Hidden Delight

While others huddled inside for warmth during a recent winter, um, "episode". I found myself slipping and sliding through our local nature Preserve (Hemlock Bluffs) seeking interesting bird activity. And I got it. At center in this photo (one of dozens I took in a vain effort of effective portraiture!) is a Winter Wren, troglodytes troglodytes, which is a secretive wintertime guest in southeast U.S. woodlands. I believe they summer in Canada and New England. I got lucky and picked up on its chirping as it worked logs and underbrush for insects. But this tiny bird (only 80% as large as the already diminuative Carolina Wren) frustrated me by moving continually and unpredictably. Well, I didn't get the lifetime shot this time. Someday I will. But it was a treat to watch and follow this delightful character. Truly a hidden wonder many people miss.