this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2026
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Two mysteries solved (lemmy.ca)
submitted 21 hours ago by CosmicGoat@lemmy.ca to c/birding@lemmy.world
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Two bird learnings for today. I've had trouble identifying a couple of birds for a long while. Using a telephoto lens really helped.

  1. 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).

  2. 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.

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[–] Tempus_Fugit@lemmy.world 2 points 20 hours ago (1 children)

Kinglets and Juncos are great. Do provide some Junco photos if you can. They're my favorite sparrow.

[–] CosmicGoat@lemmy.ca 3 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago) (1 children)

I had hoped, but I suffered a series of unfortunate events and could not get my camera to connect to the app on my phone. It's really hard to get a good shot with a telephoto lens when you have to touch the camera. I'm surprised this kinglet came out as well as it did. But now that I know what I'm looking at and the app is theoretically reconnected, I should be able to get some better photos in the future.

There were so many birds in the group today. Bluebirds, junco, kinglet, cardinal, titmice, downy woodpecker, carolina wren, yellow rump warbler, and white throated sparrow.

I think that I saw a black and white warbler, but it really shouldn't be here right now. So more likely a downy. Wish I had my binos to get a good look.

[–] Tempus_Fugit@lemmy.world 2 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago) (1 children)

That's quite the list of birds, good stuff. Does your camera not have IBIS?

[–] CosmicGoat@lemmy.ca 3 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Unfortunately, not this camera. It relies on lens-based stabilization (if one has lenses that do that). And the telephoto lense I was using is from a much, much older camera that I bought an adapter for. Someday, when the gods bestow upon me wealth, I'll be able afford the nice things. Until then, I just have to be really really still. 😁

[–] Tempus_Fugit@lemmy.world 4 points 18 hours ago

Don't hesitate to buy used. I bought a 14 year old Olympus E-M1 for $300 and a 75-300mm zoom for another $300 on eBay. Not the cheapest, but probably the most affordable way to get decent gear.

[–] marighost@piefed.social 1 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

...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.

[–] CosmicGoat@lemmy.ca 2 points 18 hours ago

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. 🙃

Now I finally recognize the less royal variety. 🤪

Someday, when I grow up, I'll be a real birder and this will be so much easier. 💜