We used to have a White-throated Sparrow join the Golden-crowned Sparrows every winter, but last year it did not return. This year, however, one showed up on Oct. 23 and today, Oct. 24, another. At least, I think that's what happened. Yesterday's bird was a white-stripe variety while today's bird is tan-stripe. I think. But I attempted photos of both today and both birds I got photos of look like white-stripe. To add to the confusion, the photo I took yesterday has another bird out of focus to the right that looks like a white-stripe white-throated sparrow. Might I have 3 white-throated sparrows and not yet a photo of the tan-stripe version? It's a mystery...
Yesterday's photo...
And another photo from yesterday with a mystery bird at the right...
Mystery bird zoomed in (and out of focus)...
White-throated Sparrow photo taken today that looks like a white stripe although I had first seen a definite tan stripe and assumed that's what I was taking a photo of. Maybe this is a tan stripe brightened by the sun? I'll try again tomorrow, maybe, if I don't get rained out. Our unseasonably dry weather is supposed to end.
Today's white-striped White-throated Sparrow
And here it (or one, at least) is from the back...
I also took photos of the other birds in front of the barn, as I sat in a chair watching for half an hour. One Mourning Dove was quite compatible with the California Quail, who seem quite compatible with everybody.
Papa Quail is quite handsome
Steller's Jay |
Spotted Towhee |
American Robin |
Red-shafted Flicker |
European Starlings atop a hybrid poplar |
Scrub Jay now called California Scrub Jay or something |