Honestly, I don't know what has come over me. Right now, I am desperate to go walk in the rain so I can determine if the birds I saw yesterday are yellow wagtails or yellow warblers. Warren noticed that the "hopping" flighted ones are yellow. And silly me, all this time, I thought they were white-crowned sparrows because they both are so common here. And it is really starting to bother me that I can't tell what kinds of sandpipers I am see when I am out.
Early this morning, I finally had the wit to use my binoculars in identifying the ducks on my neighbor's dock. After a long consultation with the bird book, and since they had the grace to return for a second look with the girls, I positively identified them as American wigeon. What beautiful birds, I am so giddy! Binoculars are the greatest things since sliced bread, I'll never go leave home without them again!
I fell in love with the swallows first, I can't hear them enough and the way they fly is so amazing. The ravens are so fun to watch on windy days. But seeing snow buntings for the first time felt like my initiation. Next I "bagged" the white-crowned sparrow. The red-necked phalarope was a very interesting addition, the female has the fancy colors. The flock of snow buntings I attracted with bird seed this year was so delightful to watch. Last week I got to see a fierce swallow battle. I think I got a tundra swan yesterday. Sweet!
I know some birds on sight, and can recognize different flight patterns. I am beginning to distinguish bird calls. I start looking up for the raven whenever I hear croaking. But I really must get out and identify that yellow bird.
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