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.



Monday, April 4, 2011

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus


 male
Appearance:
Small hummingbird
Long, straight, slender bill
Male:
    Rufous-brown overall 
    Iridescent orange-red throat
    White breast
    Green shoulders
Females:
    Green upperparts
    Rufous-washed flanks
    Rufous at base of tail
    White underparts
    White throat with red central spot

Listen to its call.
female
Last week I heard that these birds were just starting to return to Victoria, having migrated up the coast after wintering in Mexico. So, I wasn't surprised when I saw my first one on Sunday. I was however a little surprised to see half a dozen of them in close succession. They seemed to be everywhere, flitting around enjoying the spring blossoms.

Learn more about the Rufous Hummingbird.

Additional photos:



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