The Bird is BACK
One of the greatest things about moving to the back of the house has been getting to know the different types of birds that pass by and visit my neighbors' trees. The usual birds are robins, mourning doves, juncos, crows, scrub jays, and house finches. This year I've noticed a phoebe for the first time. But the most exciting thing is a bird that migrates through each winter. I only get to see it a couple of times a year at most, and only in the winter but it is worth it. Just a few minutes ago I got a really good look at one. And now I am positive that what I am seeing each year is a Townsend's Warbler. It is a striking little birdy, with bright yellow patches--not like the LBJs that usually visit the backyard (not that I have anything against LBJs--I love all birds, except of course pigeons, seagulls, and starlings). I think because it is a bug-eater it flits around a lot, making it hard to get a real good look at it, which is part of the reason I haven't been sure before exactly what I was seeing. But today I got a great look at it right out my window in the plum tree--gorgeous!
For those of you who don't have a bird book handy, here's a site with a drawing of the Townsend's Warbler and a bit of ID info: Warbler Watch: Townsend's Warbler
posted by Miss Quizzy @ 12:37 PM
2 Comments:
That's a pretty bird, striking colors. I'm impressed that you see so many birds in the city. I'll have to invite you over sometime when i'm a little less busy with wedding crap. Our backyard seems to be a hummingbird highway at times. Maybe you can help me identify some other birds in Belmont.
Along the Great Highway and in Sutro Park ravens are doing amazing aerial acrobatics, courting. At the bus stop near Seal Rock Inn, across from Sutro Park, a woman waiting for the 38 asked her companion, are those birds hawks? I mean are they going to fly down and peck my head? No! her companion said. They're ravens. Oh, said the woman, well, they shouldn't be allowed here. They look dangerous.
Quercus
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