Monday, January 7, 2019

The Best Bird So Far

I've chosen "Alfred" a Heart in Hand snowman as my first start of 2019.

The Year had hardly begun when on Saturday (National Bird Day) I got to see a very infrequent visitor.

I'd been sitting outside for about 30 minutes hoping for a Kinglet or a Warbler, when I heard and then saw this guy!

A Black Phoebe!  Maybe not much to look at, but thrilling for me.
I got a glimpse of one September 2018 during migration, but other than that, I've not been blessed with one since 2013/2014.

Black Phoebe are insectivores who hang out near water. They have a distinctive black crest and very white breast.  No photos of the breast as the bird did not turn around.  

It stayed just long enough for me to get off a couple of clicks - so glad I had my camera.

Then it flew off to a distance Big Leaf Maple...

...posed briefly and then headed off to the seasonal creeks.

8 comments:

  1. Adorable new start!! Excited to see him come to life. I love the phoebes delicate call, lucky you! I seem to see the same day after day....finches, tufted titmouse,Carolina Chickadees. I did see a Blue Jay over the weekend. At the water I see the same ol' ring billed gulls and Howard the resident coot. Nevertheless I love them all!

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  2. I really like your choice for your new start, Beth. I know you are thrilled by your sighting of the Black Phoebe. What a handsome bird!

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  3. Cute little bird that I have never heard of before. Keep well Diane

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  4. Those Heart In Hand Snowmen are so cute--love your choice of Alfred for your first stitch of the year, Beth. And what a pretty bird--beautiful markings!

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  5. We have black Phoebes where I am in central California and I love watching them and listening to them chirp.
    And...snowmen are always fun to stitch.

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  6. How exciting to add this bird to you year's viewing.

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  7. Your new stitch is adorable. I am happy for you Beth. Your Black Phoebe is wonderful!

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  8. I love Alfred...he is adorable. RJ

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Thank you all. I appreciate that you've read my blog and are taking the time to comment.