Bird of the Day: May 2021

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.

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

Appearance:

Small, finch-like songbird

Coned shaped bill

Gently sloping forehead

Male (breeding):

Bright blue above

Pumpkin-colored breast

White belly and shoulder patch

Juvenile / Male (non-breeding):

Mottled blue and tan above

Pumpkin-coloured breast

Female:

Grayish-brown above

Blue tinge to wings and tail

Two buffy wing bars

Pale cinnamon or tan breast

This gorgeous bird has been frequenting Beckwith Park for the last few days. And he’s certainly been attracting a lot of attention singing from exposed branches in his bright breeding plumage. Unfortunately, as Lazuli Buntings are a rarity in the area, it was from birders and not females of his own species.

Listen to it’s call.