Bird of the Day: 2019

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, August 16, 2019

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Appearance:
Small falcon
Adult male: slaty gray to dark gray
Females and immatures: browner
Broad, heavily streaked chest
Medium length tail with narrow white bands
Dark underwing
Sharply pointed wings

Listen to its call.

I witnessed this Merlin in pursuit of a Steller’s Jay earlier this week. Although the two birds were comparable in size, the Merlin relentlessly chased its prey, performing impressive turns and other aerial maneuvers. I'm happy to say that the two birds went their separate ways without any injuries sustained.

Learn more about the Merlin.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

Appearance:
Medium-sized sparrow-like bird
Short, thick, pointed, yellow bill
Orange-brown face
Chestnut nape
White outer tail feathers
Rufous patch in wings
Streaked back and sides
Smudge on breast
Breeding male:
    Black head and throat
    Yellowish-white eyestripe
    Rufous nape
    White underparts
    Heavily streaked black-grey back

Listen to its call.

A rarity in the area, this bird was seen by several birders this morning foraging on the rocks near the Cattle Point boat launch.

Learn more about the Lapland Longspur.