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.



Saturday, January 15, 2011

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

Appearance:
  • Black hood and neck
  • Black wings and back with white spots
  • White breast and belly
  • Rufus red sides
  • Red eyes

Listen to its song.








Prior to starting this blog, I had never seen one of these birds.  Now, I frequently see them in our yard.  Coincidence?  Probably not. It's likely I just mistook them for robins, given their similar colouring.  I've now learned that the two birds aren't even related, one being a thrush and the other being a .... sparrow.  Oh no, not again.  I really had no idea. Sorry about that folks.

Learn more about the Spotted Towhee.

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