Apparently, my best pics of birds are when they're dead and don't move. I was sad to find this dead bird, but it did make identification very easy. It must have recently died, because its body was still pliable. Now, aren't you glad to not be my husband and hold my hand afterward? Hatton Canyon was an incredible find for listening to a cacophony of bird songs. In fact, I don't ever recall hearing so many birds, anywhere, and I've been places! It's too bad this was the only bird I managed to photograph during our hike. I strongly suspect that all those fancy gardens on the hills also have bird feeders. As a side note, Cornell's All About Birds (linked in the scientific name above) shows this bird as a winter migrant, whereas my handy-dandy bird book at home shows the exact opposite range map of year round vs. winter (still unnamed on my blog, because I worry about its accuracy - I'm badly attempting to follow that policy of if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all). So, which is correct?
3 comments:
Despite an array of mylar ribbons fluttering a warning, we have a spate of bird deaths here each year - mostly lesser goldfinches - when the fledgelings are being brought to the thistle feeder by the parents. It is so sad to hold the little things...but I make sure to place them where they will nourish growing things.
Poor thing! :(
We've had several bird casualties on our property (unknown causes), including Lesser Goldfinch, California Quail, Mourning Dove, and White Crowned Sparrow. I'm always mortified to find them, but realize it's all part of a natural cycle. That little nuthatch will at least recycle back to the earth...
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