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 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

Rechie 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