Thursday, August 21, 2008

Blue-headed Vireo

When I set out this morning to check on the progress of the Monarch Butterfly cocoon that I had found yesterday, I had no idea I would be returning home with a life bird to add to my list. I actually didn't know that I had taken pictures of a Blue-headed Vireo until I had downloaded my pictures after having returned home. Upon searching for its id, after I ruling out the possibilities of it being a warbler, I then turned to Vireos. In The Sibley Guide to Birds (2000), I found it in the section on Large Spectacled Vireos. It was very elusive and I consider myself lucky to have gotten this one photo which clearly shows its large white spectacles. The stout bill with the downward curve, the greenish-yellowish sides and the short tail all match other identifying marks of this vireo species as well. When I return this afternoon to check on the butterfly cocoon I shall also return to the location where I saw this bird and maybe, hopefully, I might see it again.
.
And just an update on the Monarch Butterfly cocoon that is mentioned in my previous post. It is still attached to the leaf and intact. I will check on it again in the afternoon.

10 comments:

  1. What's up with you lately? One astonishing find after another! Kudos!!!
    Good one here, too!
    Cheers, Klaus

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just seem to have a lot of luck I guess; but it makes me happy :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. But, Ann, it's head isn't blue? Ha!
    I have a brand new award for you at my blog - come see! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mary:
    Thank you for the award, it is much appreciated. I don't know where the blue head naming came from?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ann: Beautiful capture of an unknown bird to me, nicely done.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You will have to get a bigger book if you keep adding to your life-list the way you have been :-) Wonderful shot of its head!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Welcome back, Mary. No problem with getting a bigger book for they are much easier to come by than life bird sightings!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You inspired me Ann, and I went out and found a Monarch caterpillar. Check out my post for today, and see what I'm up to.
    That little bird is so cute, and he looks like he's hiding from you. Good shot.I've never seen one.

    ReplyDelete
  9. becky:
    I checked your post, good luck with the monarch cocoon! Keep us posted.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous9:36 PM

    The viro is a beautiful bird, by both its plumage and sound.

    ReplyDelete