Bird of the Day: September 2018

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, 2018

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

Appearance:
Small to medium shorebird
Black legs

Slightly drooping, black bill
Long wings extending beyond the tail
Dark brown, scaly upperparts
White underparts
Dark centre of rump and tail
Light brown head and breast, with dark streaking
Juvenile:
Buff colored breast
Scaly upperparts

Learn more about the Baird's Sandpiper.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

Appearance:
Medium-sized songbird
Long tail
Grey-brown upperparts
Whitish-grey underparts
Two white wingbars
White patches on wing seen in flight
Black bill with slight downward curve
Yellow to greenish-yellow eyes

I would never have noticed this bird if it weren't for someone else drawing it to my attention. It effectively blended into its surroundings, its drab plumage acting as camouflage.

Learn more about the Northern Mockingbird.