Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor happily reports a discovery. The other night my son and I went for a walk in the woods. Not far in, we were hailed by a bird whose song is long indeed. It’s a beautiful,…

Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor mentions cardinals. I can’t recall seeing a cardinal in Nova Scotia. I have seen one, outside Detroit in 1984 on a summer vacation. It was perched on a clothesline in a backyard; the old man…

Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor mentions a new-found resource. Amidst the bustle of summer, a copy of Lone Pine’s Birds of Canada appeared on a shelf here. I’ve noticed it a couple of times but haven’t had time to examine…

Self-tutoring about bird watching: the tutor relates a seasonal event. I mention Steller’s jay back in my post from Oct 6, 2017. Yesterday, I heard a sudden squawk outside a screen door. I quickly looked out to see a Steller’s…

Self-tutoring about bird lifestyle: the tutor reports an observation. I recall robins on the lawn during rain, but what about other birds? My gut says I seldom see them. This morning, after I turned on a sprinkler, I noticed a…

Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor mentions an encounter Back on September 5, 2017, I mention looking at a goose across a lake in Nanaimo. At the same place this morning, I noticed a red winged blackbird. I heard the bird…

Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor gives commentary. Yesterday I spent about five hours in the yard, catching up on chores. Early on, I heard a flushing sound, but couldn’t place it. Yet, it was energetic: I wondered why I could…

Self-tutoring about bird watching: the tutor continues about the Eurasian collared-dove. Back on April 2, 2016, I ID a Eurasian collared-dove. They’re prominent here; I recognize their owl-like cooing often. Lately I’ve been hearing a squawking sound; what could it…

Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor continues about the white-crowned sparrow. Back in my post from April 26, 2016, I finally notice a white-crowned sparrow. Recently I’ve been alerted to a certain bird call. Doubtless I’ve heard it for years, but…

Self-tutoring about bird watching: the tutor follows up about the black-capped chickadee. I mention a black-capped chickadee in my post from April 15, wherein I mention that some sources don’t acknowledge its presence here. Apparently, others report seeing black-capped chickadees…