Bird of the Day: April 2017

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 18, 2017

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

Appearance:
Slim, medium-sized songbird
Short bill
Small, round head
Long tail
Grey overall
Prominent white eye-ring
White outer tail feathers
Buff wing patches

Listen to its call.

We spotted this bird in the Garry oak meadow in Mount Tolmie Park this morning. Cleverly camouflaged, its plain grey plumage blended so well with the trees that it was difficult to keep in our sights.

Learn more about the Townsend's Solitaire.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

Appearance:
Medium-sized flycatcher
Large head
Medium-long, squared tail
Slight peak at rear of crown
Straight, thin bill
Dark charcoal gray upperparts and chest
Darker black head
White belly
Pale grey edges on wing feathers

Listen to its call.

A rarity for Victoria, one of these birds has been hanging around Maber Flats lately. Unfortunately, I needed a scope to see that bird making it impossible to take a decent photo. Luckily, I did have this one in my photo library taken a few years ago in San Diego.

Learn more about the Black Phoebe.