There are a number of reasons why I decided to take on this project. My first reason has to do with my interest in birds. This began shortly after moving to Victoria ten and a half years ago. With our house backing onto a wooded area, the chirping of birds is a familiar sound all year long. I often glance out the window to see birds of all forms in the yard throughout the day. Frequently I will pull out the Birds of Victoria or Birds of North America reference guides we have on hand. Unfortunately, the drawings in the first aren’t overly helpful for identification and the number of entries in the second is overwhelming. My second reason has to do with a photography course I took a number of years ago. Since that time I have been trying to think of a practical reason to buy a new camera. Taking pictures of birds requires a powerful zoom lens which my previous point-and-shoot camera could not accommodate. Perfect! My final reason was my desire to take on a new project to welcome in 2011. Hence, bird of the day was born.



Friday, January 21, 2011

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

Appearance:
Small tree climber
Brown upperparts with light spotting
White underparts
Long, thin bill with downward curve
Long tail

Listen to its song.


















I spotted this bird creeping along the trunk of a large pine tree. It was a bit difficult to see as its coloring blended with the bark. The bird would start at the base of the tree and, using its long tail and sharp little claws, would quickly ascend up the trunk. Once it reached the top, it would literally drop down to the bottom to start over again. Quite a feat since the tree was about 200 feet high.

Learn more about the Brown Creeper.
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