Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Amateur Birding

This morning while doing household chores I noticed a large population of birds around the house. Since I am looking for things to photograph on a daily basis I promptly put the chores on hold, bundled up, and grabbed my camera. I went out and sat on the porch and let the little birdies get use to me. Once they relaxed and stood still for a minute I started taking pictures. I really liked this one - but after looking at my two bird books and doing a little internet research - I am still at a loss for which type this is. Is it a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher or a Mexican Jay? Or is it something completely different? If anyone has an opinion about this I would love to hear it.

4 comments:

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Gorgeous photo!! But, in my opinion as a birder, I don't think this bird is either a gnat catcher or jay because the range during the winter season is not right.

I think what you photographed is a Mountain Bluebird, which is common during the winter at elevations of 5,000. The bluebird then travels up to elevations of 12,000 during the summer. It's genrrally silent except at dawn when it makes warbling sounds.

Either way, your bird and phototgraphy are beautiful.

Mark said...

Hey Twinville-
Thanks for the input - I searched the internet and two books and wasn't getting anywhere.
lionsmane

sha said...

i don't know what that bird is either, but i love this photo!

Mark said...

John and Diane said...

What a cute bird! John is the bird expert in the family, he says it is not a jay, he is wondering if it was as blue as the picture looks. It looks like a bushtit but they are more grey - according to the Sibley guide, they travel in "lively chattering flocks." Bushtits are smaller than jays. ?? Great pic, whatever it is!!
-D
January 9, 2008 8:33 PM
Mark said...

Thanks John & Diane for the input about the bird. I looked in two books and I wasn't able to find anything that made since.
lionsmane
January 10, 2008 8:38 PM