Two bird learnings for today. I've had trouble identifying a couple of birds for a long while. Using a telephoto lens really helped.
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There's a variety of little birds that have thrown me off for some time. I could never quite pin them down until today, when I finally got a good look at the back of their heads and realized they were Ruby-crowned Kinglets! I never had binos or a good lens on hand when I see them and, without the red crown flaring, I missed the subtle red dot. Mystery solved! (I'll include a meh photo I took today that shows the elusive red spot).
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Turns out those dark little birds have been Dark-eyed Junco all along. I had presumed they would be larger, which I need to stop doing for birds. I was also getting confused by their variety in color. Thanks to their pink beaks and song, I think I finally have them down now. Another mystery solved.
...are you me? Literally today I learned that the little elusive fellow at my patio was a Ruby crowned Kinglit!! For awhile I thought it was a small warbler with out-of-season colors. Hope for both of us they stick around so we can see their crowns.
Yay! That's been my struggle too! Good for you!
I've only ever seen a kinglet's crown once, about 15 min car ride from home. At the lovely park, I got to see him for a while. A lovely bird. ๐
Now I finally recognize the less royal variety. ๐คช
Someday, when I grow up, I'll be a real birder and this will be so much easier. ๐