I had this lovely flier land on one of the Large Oaks in my yard last Sunday. I had my camera with me and clicked the photo above. I went back into the house and thumbed through my well worn copy of Peterson’s field guide (1980 edition). I was 80% sure of my identification and posted the results on a current diary I hosted Sunday. I was proud to display my discovery.
Well — A kind and thorough discussion ensued. My thanks to OceanDiver and nookular for the input. It was decided that I was incorrect and my research material contributed to the error. Upon further review and much consideration, I now find the bird in question is not a Rough-winged Swallow but indeed is an Eastern Bluebird. Here is a photo of mine from earlier of an Eastern Bluebird.
If you, like I did, can’t find any blue on the title photo, be not dismayed. Here are my thoughts.
1) Females and juveniles have less blue than the adult males.
2) It is possible that the bird that visited on Sunday was a refugee (migrant) from an area where the diet was poor, weather conditions were possibly harsh and other species created too much pressure. Diet and toxins contribute to the richness (or lack) of birds coloring.
Here is a photo I took of a juvenile that was born here in Mississippi. This is a well fed fledgling, less pressured by other species and living in a more idyllic environment. The blue on it’s wings are visible as is the orange breast.
It is obvious to me that I need to update my reference material. I can’t make an accurate identification of modern birds with antiquated information, (something politicians need to do on current social issues). I must also consider the source of the migrants that enter my area. Mississippi is a major throughway for migration and I need to be more diligent to consider conditions in other parts of the country that the birds have had to endure.
The thrill of birding is contagious. Accuracy in identification, for the serious birder, is paramount. Sharing correct data is needed when swapping any collectable item between enthusiast.
Thanks for letting me explain this point. Putting these ideas to use will give me better info to provide for you. Until the next time we meet, I’ll have my eye to the sky.