When I got home from dropping Kid 1 at school, the neighborhood was all a-tweet! I have spent many years at home during the days and have never heard this kind of action! I can't even describe what thousands of birds sound like all at once. It was like being in the aviary at the zoo, but way louder!
I know that some of you grew up in places where bird migration was normal, but not me. Unless it always was and I'm just now noticing it. Either way, it was fascinating. I left some doors and windows open so I could hear what was left of them.
I have searched through some pictures of birds indigenous to the Phoenix area, but cannot come up with what type of bird this is. Anyone know? I guess I need to add bird watching to the list of things I want to do.
(OK, I just clicked on this picture to make sure it got bigger so you all could see it better and it does! Except it looks like a cartoon. So let me briefly describe some of the details that are lost. The bird has a green iridescent neck and chest, spotted belly and black eyes. Does that help?)
Hi Jen! Okay so after reading your blog about the birds, I took it as a personal challenge. I sort of became obsessed. Here is what I came up with and you can check it out for yourself.
ReplyDeleteEuropean Starling: Small, chunky, iridescent purple and green blackbird with long, pointed yellow bill, pink legs, and short tail. The feathers on back and undertail show buff edges. Feeds in open areas, normally on the ground. Strong, direct and swift flight on rapidly beating wings.
The only thing that I have found that is different about this bird, than the one in your picture is the bill. Another site that I found listed this bird as having a dark bill in the fall.
Check out this website www.whatbird.com its kind of a "build a bird" site.
And also google the European Starling and click on the Wiki site, great pics of this bird.
Alrighty then, obsession over, have a good one!
Oh, and by the way, LOVE this new blog!
rosie
Rosie,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right. The only thing that doesn't match is the beak, but maybe because the winter is mild the color of it doesn't change. Thanks for that. I can sleep now. Love you!
jen