Cold Feet

Day 78: Hypothermia and frostbite are subjects with which most winter outdoor enthusiasts will be familiar, so the question arises: How do those little bitty birds survive? Why don't their feet freeze? The first part of the answer is relatively simple. A bird's body temperature is significantly higher (106 degrees) than that of a human. The second and most notable factor is that they are possessed of a "countercurrent" circulatory system in which the veins carrying cooled blood are intertwined with the arteries transporting warm blood from the body's interior. As much as 85 percent of the warmth from the outgoing blood transfers to that returning before it re-enters the body. This system of intertwined veins and arteries exists in both the legs and in the wings. Humans don't have this evolutionary advantage, so we must wear appropriate clothing to protects our extremities.

Singin' In The Snow

Day 94: "I'm singin' in the snow, Just singin' in the snow." If Song Sparrow's feet weren't firmly anchored in the white stuff, he might just blow away. The forecast "wind event" has materialized, along with a few flakes ("few" as of this writing, anyway), and it looks like Snowmageddon is revving up for another round. Crow (me) is developing an acute case of cabin fever, but like my little feathered friend here, I'm sheltering in place unless it's absolutely mandatory that I venture further out than the safety of my nest. On the up side of things, daylight has become noticeably longer, a lighter shade of grey than twilight. I've heard rumours of a great golden orb, although I'm inclined to believe the tale is mythological. Perhaps my memory of those halcyon days in wildflower meadows is faulty, or drawn from a dreamscape. There's certainly no evidence to prove otherwise.

Tie-Tack Sparrow

Day 68: I call 'em "tie-tack sparrows." Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is easy to identify because his brown stripes converge in the center of his breast to make a dark spot, i.e., his "tie-tack." These little fellows are common here year-'round, but tend to be especially abundant during the winter months. His song is a lovely cascade of trills, but more commonly heard at this time of year, the call is a short, single syllable. It varies in pitch when the bird is alarmed, rising in tone and becoming harsher. Song Sparrows can be seen across the US, but novice birders should be aware that there is quite a bit of colour variation regionally. Look for the tie-tack to confirm the identity.

Winter Song

Day 86: The cold snap has been trying for my little feathered friends, so I've been putting out extra seed. Juncoes are the most common visitors to the feeders now, though I have them year-'round. Steller's Jays are almost as numerous, but there are others. Today, the committee included two representatives of Melospiza melodia, Song Sparrow (above) as well as a host of Spotted (Rufous-sided) Towhees and one lone Purple Finch. Everyone enjoys the tangled protection of the contorted filbert in between forays to the seed supply, the finches and sparrows staying in the boughs while the towhees scurry and hop around the base, foraging for what their neighbours drop. For my part, I kept to the house, taking pictures through a window open onto mid-teen temperatures, half-expecting a curious bird to seek a warmer sanctuary.

National Bird Day

Day 84: There's a lot of talk on the internet about today being "National Bird Day," but Googling for any official proclamation will have you swimming in a sea of confusion. Some say the US observes the occasion in May as originally specified by Charles Babcock in 1894; in fact, Wikipedia lists both dates, although it gives no background on the institution of January 5th as the holiday. Similar holidays occur in Canada and the UK, also on different dates. So what's the story? Personally, I'd like to see a holiday recognizing Nature supplant either Hallowe'en or Valentine's Day, both of which seem to promote tooth decay and commercialism, but I doubt I could raise the support for such a radical change. In any event, the point is moot: EVERY day is Bird Day at my house!

Tie-Tack Sparrow

Day 46: Summer or winter, Tie-Tack Sparrows are frequently seen at my feeders. Ooops! That would be Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia, identifiable by the convergence of reddish-brown feathers centrally on the breast, i.e., the "tie-tack" reference in the whimsical name I use for these charming little birds. Novice birders often mistake them for a female Purple Finch, but the tie-tack should end any mystery. Easier to identify by its voice, Song Sparrow is true to its name, singing a complex series of single notes and trills.

Contrary to popular belief, recent observations world-wide are proving that the females of many species are also singers, at least those which live outside urban environments. I can't vouch for Song Sparrow, but there is never a shortage of bird-song in my yard.

The Guy With The Racing Stripes

Day 177: Several species of sparrow come to my feeders during the summer months, notably Song Sparrows (back), the guys with the racing stripes (White-Crowned Sparrows, front), and although they haven't shown up yet, Golden-Crowned Sparrows as well. Today seemed to be bath day, every puddle hosting a bird or two. The juncoes and jays were also active, as were half a dozen Spotted Towhees and much to my delight, a couple of Rufous Hummingbird females. Time to lay in a good supply of seed!

Spring Song

Day 143: Melospiza melodia...Song Sparrow...he wears a tie tack in the center of his breast, but if you hear him sing, you won't need to note any other identifying feature. His clear, liquid notes come like a chorus of bells from thickets of willow and wild roses. You may not see this little singer, but there is no mistaking his voice. Plain though his colors may be, his song is one of the loveliest sounds of spring.