June 04, 2006
Hoopoe!
I saw a hoopoe yesterday. Doug is upset. He doesn't begrudge me seeing it but he really, really hates that he didn't see it.
I don't begrudge. Because I love.
A hoopoe is sort of the Old World's attempt at a roadrunner. Here's a good picture. They aren't as specialized as roadrunners, but on the other hand they have a much larger geographic range. They like steppes and savanna best, but can turn up pretty much anywhere between the Himalayas and the Rhine.
It isn't a /very/ rare bird. But it's thinly spread across its range, and is unusual and striking -- a welcome addition to any birder's life list.
On the plus side, I got to hear a nightingale singing this morning. I'd never heard a nightingale before! Wow, are they loud. No wonder the poets got started.
The river valley also sheltered hundreds of white wagtails, Motacilla alba. Charming little black-and-white birds, very fearless.
But anyway. No hoopoe. This time.
Doug M.