New sightings at home
Northern Mockingbird - I missed it, but Candice and Leo were excited to send me a video and description of what they found in the pomegranate tree outside our kitchen window. Can't wait to find it myself, as these robin-sized birds are so thrilling to catch by surprise.
Oak Titmouse - I spotted shadows flitting around in the pomegranate...one, two, then three. Very quick movements, but seemed different than the finches, sparrows, and juncos that frequent our tree and feeders. Harry had him in his gaze and I slowly approached the window to see if I could catch some clear markings. Right off the bat, I saw grey bird with distinguished grey crest that would move up and down quickly. Also, a very piercing, small, black eye. I searched on "grey bird with grey crest". It brought up images of the Juniper Titmouse. Which was close, very close. It still could be correct, I suppose. But it also brought up images of similar birds and the Oak Titmouse was closer, due to the pale grey (almost white) underparts. A search on Cornell site also distinguished birds by map. You don't see the Juniper mapped in Southern California, but very common to see the Oak. Exciting catch for the day! Two new ones for the Baumgardners to start off the month.
Oak Titmouse - I spotted shadows flitting around in the pomegranate...one, two, then three. Very quick movements, but seemed different than the finches, sparrows, and juncos that frequent our tree and feeders. Harry had him in his gaze and I slowly approached the window to see if I could catch some clear markings. Right off the bat, I saw grey bird with distinguished grey crest that would move up and down quickly. Also, a very piercing, small, black eye. I searched on "grey bird with grey crest". It brought up images of the Juniper Titmouse. Which was close, very close. It still could be correct, I suppose. But it also brought up images of similar birds and the Oak Titmouse was closer, due to the pale grey (almost white) underparts. A search on Cornell site also distinguished birds by map. You don't see the Juniper mapped in Southern California, but very common to see the Oak. Exciting catch for the day! Two new ones for the Baumgardners to start off the month.