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, January 28, 2011

Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

Appearance:
Tiny, plain bird
Gray-brown upperparts
Brownish crown
Paler underparts
Long tail
Small bill
Males:  dark eyes
Females: pale eyes

Listen to their song.




This swarm of birds descended upon our feeder earlier today. I say 'swarm' as it was much more bee-like than the usual flocks of birds we see. It reminded me a bit of the Hitchcock movie, although I can't see anyone being frightened of these little guys. They were so small they could almost fit inside the holes in the feeder. Very cute!

Learn more about the Bushtit.
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Awe :) So cute and tiny!
    Man they love the bark butter, eh?

    -Sara

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