Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Two New Birds to Add to My Life List

I think I've correctly identified these beautiful birds.

Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus perched on a willow growing close to the shoreline of Stuart Lake. We drove up here last Sunday.

  • Length 13cm (5")
  • Prominent streaking
  • Yellow at base of tail
  • Yellow wing stripes
  • Short notched tail
  • A summer resident

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina perched on a spruce bough in my yard. He was there yesterday evening when I looked out the window.
  • Length 14cm (5 1/2")
  • Bright chestnut crown
  • White eyebrow
  • Black line extending from bill through eye to ear (in the photo it has a reddish tinge)
  • Gray nape
  • Two white wing bars
  • Also a summer resident