Sunday, December 7, 2008

two birds, two stories...

From what I've read the White-crowned Sparrow is one of the most researched song birds in North America. They say that much of our knowledge of bird song and development is based on studies that were made of this bird. This guy was quite striking when I first saw him at the park's feeders several weeks ago. The stripes of that black and white crown really caught my eye and I tried to get as close as I could for a few decent shots.I believe he was a little shy as he stayed close to the trees that were in front of me, all the time hopping from one branch to another.

But, there seems to be one in every crowd that loves to put on a show! He was quite bold as he scratched around the ground foraging through the corn and seed shells .
....and just as I was getting ready to leave this poor little guy shows up at the finch feeder. He has a tumor or growth on the crown of his head. He hopped around the feeder, seemed alert and even called to other finches... I stayed and watched for a while.....
He was quite perky and looked well-fed, but I'm not sure if he will make it through the cold and windy winter without having good plumage and being in better health. I stayed just a few seconds more, wished him well and left. Hoping he does well but knowing sometimes you don't always get what you wish for ....

19 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Oh,my,that little Goldfinch doesn't look so good.The White-crowned Sparrow is beautiful.
Blessings,Ruth

Shelley said...

Oh I hope that finch makes it! Loved seeing the white stripes on the sparrow's head!

Eve said...

Once I had a chickadee in my garage that I couldn't get out the door. I was able to coax him into the mudroom and then it was much easier to get him out the door, but not before he lost his head feathers after scrubbing his head on the ceiling trying to fly up and away. Maybe your little goldfinch had a similar episode and will recover...he just got a bump! You never know do you!!
Thanks Tina for that sweet white-crowned and the info too.

Peggy said...

Oh, poor thing! Good luck lil fella!

White-crowneds are so unique aren't they?
Thanks for the stories!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Tina, I love the colors in that Sparrow. I've never seen one of them before. But the poor little Goldfinch looks so pitiful. Makes me sad!!!! You are right---two birds, two stories!
Hugs,
Betsy

NCmountainwoman said...

I had no idea the White-crowned Sparrow was so researched. Interesting. Beautiful shots.

Dave's Bird Watching Blog said...

Good to get back to reading your blog, Tina! That sparrow is striking...handsome little fella!

troutbirder said...

Your did good! Very nice pics.

sylvia murphy said...

Tina,

I have only managed to get one decent photo of a white-crowned sparrow White Crowned Sparrow on Mayflower Gulch Hike They visit us in the summer.

What type of lens do you own. I was thinking of getting a 100-400mm lens b/c the 70-100mm that I have now is limited.

Designs on 47th Street said...

Your blog is fascinating. I don't think I have ever seen a white crowned sparrow, but I am a beginner. There are several birds I can't identify yet. I Love watching them at the feeder. Your pictures are sooo good!

Trys T. Bear said...

I love all your bird pictures, but I especially enjoy the critters. You should post some other critter pics, maybe a cat or something. Thanks

Trys T. Bear said...

maybe his momma dropped him on his head when he was little....

Chris said...

Woow, the White-crowned Sparrow is a wonderful bird and you took really nice pictures of him... It looks like you got nice story to tell about these birds, specially the second one...

Unknown said...

Two beautiful birds captured very well in a amazing series of images.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Tina: An interesting post and a sad look at the Goldfinch, thanks for sharing the story.

Neal said...

Tina, how do you get such wonderful shots! We feed the birds but there's a hawk hanging around so they disappear sometimes. We looked out the other day and s/he was sitting on top of the bird feeder. Needless to say there were no birds around. S/he finally flushed one out of nearby bush and caught it before it had flown 20 feet.

The Birdlady said...

I love those white-crowed sparrow shots! I had one through here last sing and was so excited! All very lovely.

CIELO said...

What a lovely blog you have... I'm glad I found you! ;) Will be back again soon...

cielo

A Colorful World said...

The first bird is really handsome with that striped crown! I'm [retty sure I have never seen one. I hope the second bird does OK this winter, too.
Marie

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