New birds

So, I figured out what the new bird is. The first one I saw had something stuck to its head, but I saw it so briefly I thought it was crown color. They are yellow-rumped warblers. We didn't have any visit us in Albany, even in February of last year we didn't see any. Therefore this is a VERY exciting realization for me. There were two of them eating suet, arguing, looking cute. We also have had several fox sparrows and what appear to be hermit thrush. On my walk this morning I saw 12 western bluebirds, which brought great joy to my heart as well. Finally, I saw another of my favorite birds . . . a varied thrush. Sadly, it was dead, apparently it ran into a window at Moreland Hall on OSU's campus. Birds were out in abundance this morning, I feel happy and whole.

Ornithology blog in the works, it may pertain to people as well but I'm not sure yet. Eh, peace to you all.

First blog of the New Year

The holiday season was a blur of activity and creation. I sewed several gifts, with several more to complete! I need to remember next year to start my sewing earlier, but I say that every year and it never really changes. School starts up again on Monday. I've had to rearrange my schedule due to a job offer that I couldn't refuse. March 7 I'll be starting burrowing owl and curlew surveys in Boardman, OR. I'll be far from home but right on the Columbia River and surveying birds in a position that could turn into a graduate school opportunity. This term I'll be taking an Avian Museum Curation class, which I am excited to the nth degree about. Anyway, back to the grindstone . . . which likely means back to blogging.

I saw a bird a few days ago that I have yet to identify. Having used all of my resources I'm contacting my research adviser. It was awesome. It had a white crown, a white breast, streaked sides, yellow armpit patches, white wingbars and dark upperparts. This bird was about the size of a sparrow, but doesn't look like any sparrows that I know! I'll keep you posted.