Did y’all get some snow last night? We probably got a half inch of snow plus a total of .55″ in the rain bucket. Very nice!!
The snow came down heavy at 8pm as documented here! However by 10pm the sidewalk’s snow had melted.
Still the snow was on the grass early in the morning!
Rabbit tracks were some of those found on the morning walk.
A Eurasian Collared Dove visited. Furthermore it has been a long time since one had visited our yard. This species only arrived recently in the US. The first documented breeding pair was in Florida in 1982. Since then it has spread rapidly across the country.
So talking about birds, an irruptions refer to the movement of northern species to the south for food. Snowy Owls and Redpolls are among the species that will irrupt. Today, we had a new species. But don’t start flocking to my house just yet. 😉
My goodness and to think I had walked passed it on this morning walk. Surely I was still asleep. But then again this species is rarely documented or seen. Furthermore, scientists have not even been able to assess their true numbers.
Carefully and very quietly I was able to get close. It must be resting here as I could not see its eyes. Was this one an even rarer albino? So to know if it is an albino, it will have pink eyes. Patience I tell myself.
Slowly it open its eyes and raised it crest. In fact, not an albino. Oh my gosh it was the White Crested Snowbird, Cristia snowii! This spectacular species is only found when there is snow. How lucky could I get. For sure this maybe only known photos of it in the world?
Carefully and quietly I watched this lone rare bird stop at the birdbath.
My heart was racing. Would it want to make a home here?
Consulting with a wise friend.
The snow patch was melting fast, but still there were plenty of seeds on the ground to nourish it. We needed to go to town. Pulling myself away, the little guy was going to be on its own for awhile.
Oh it had been so magical, but the White Crested Snowbird had flown. Additional observation to note in the future (if I see one again or if you do), watch for how it moves around. In fact, I was never able to see its legs or feet. Maybe they were really tiny. I can only speculate. In summary, I am happy that I can add new data for this rare species. So now we know it sleeps with its crest down. 🙂
Irruptions are usually triggered by food shortage. However, I wonder if the White Crested Snowbird is more of where the snow falls?? Perhaps more evidence and data will be discovered in the future by scientists. In the mean time, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the White Crested Snowbird in your yard. 😉
Keep looking!
The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know
Love a fairy tale -fun unique clever tale!
Cool snowbird😂😂and what a great story. Hope you see it again someday.
🤞🏼🤞🏼🤣
Very very cute!
Also nice to see some snow pics.
I take it you didn’t get any 🙁
You are crazy! Love the snow bird.
What can I say…. 😉