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.



Monday, June 13, 2011

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina



Appearance:
Tan back with dark streaks
Brown wings with wing bars
Unstreaked gray breast
Gray rump
Dark, conical bill
Slim, forked tail
Summer:
    Chestnut cap
    White eyebrow
    Black eyeline
Winter:
    Dull cap with streaks

Listen to its call.

I took a stroll in Mt Tolmie Park this afternoon. Its Garry Oak meadow is a lovely spot to wander through on a sunny afternoon. Although it was a bit windy today, there were still lots of birds to be seen and heard. I saw this fellow perched at the top of one of the old, gnarled oaks.


Learn more about the Chipping Sparrow.
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