Townsend's warbler on coast Douglas-firDendroica townsendi on Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii
Pinaceae
Well, she's not as striking as her boyfriend, but he's off chasing a flashy goldfinch. For me, these bird pictures are not too shabby. I really enjoy watching the Townsend's search through the Douglas fir tree next to our balcony for food. Insects? I don't know. Sometimes they hover like a hummingbird and pick at the tree, which I've learned is called hover-gleaning. I'm amazed at how many birds and insects use this coast Douglas-fir tree. It helps that our balcony is 3 stories up, so I'm able to get an eye-level view of the top of the tree to witness all the action.
I'd like to add that the Townsend's warbler is not mentioned at all in a recently-purchased CA bird guide book, which shall remain nameless until I get a better handle on whether it's a decent bird book or not. I bought it because it was the same style that my mother-in-law uses up in WA. At $20-30 a pop, I've been disappointed with my field guide purchases lately.
I'd like to add that the Townsend's warbler is not mentioned at all in a recently-purchased CA bird guide book, which shall remain nameless until I get a better handle on whether it's a decent bird book or not. I bought it because it was the same style that my mother-in-law uses up in WA. At $20-30 a pop, I've been disappointed with my field guide purchases lately.
Close birding encounters are great, aren't they? And such a gorgeous specimen too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Graeme
Great shots! Beautiful tiny birds!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed. Glad you managed to get them. They are quite challenging.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe your book didn't include the Townsend's Warbler. They are not unusual for California. I prefer the Western Sibley field guide. However, I also sometimes like to use lesser but more local field guides as there are less choices and often more information are the birds behaviors and habitats. I sometimes even use the plastic picture cards for quick guesses .
Nice pix!
ReplyDeleteI have many many field guides including the 3 volume Audobon and specialty raptor books, but since I bought the first edition in the series, my first "go to" guide is always The National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America.
She's such a little beauty, and I love how you caught her really watching you in the first pic:-)
ReplyDeleteAh...a tree's sweetest ornaments!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful warbler there. I miss them already but they won't return here to Bluff Country till spring.
ReplyDeletebtw my favorite field guide is the new pocket sized Sibley. Very handy indeed.
Nice shots. I like the seting in the fir tree
ReplyDeleteGraeme, I really enjoy having a balcony a few feet from this tree to watch birds I may not otherwise notice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, twg.
Sandy, I've been trying to collect "local" guides, but they often miss things. I'll check out Sibley.
Janet, you're going to make me a birder, yet. I've heard NG's is like a bible to some birders.
Thanks, Erica. I still don't know how you get such incredible bird photos.
Jeannette, I love the visual of your words.
Mr. T, we only get these from mid-Oct to mid-Feb. Vote #2 for Sibley.
Thanks, Joe. Almost all my songbird pics are from this tree.
What a delightful species to be able to watch as it seeks a meal.
ReplyDeleteNice shots Katie. FAB.
Thanks, Frank. I like it when great birders, such as yourself, appreciate the few birds I can capture on camera and identify.
ReplyDelete