Sunday, September 15, 2013

What will winter bring?

With fall and winter on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about birds that might turn up in the backyard.  Even with good long looks, a few possibilities pose ID challenges.  Life would be great if all of the birds that turn up at our feeders were well-marked adult males.  The odds argue against that, so there's plenty to keep us on our toes.  Consider the following:



The birds above are so drab that if you notice them at all, they might make you wonder if they're worth a second look.  Are they?    


The yellow bird above isn't well-marked, but once winter arrives, some "drab" birds will actually look pretty bright if they pop up in the yard.  That alone would warrant a second look at this bird, if the fact that it's hanging out on a hummingbird feeder doesn't.  What's the most important thing to look at on this bird?


Green and white female-type hummingbirds are always fun.  If you're lucky enough to get a good look, there are a few things to size up when narrowing down an ID.  Sometimes it takes a good study of a photo to get the ID right.  Bill size, the shape and pattern of the tail, and the shape and size of wing feathers can all provide a good clue.  Is a green and white hummer a big deal, or just a Ruby-throat?  


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