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, February 11, 2011

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadenis

Appearance:
Small bird
Gray-blue upperparts
Orange underparts
White face and throat
Black crown and eye stripe
Long, pointed bill
Short tail and wings

Listen to its call.

It was Grand Central Station in our backyard today. At one time, there were four deer, two rabbits, a couple of squirrels and umpteen birds. Three flickers were taking turns at our log feeder, sharing it with a Downy Woodpecker and numerous chickadees and juncos. I felt a bit like Snow White minus the dwarves. (Maybe I should look at getting some garden gnomes). At a lull in the activity, this bird managed to get a quick snack. The others hadn't left him much but I think he managed to find something to his liking.

Learn more about the Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Additional photos:
female (left) / male (right)
 
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