This is a companion to my other Bird of the Day blog, which focuses on birds I have seen in Victoria, Canada.

With the amount of time we have been spending in London lately, I decided it was time to get out my camera and broaden my knowledge of birds of England.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula 


Appearance:
Medium-sized diving duck 
White flanks, breast and belly 
White patches on secondaries 
Yellow eyes 
Male: 
     Dark iridescent-green head
     Black back, wings and tail 
     Round white patch on face below eye 
     White scapulars with black striping 
     Black bill 
Female: 
     Chocolate brown head 
     Gray back, wings and tail 
     Yellow tip on black bill 

 


I don't know about you but I find these feet rather funny looking. The contrast between the orange feet and black webbing make the toes stand out in a way that I've never noticed before. Very odd!
 


Learn more about the Goldeneye

Monday, August 15, 2016

Woodpigeon

Columba palumbus

Appearance:
Large pigeon
Mostly gray with pinkish breast
White collar/patches on sides of neck
Iridescent green/purple patch above collar
Black tip on tail
White wing patch
Yellow eye
Pink legs and bill
Juvenile:
     Browner than adults
     No white on neck

I read somewhere that the Woodpigeon, which is common throughout the UK, is equivalent in size to approximately forty Blue Tits.  That is one big pigeon!

Learn more about the Woodpigeon.     

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis



Appearance:
Medium-sized goose
Creamy-white face
Black head, neck and upper breast
White belly
Silver-gray wings and back with black and white bars 
Black tail
White rump patch 

 Just me and the geese enjoying another sunny day at the park.

Learn more about the Barnacle Goose