Bird of the Day: September 2012

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.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Appearance:
Small, stocky wading bird
Long neck and legs but shorter than most herons
Dark crown
Long, sharply pointed bill

Adult: (not photographed)

Glossy, greenish-black cap

Chestnut neck with white line down front

Greenish back and wings

Gray underparts

Yellow legs

Dark bill

Juvenile:
   Duller than adult
Neck and underparts streaked brown and white
Brown back and wings with buff spotting
   Greenish-yellow legs and bill
   Yellow markings around eye, extend to the bridge of the bill

Listen to its call.

Taking advantage of another gorgeous fall day, I took a walk around Swan Lake this afternoon. This young heron, spotted near the dock on the east side of the lake, was enjoying some time in the sun as well. With its streaked neck, I initially mistook it for an American Bittern. However, even at a distance, its dark crown stood out, distinguishing it from the larger bird.

Learn more about the Green Heron.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

Appearance:

Medium-sized songbird

Two wingbars

Male: (not photographed)

Orange-red head

Bright yellow body

Black wings

One white and one yellow wingbar

Female and young:

Dull yellow

Grey back and wings

White or pale yellow wingbars

Listen to its call.

As a volunteer at a wild animal rehabilitation centre, I get to see a lot of birds up-close while feeding them and cleaning their cages. Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for the animals), there is a very strict 'no picture' rule. When I encountered this beauty, I asked if they could make an exception. Although they wouldn't bend the rules for me, one of the rehabilitators very kindly took these great photos for me. The bird had already been banded and was released back into the wild the next day.

Learn more about the Western Tanager.

Additional photos: