Archive for Quizzes
So What Is It?
Posted by: | CommentsI’m embarrassed to admit that I still have no idea what the bird in the upper left of this month’s Birding photo quiz could be. In my early notes I called it a Eurasian Wigeon–which it clearly is not–and in the final version, I just gave up. Who can solve the puzzle?
Bronzed Cowbird
Posted by: | Comments
Bronzed Cowbirds are scarce in southeast Arizona in the dead of winter, but there are always a few here and there at such favored sites as the Benson sewage ponds or the University of Arizona farms here in Tucson. The icterid flock at Lakeside Park had at least three individuals on Saturday, huddled in the trees or patrolling the chilly lawns with the abundant Brewer’s and Red-winged Blackbirds, Great-tailed Grackles, and Brown-headed Cowbirds.
- As usual, just click for a larger version of the image.
All of the Lakeside birds were brown, but as Darlene pointed out, the extravagant ruffs–especially well visible in the original quiz image–suggested that they were first-winter males rather than females. My library is divided right now between Vancouver and Tucson, so I haven’t been able to check into the plumage sequences of this species; it’ll be nice to reunite the books someday!
A Quiz Bird
Posted by: | CommentsSeen yesterday in Tucson, in the loose company of Common Goldeneye, Western Bluebird, and Cassin’s Finch.
Like most quizzes, it’s easy once you know what it is.
New Trivia Question
Posted by: | CommentsHave a look at the new WINGS Newsletter and see what you think of this month’s trivia question. Leave your answer at The Wingbeat for the chance to win a WINGS cap (they’re very nice).
I’m offering no hints, but will say that the answer is perhaps less obvious than you might think.
An Odd Duck
Posted by: | CommentsIdeas?
I’m puzzled myself. There are a couple more photos here.
January 4, 2010: Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC
