Kip’s Comments - January 21, 2024

Birds I Don’t Often See in January (and a couple I do)

Today was a cold, windy, blustery day of travel in four counties. By the end of the day I had photographed three bird species I don’t see every day in January and a couple species I can readily find. Let’s begin with the less common birds.

Species #1 was the American Robin. First I spotted one and I watched it call. Much to my surprise another robin perched nearby. Both appeared very, very cold. Notice the frozen ice on the beak in the first image.

American Robin in Winter - Image 863702

American Robin in Winter - Image 863713

Species #2 - Among the many sparrows I was watching I spotted this Eurasian tree sparrow. The bird did not let me watch it too long before it disappeared from sight.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow - Image 863770

Species #3 was the saw-whet owl. Not only did I find an owl, but upon closer study I realized it was sitting on a mouse. The rodent’s foot and tail in a couple of pictures gave it away.

Saw-whet Owl - Image 863782

Saw-whet Owl - Image 863884 (see tail)

Saw-whet Owl - Image 864245 (see mouse foot)

For good measure I will add a couple of photos of common winter bird species.

Black-capped Chickadee - Image 863725

Dark-eyed Junco - Image 863749