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, June 25, 2011

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

Appearance:
Olive above
Plain wings
Whitish-gray belly
Yellow throat, breast and undertail
Male:
  Black 'bandit' mask, bordered by white above
Female: (not photographed)
  No mask
  Browner

Listen to its call.

This small warbler led me on a merry chase this afternoon in my attempt to photograph it. It was foraging in the dense undergrowth near Panama Flats, almost hidden by the thick vegetation. To get this shot, I had to wade through the shoulder-high grasses in which he was skulking. Who knows what else may have been in there? Thankfully, I didn't think of that until after I was back on the walking path. 

Learn more about the Common Yellowthroat.
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