I was recently being conscientious and saving the nation's water supply (having an outdoor pee), when this tiny bird settled on a branch just a foot away from my nose.
I'd never seen anything like it before, and immediately consulted my bird book.
It's a Firecrest. The bright orange crest on its head raises up when singing or searching for a mate.
I'd not even heard the name Firecrest before, let alone seen one. When I consulted Wiki I found that it's also knows as the COMMON Firecrest, and is widespread throughout Europe. Well, you could have fooled me!
You learn something every day. Nice isn't it!
What a stunning bird to see while responding [twofold] to the call of nature! Thanks for sharing your bird with a birder here in Africa! Have a great day. Jo
ReplyDeleteAs a country boy I've always considered myself reasonably knowledgeable about wildlife, so this came almost as a shock.... a very pleasant shock.
DeleteIt's a lovely little bird. And what a magnificent name it has!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous isn't it.
DeleteNever seen that little chap before. Well done for identifying him. (I got attacked by a kookaburra last week - he tried to steal my sandwich.)
ReplyDeleteHow very exotic. I once had a Seagull steal a chip.
DeleteNow that's a pretty one I'd be proud of bagging. Long tailed tits are my favourite. On rare occasions I've seen them in Devon woodlands.
ReplyDeleteWe occasionally have a gang of Long Tailed Tits pass through the garden. They arrive in a flourish, rush around from tree to tree looking for insects, then disappear for another year. I didn't see them this year, but that doesn't mean they weren't here.
DeleteNow that's a sight I'd be keeping a beady eye open for!
DeleteWhat a little beauty - it certainly lives up to its name. Long tailed tits are my favourite too. The other morning I was standing by the nut feeder and a whole gang of them came and ignored me completely - just going about their business, tails sticking out in every direction - if only I had my camera to hand - isn't it always the way.
ReplyDeleteI try to remember mine at all times, as it's so small. But just when something interesting comes along.....
DeleteSuch a beautiful little bird. I have never seen or heard of them. I was thrilled a few days ago to see a kingfisher sitting on a branch above the river, only about 3 yards from where I was walking with the dog. There is usually a heron standing around on the bank too.
ReplyDeleteI saw a field-full of white Egrets last week.... got lost maybe?
DeleteThere are often one or two egrets along the river too.
DeleteVery cute little chap...indeed you do learn something every day.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness.
DeleteThat why I like blogging so much. We dont have that bird here but yeterday some people saw a big Amoo running in the streets of one the towns here.There is no end to the wonders of this world,
ReplyDeleteI've looked up 'Amoo' on Google, but nothing. Are you sure that's the right spelling?
DeleteIt is a big australian bird. Iam sure I did not spell it right as I do most of the time. I shall look again.The bird is Emu. Google told me at last.
DeleteThe day before there were 3 Rhinos running in the street of another town.
I shall now forever think of them as Amoos.
DeleteDo you think Yael is hallucinating?
DeleteI dont . They fiered the zoo gatekeeper really. It was in the newa here as if we dont have ather troubles,
Deletehow are you Rachel? we miss you in blogland,
Ignor my spelling and think of amoos.
DeleteRachel, why have you abandoned your page. Reinstate at once; I shall miss you.
DeleteI suffered a loss of confidence but I've recovered, I think.
DeleteHope you will come back.
Deleteyou can see the emu (amoo) and the rhnos in youtube- type "emu israel" and"rhino escape ramat gan".
sorry Cro for commenting so much here.
You can comment AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE Yael.
DeleteNever seen one! You were probably showing disrespect to its territory.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't peeing upwards!
DeleteLovely bird. Know of if but have never seen one.
ReplyDeleteMy faves are nuthatches and long tail tits. The long tail tits visits us mob-handed quite often and look like a game of kerplunk on a feeder.
I was wondering why you took a camera with you when you were peeing al fresco and then realised that you had downloaded the pic.
No, sadly not my pic..... Do the Long Tail Tits always behave like a bunch of hooligans? I've never seen them behaving otherwise.
DeleteWhat a treat to see one. I've seen a Goldcrest - which is similar but only once. Even the long tailed tits have abandoned us this winter so far. Just dozens of Norwegian blackbirds!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a thrill to see something new (to us) in nature. I saw my first bluebird a few years ago, even though I read that they are not uncommon in my area. And who doesn't burst out in a smile when they see a humming bird?
ReplyDeleteI love it when Mother Nature surprises us.
It's a lovely little thing.
ReplyDeleteGosh...lucky you were looking where you were going....happy new year!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling little bird! You'll have to be on the lookout for them now.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a cross between a wren and oriole. We don't have the Firecrest in Oklahoma.
ReplyDeleteWe very occasionally get one here Cro - I believe they are our smallest bird - but I agree, they are exquisite.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy cross comparing the birds I know to birds across the ocean. Your firecrest is a little gem.
ReplyDelete