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.



Thursday, July 27, 2017

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi 

Appearance:
Bulky flycatcher
Short tail
Large head
Dark olive face, upperparts and flanks
Light underparts
Dark bill

Listen to its call

This flycatcher was perched at the top of a tall tree waiting to catch insects as they flew by.  Its distinctive "quick-three-beers" song made identification easy for a change.

Learn more about the Olive-sided Flycatcher.