Saturday, May 22, 2010

Camera Critter #111

Back during the last century, I lived just north of a small town, called Prineville, Oregon. One of the nice things about the area was I could always count on strange birds showing up. One day in May, I saw a Black and White Warbler, which rarely moves west of the Rocky Mountains.

Another time, I spied a Wilson's Warbler flitting about in the rose bushes of the house next door. It was a really cute critter, being overall yellow with a nice black cap. It reminded me of an American Goldfinch. But I never saw another of those birds...until this week.

I was out in my backyard and noticed a little yellow bird quickly moving around the branches of the Apple Tree. I went inside and grabbed my camera and after missing opportunity after opportunity to get a photo of the bird, finally got one.

At first I didn't know what it was. After all, it has been 15 years since I last saw one and it wasn't on my radar at all. After pouring over my reference material several times, I decided I would ask a local bird expert, so I sent him the image.

Less than an hour later, he replied telling me the bird in the image above is in fact a Wilson's Warbler.

It's very hard to see, but if you look carefully, you can just make out the black cap on top of the bird's head. I missed it completely until it was pointed out to me.

Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme is a great way to see critters from around the world. Go to the homepage here and check out other critters. Then add your own and join the fun.

14 comments:

Misty DawnS said...

It's quite the cute little bird. I'm proud of myself for immediately knowing it was a Warbler when you first showed it to me. I've come a long way, eh? hehe

eileeninmd said...

Great photo, It is a beautiful bird! Another one of the warblers I have not see yet.

Ricepatty said...

Beautiful capture of an adorable warbler.

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Very nice capture. He does look like a goldfinch.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Gemma Wiseman aka Pamela Adams said...

An attractive little gold character looking quite dignified as he sits on the tree branch!

Kate said...

Birds are not always easy to photograph, but you did a wonderful job on this one!

Iowa Gardening Woman said...

Pretty birdie. I see warblers pass through and then never see them again, always a thrill, but I have never been lucky enough to capture one on camera.

Hootin Anni said...

Mmmmmm, such a delightful photo!!! Great coloring/wonderful composition.

Baby Grackle

Jenn Jilks said...

This seems to be bird critter day! Even in My Muskoka !

Snap said...

Beautiful!

eden said...

Cute little bird. Great capture!

i beati said...

gorgeous

Chie Wilks said...

a very great shot of this bird..i do nothing about birds names but i find them all pretty...thanks for the sharing and for effort of knowing the name of this bird..awesome shot

mine is up too

ksdoolittle said...

I feel your excitement! I had a Wilson's pass through my yard the other day. ~ks