Bird of the Day: April 2016

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, April 19, 2016

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

Appearance:

Medium-sized flycatcher
Pale brownish-gray upperparts
Pale rufous belly and undertail
Long, black tail

Listen to its call.

This bird was spotted yesterday on Mount Tolmie in a Garry Oak meadow. I love the fact that the Rare Bird Alert on eBird indicates where interesting birds have been sighted. Whenever I see a report of one that's not on my blog yet, I rush right over hoping to snap a picture. Of course, I'm not always successful in my quest but it does make things a lot easier.

Learn more about the Say's Phoebe.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

Appearance:
Small thrush
Thin, straight bill
Male:
Cobalt blue on upperparts and throat
Reddish-brown breast, flanks and center of back
Gray belly
Female:
Gray-brown with blue tinge on head, wings and tail
Pale chestnut colour on breast and flanks
Solid gray throat and belly

Listen to its call.

Three of these birds (two males and a female) were perched on a fence in a field north of Blenkinsop Lake yesterday afternoon. They were quite a distance away, the fence being on the opposite side of the field from the the trail, but were still visible to the naked eye (when you knew what you were looking for). Flashes of the brilliant blue of the males could be seen as they flew back and forth between the fence posts and the ground foraging for food.

Learn more about the Western Bluebird.