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.



Thursday, January 13, 2011

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

Appearance:
Reddish-brown crown
Gray face with brown streak through eye
Brown upper parts with dark streaks on back
Brown wings with some rust
White underparts with dark streaking
Central breast spot
    Note: There is considerable variation in the colour of the plumage.

    Listen to its song.

    Do you ever feel like there are way too many sparrows in this world, or at least on this blog?  I promise this will be my last one for a while, if only because they are so difficult to tell apart.

    Learn more about the Song Sparrow.

    Additional photos:





    
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