Bird of the Day: February 2022

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, February 12, 2022

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

Appearance:
Small thrush
Round head
Thin, black bill
Male:
- bright blue above
- paler blue on chest
- white belly
Female/immature: (photographed)
- mostly grey-brown
- tinges of pale blue on wings and tail
- belly colour varies from pale rufous to grey

Listen to its call.

Its always funny when you arrive at a spot where a rare bird has been seen and run in to every other birder in the area. Frequently, we all stand around for what seems like hours and never catch a glimpse of our 'prey'. This morning, however, this one arrived right on cue. She and a male Western bluebird were foraging for insects, pouncing on their prey from power lines and fence posts.

Learn more about the Mountain Bluebird.