Wrens Alight and Delight in the Library!

We're heading south this month, as we continue to commemorate the thirteen original colonies by displaying their state bird in our Audubon case. This month's print depicts the Great Carolina Wren (plate 78), which is South Carolina's state bird. But despite its name, the Carolina Wren has a large range and can be seen up and down the east coast.

Milder winters have contributed to the Carolina Wren venturing further north, and now you can spot these petite brown birds with a white stripe in both suburban landscapes and wilderness thickets here in Massachusetts. Read more and hear their call on the Mass Audubon website. And look closely at the wren at the top of this print, he looks like he is caught mid-call! 

We all know that "April showers bring May flowers" so in keeping with that theme for this month, this print was also selected for display because the Carolina Wren is shown in the vibrant flowering branches of the dwarf red buckeye (Aesculus pavia). Unfortunately, this shrub is native to the southern and eastern part of the country, so we aren't likely to see it here in Massachusetts. All the more reason to visit the library from May 12 through June 9 to see this print on display!

Elizabeth Roscio

Preservation Librarian