Apr 15 2008
Birds I Have Seen, v. 2
Since I began my walks outside at work, and around the neighborhood, I’ve worked hard at identifying birds I can’t get a great look at. It can be challenging, depending on the light and angle to get a good eyeful of color, markings, etc. One can’t rely on body-shape, flight pattern and habitat alone, at least, not one as inexperienced as I am.
Before I laundry-list the birds and locations again, I’d like to talk a bit about my experience with birding. I’ve always been mesmerized by animals and plants on walks, but birding is difficult because birds are pretty small animals and they, like all wild animals, blend into the scenery. Birds are also pretty fast little buggers, and since different kinds of birds move differently, it can sometimes be difficult to follow their movements. I find that if I sit or stand quietly for a few minutes, all of a sudden my senses perk up and I see a bunch of birds all at once, so many that I can’t decide which ones I want to look at. Here are the birds I’ve seen lately, barring the ones I have mentioned previously.
House Sparrow – I’ve spotted a few of these sweeties in Tawes Garden, Annapolis, MD. I’ve managed to come within a few feet of one, while it softly chirped.
Yellow-rumped warbler – Male, myrtle form. Tawes Garden, Annapolis, MD. He was flitting around in a bush and managed to get within a few feet of me! I’m pretty sure he was showing off his agility to impress me.
Black and White Warbler – Male. Tawes Garden, Annapolis, MD. Knocking on a tree for bugs. His movement along the tree was impressive.
Bluejay - Tawes Garden, Annapolis, MD. Not particularly special, but they are pretty.
American Goldfinch – Still wearing a bit of its winter clothes. Tawes Garden, Annapolis, MD.
I’m still working on trying to get an accurate identification for a few birds.