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Post by fouram on Nov 19, 2006 17:15:58 GMT -8
I FINALLY got a proper "Field Guide", got the one Jason suggested, the "Sibley" guide. Will be better able to identify those "rare" sightings which I am sure to have now that I have a proper ident book, ;D
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Post by Gord on Nov 19, 2006 22:02:45 GMT -8
Al, a Am goldfinch in the winter is always a good sighting. Sounds like you had them in 'winter' plumage where they lose the yellow. You'll see in the Sibley's book. A good choice I agree! I think you'll enjoy it and use it a lot like I do.
Do you have pictures and just need to have them posted? I can do it for you if you like if you email them to me.
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Post by fouram on Nov 20, 2006 8:35:10 GMT -8
Gord, I have yet to break down and get a proper camera, I am hoping that perhaps something may show up under the tree soon, however, as I am the only Santa I know--it will likely have to wait till the new year. I have marked down all of the suggestions, criteria, and although I am still "shopping" it may take a while longer. In the meantime, I will certainly be checking often with the Sibley's and making note here of anything interesting--Thank you for the offer--I will likely take you up on it when I do get "clicking"--Al
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Post by tmanson on Nov 20, 2006 21:10:57 GMT -8
Hi Al: Actually, I think Goldfinches are great to see anytime. I think I was surprised to see one the other day on Sucker's Creek Trail, as they would be late for Hope in November, even though Sibley says they can hang around until January. Chilliwack, despite being so close to Hope, I think can still be a migration destination for some birds that " summer " here; also you can get birds that never show up here; ( to my knowledge ). e.g. I have never seen an Anna's Hummingbird at my feeder. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson Hope B.C.
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Post by Dave on Nov 20, 2006 21:14:23 GMT -8
HI Al,
Congratulations for purchasing an excellent bird guide. The Sibley guide is my constant companion when out in the field, and at the feeder! Look forward to hearing about your newly identified species!
Dave
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Post by fouram on Nov 21, 2006 11:09:24 GMT -8
Here goes,--according to Sibley's I had 12 House Finches, several (perhaps 5) Purple Finches, lots of House Sparrow's ditto for Oregon Junco's, had 2 Song Sparrows, and to-day because of the restricted space outside, a grassy section behind my apartment there was what seemed to be a couple of hundred Starlings (likely around 120!) foraging in the grass for worms, slugs etc, and went through like harvesters, in waves, from one end of the patch to the other--one pass then they were gone. Had 2 Robins in the tree (there is a Mountain Ash at the front of the building) and a few --perhaps 6 Black Capped Chickadee's, however, as I have not had much experience with the difference, may have been Mountain variety, have also seen--not on a rergular basis, and not really near the feeders, the odd Bushtit or two. Have yet to see any Thrushes, though, and will start tolook more closely--Al:)
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Post by Gord on Nov 21, 2006 20:22:28 GMT -8
A good list!
A note of possible interest on the starlings and what you observed. Starlings' feeding behaviour causes them to leap frog the feeding flock. The ones at the back fly in front very frequently. This is to ensure that not only the first few birds in front are getting all the food but a chance to feed in fresh, non-picked over grass is spread out through the flock.
Very appropriate description; harvesters! No wonder they are a very efficient species capable of adapting and suceeding in a new land.
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Post by fouram on Nov 21, 2006 21:14:00 GMT -8
Exactly, Gord, I think that I was rather amazed that the ones that had "scored" with a morsel, were being mobbed by the ones with nothing and then they (the losers) would fly ahead, also the starlings had no interest in the feeders or what was on the ground, so obviously available to them for the picking, but in Sibley's it indicates their feeding habits which may preclude their ability to feed on seed on concrete?--they are one reason I will not put out suet. A possible interesting note, the finches have been seen "mobbing" a single sparrow (english) at the hopper feeder only --not at the tube feeder --which, again, precludes more than one bird at a time on a perch--Al
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Post by fouram on Nov 23, 2006 14:31:55 GMT -8
Just had a quick visit from a Chipping Sparrow (Sibley's firmly in hand) looked totally different from all the rest--had to have a look, PS--just ordered a Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0MP Mega-Zoom Digital Camera --hope that this is the one that was suggested--and also hope it will be rather "fool-proof" for me, I can be rather a clutz with these things--hence the lack of having a camera for too many years-Al
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Post by Gord on Nov 23, 2006 21:38:03 GMT -8
Hi Al A good sighting! This caution is not to question/dispute what you saw at all but to share some thoughts that may be of interest. For our area, a late fall/winter sighting of a chipping sparrow is certainly something of note as they are generally sighted during migration (spring and summer) as they breed up here and summer down south. I often find I have to check twice on suspected chipping sparrows (unless adults) to make sure Im not seeing a first winter white-crowned sparrow. Saying that, there is absolutely no reason why you wouldnt find a non-breeding plumaged chipping sparrow at this time of year. To me, the time of year or location carries little (but some all the same) weight when considering options on a bird's ID. Keep us posted on this guy! Good to hear the Sibley's is getting good use.
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Post by fouram on Nov 25, 2006 10:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by fouram on Nov 26, 2006 11:25:27 GMT -8
Lots and lots of activity this morning so obviously due to the white stuff! Had what I have previously described as a Chipping Sparrow again this am--he never sits on the feeder--that I have noticed, but stays on the ground with the Junco's. As soon as I get my camera, and if he continues to come--I will post a picture (with Gord's help) for positive identification by the more knowledgeable members. The Am. Goldfinches are still coming, but seem more willing to go to the other feeders, and not exclusively, as in the past, to the niger feeder---Al
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Post by fouram on Nov 26, 2006 13:47:39 GMT -8
Amazed that I got a Spotted Towhee at the feeder this afternoon, looked in Sibley's and was surprised to see the Pacific Northwest Variation, as if I was looking at the bird!I do believe that it was a female, closest to what was here. ;D ;D--Al
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Post by Dave on Nov 26, 2006 16:53:26 GMT -8
I was thinking of you today, Al! I was sitting at lunch looking out over the snowy backyard and a flicker landed nearby. I was reminded of your recent posting about the bird. I quickly retrieved my "lowly" Canon S2 (considering you will soon have an S3!) and took a few pictures so that you could see what your 'soon to have' camera can do the next time you have a flicker in the yard. Of course, there are often obstacles to work around! Your pictures will be much nicer than these, of course I am sure the S3 is quite a step up. Dave
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Post by fouram on Nov 26, 2006 19:35:26 GMT -8
Dave, I have looked at comparisons between the S2 and the S3, and as far as I can see, from the reports, there is very little difference, other than speed, ie: the rate of exposure per minute and that is minimal. So, please, if you do not mind, would you prepare yourself for lots of (likely to you) -silly questions? Will certainly appreciate any and all help I can get--regards--Al
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