Bird of the Day: December 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.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

Appearance:
Medium-sized diving duck
Solid, black wings
White rump and belly
Male:
     Long, pointed, black tail
   Dark bill with pink band
   Black breast
     White back, neck and head with grey cheek patch (winter)
     Dark back, neck and head with white patch around eye (summer)
Female:
   Short, pointed tail
     Grey bill
   Brown upperparts
   White face with dark crown and cheek patch (winter)
   Dark head with white around eye and at nape (summer)

Listen to its call.

Looking out at the ocean from Glencoe Cove towards Haro Strait, large flocks of Long-tailed ducks are not unusual at this time of year. Unfortunately, they tend to stay quite a distance from shore making it difficult to photograph their distinctive plumage. This is the best I've managed so far... but I'll keep trying!

Learn more about the Long-tailed Duck.