After the storm passed, the yard was completely flooded and this little bird was on the picnic table bench dancing. He was flashing his tail like a wren and bobbing about. I thought it was one of the Carolina Wrens until I saw the barring on its chest. I took this blurry pic through a wet window. It scared him to death and he ran along the bench and hopped to the next one. I didn't try taking any more pictures. Can you tell what kind of bird it is?
Fuzzy picture, but from the appearance and what sounds like tail-bobbing, a migrating waterthrush... can't say which.
He's still out there. I was worried that he couldn't fly, but I just saw him fly, so he's OK. He almost swings his tail like a golf club or a bucket of water. I just took another pic but it's worse than the first. I saw him eating bugs from the patio and he was swinging his tail the whole time.
I think you're right about waterthrush. Here's one more terrible picture. It's still really dark out, so I can't get a good pic. Actually, the sun should be setting soon and yet it's brighter than it's been all day. The problem here was the reflection on the window. I just love watching this bird though!
Definitely with that bright white eyebrow. Is that a new one for you El?
Yep! Wish I knew which one so I could mark it in my book. Isn't that just silly? Maybe a Louisiana Waterthrush?
Yep, a waterthrush, but I fear impossible to be sure which. With any luck it'll still be there tomorrow for better pics. Try to get a front-on pic to see if the throat is streaked like the breast, or more white.
Resin
Look for buffy flanks (Louisiana) vs. white flanks on Northern. Also longer eyebrow on Louisiana, becoming broader toward the shoulder...
Actually, as I look at it again, I think it's a Louisiana - longer, "wedge-shaped" eyebrow is visible in last photo. Unclear if flank is buffy though.
This message was edited Apr 17, 2009 5:40 PM
OK, thanks! Fingers crossed for return of the bird, better weather and a front-on shot!
