Monday 10 March 2008

Victoria - Gardens, Sea and Shore

Backyards and local gardens in Victoria are home to a variety of birds. I make no apologies for a repeat showing of another fantastic male Anna's Hummingbird found at Government house!

Anna's Hummingbirds are only 4" long, the males act like they own the place - very aggresive and taking on all comers (including me who got 'buzzed'). They have the ability almost chameleon like to ruffle their throat and head feathers to give this 'threatening' very colourful display. I was also treated to a sight of that incredible tongue.










Pushing his luck by straying onto the Hummingbird sugar solution feeder, this Bush Tit was so reminiscent of Long tailed Tits back home. They have exactly the same 'group' habit and noisy twittering as they move through garden after garden.








More garden birds: another Dark-eyed Junco and roof bound male House Finch looking like he's tipped over a can of red paint!








Bewicks Wren peeping round the corner






This female Goldeneye was quite adept at catching fish - just like a cat marching in with a mouse - look what I've got!








I well remember twitching the Farnham Pacific Diver at the start of 2007. Well, there were plent to see here although usually distant. This one came close enough to admire the necklace!










Almost identical to our European Common Gull, Mew Gull seen here in 1st Winter and adult plumage.








Then the ever present Glaucous winged Gull at least they probably are! So promiscuous, the area is rife with hybrids. Sequence: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Winter then Adult.












Back to the beach and this very striking Double-crested Cormorant drying his wings out. Waders incredibly hard to come by, Dunlin remain the most common.










And finally, this female Red-breasted Merganser put on a show firstly washing and then preening/basking on a rock.