Carolina Wren – 1/30/11

Observer: Josh Simons

Observation Date: 1/30/11

Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill area

Common Name: Carolina Wren

Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus

Comments: For more than 70 years, no Carolina Wrens were recorded during a Christmas Bird Count in Vermont. Then, in 1975, two were spotted. After being observed sporadically on subsequent counts, the bird began making regular appearances in 1991, and its numbers increased steadily from 1999 to 2006. Once a southern species seen rarely during New England’s traditionally cold winters, the wren is now a regular. And it’s not alone. Milder winters and the earlier onset of spring have spurred a variety of species to spread their wings farther north, including Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Cape May Warbler.

More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”