Yes, it’s cold.
Our lowest temperature in Plummer’s Hollow this morning was -10°F (-23.33°C) with a wind,
though my mother points out that we’d have a ways to go to beat our 1991 record of -19°F (-28.33°C).
My brother’s dog looked especially forlorn today, trapped inside except for very brief walks.
But my real worry is for the Carolina wrens, who as their name suggests are more adapted to warmer climates, and tend not to survive prolonged cold snaps below about 5°F (-15°C).
Otherwise, they are year-round residents, and sing even on the coldest mornings—
founts of conviviality and good cheer.
I shot this series of photos just yesterday, thinking that if this particular pair didn’t make it, I’d at least have something to remember them by.
But I’m hoping they will be able to survive by going in under my house and cuddling up to the oil furnace, as they’ve done in the past. The cold spell is predicted to be mercifully brief.
Such beautiful photos, Dave. I’m hoping those wrens find the available warmth and shelter until the temps warm. I hope you see them after this big freeze.
Me too. I’ll keep y’all posted — next time I see them or hear them singing, I’ll be sure to mention it on The Morning Porch.
Oh hey, they made it! One was sheltering on top of the fuse box (which you wouldn’t think would produce much heat). They did that counter-singing thing that wrens do, so I know they both survived.
That’s wonderful news, Dave. Thank you for posting it.
Yes. Hurrah! I hope they similarly survive any following freezing.