose. However, to see one is like finding a Hobbit in a haystack. Likely, if you're anywhere near a scrubby habitat with brush piles in dense forested lowlands in the Mid-Atlantic - a primary winter region for the bird to inhabit.

Getting one out in the open to photograph is a tough task. The bird displayed here presented while I was in my truck photographing other birds from the driver side window. It seemed like I just turned my head and Poof - it was there. The bird proceeded to proudly strut in front of me for less than 30 seconds, just long enough to fire off a few shots. As quickly as it appeared it disappeared. I heard it a few more times that day so I knew the bird was around but never got another glimpse - making its appearance that more special.

You will not attract this "cave dweller" to a bird feeder but if you create brush piles and leave them near wooded edges you might be able to get them to hang out there during winter months.