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.



Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Orange-crowned Warbler

Vermivora celata

Appearance:
Small bird
Yellow underparts
Yellow undertail coverts
Blurry streaks on chest
Grayish-olive back and wings
No wing bars
Orange crown patch rarely visible
Thin, pointed bill
Dark line through eye
Broken eye-ring

Listen to its song.

Finally, a new bird!  It seems like forever since I've seen one.  I'd just about given up hope. 


Taking advantage of the sunshine this afternoon, I went for a walk up Mount Tolmie. To add to my enjoyment, a large number of birds were out and about. I spotted this little fellow perched in a tree by the side of the path. Most field guides describe this bird as rather drab and non-descript. However, the bright yellow plumage on this one made it jump out at me. Well, not really; I was speaking figuratively. Actually, he just sat there checking things out before scooting into the shrubbery to hide. On further research, I discovered that there are actually four subspecies of the Orange-crowned Warbler. The Pacific Coast form, lutescens, is the brightest yellow.


Learn more about the Orange-crowned Warbler.

Additional photos:



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