Quite a few years ago I was challenged to identify a sudden infestation of bird that descended unexpectedly on our neighbourhood. I didn't see it at first, I heard it! Flooding through open windows was a cacophony of unfamiliar bird song. And once we looked? Everywhere, upon every surface, were a medium sized bird happily "scree-ing" away.Google to the rescue!
I quickly narrowed it down to a waxwing. But were these "ear-fulls" or "museums" of waxwings bohemians or cedars?
Well, at first I had a hard time distinguishing between the two, but found help at What Bird.com which has over 800 birds in its database.
This site gives a quick and easy Species Overview with photo, bird song audio, interesting facts, range of habitat, map, and related birds. Another tab Identification provides more specific help in identification. Two other tabs: Behaviour and Portrait round out the info on this website per bird.
And our mystery bird: Bohemian Waxwings, go check them out and hear their song-- just imagine that song multiplied by thousands!And you think I'm exaggerating?!One of my favourite local song birds: Black-capped Chickadee
Another favourite local song bird: Robin
Oh, and those lucky enough to have an iPhone, apparently you can get the iBird app. I'm not sure if it's just an advertisement on whatbird.com or part of it. Just thought I'd mention it. And no, I'm not affiliated with iPhone ;-)
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Is the parrot your work Serena?
ReplyDeleteBirdwatching and identifying is fun and I have found other people appreciate ones knowledge in that area very much as well. You will enjoy having that knowledge. The internet is absolutely amazing for that since you can hear bird song as well.
If you ever want to spend an afternoon over here in the sun you will be able to see, hear and learn to identify Nuthatchs and Purple Finch. We have a few White Crown and White Throats as well.
The little Chickadees come to the feeder Aidan & Summer gave me for my birthday and that is the only bird that goes to that feeder.
Love talking birds ..........
Lol, yes it is a scan of an artist trading card I did a long time ago. The photos I wanted to use were copyrighted and so I used these ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe ibird iphone apps are very cool.
ReplyDeleteI love bird watching! Thanks for this link...I'll check it out. Do you know about www.allaboutbirds.org? That's another good resource for birds.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you mentioned the app for the iPhone...I just downloaded a free app called Chirp!Lite today which is fun to play around with :)
Thanks so much for linking up!!
No, I didn't know about that website, thanks!!! I'll check it out.
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