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, May 31, 2011

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularia

Appearance:
Medium-small shorebird
Pale eyebrow and dark eyeline
White wedge up onto shoulder
Breeding plumage:
  • Orange bill with black tip
  • Brown head, back and upperwings with small black bars
  • White underparts with round, dark spots
Non-breeding plumage: (pictured below)
  • Dark bill with pale base
  • Pale brown head, back and upperwings with dark and buff bars
  • White underparts, without dark spots
Listen to its call.

I may be dating myself but for some reason this bird made me think of the classic line from the old children's reader Fun with Dick and Jane -- "See Spot. See Spot run".  It had a distinct and constant teetering motion when it walked. "Funny, funny Spot".


Learn more about the Spotted Sandpiper.

Additional pictures:
non-breeding
 
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