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CIS | all galleries >> ::TRAVELS *Near & Far*:: >> Sao Miguel, Azores > Out for a Stroll
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© CIS

Out for a Stroll

Such a tiny bird, the next shot gives you a better idea of scale.


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David 04-Mar-2010 02:17
This is almost certainly a Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs moreletti), which is a common bird on the islands. Another bird, the Wild Canary (or Atlantic Canary or Island Canary as it is also known), now sadly in decline, was once one of the most common birds on the island. It's song is magical, particularly when heard in one of the lakes, such as Lagoa do Fogo or Sete Cidades, adding an almost mystical effect to the place. Another sound that I remember so clearly were the cowbells in the distance, while the cows grazed the steep green inclines of the lakes. The only other time I have heard a similar sound was in Switzerland. And finally, back on the subject of birds, I once remember seeing another species, the "milhafre", or common buzzard, sometimes known locally as the round-winged eagle, or Açor (its archaic name), which gave its name to the islands! I saw it in all its majestic glory on the side of the road, just after a kill, on the brow of the crater of the lake of Sete Cidades. Majestic yet dwarfed by the clouds pouring across the road and down into the crater like a gigantic mass of ghostly liquid, as they so often do at the end of the day there.
CIS18-Feb-2007 05:17
Thank you all very much!!!
John, you are probably right that it's a Chaffinch. I did ask Luis, who lives on the island but unfortunately he didn't know.
John R. Powell16-Feb-2007 20:04
Carol..I've studied this little bird for some time. It's a Chaffinch, I'm sure of that. I can't make up my mind which sex it is though. It's either a dull coloured male, or a brightly coloured female. It may be a juvenile male, that would depend on what time of year you took the photo I guess. I suppose it could even be a regional variant. Good capture anyway.

John
Kathy Pedersen16-Aug-2006 00:21
I love his little stride!!! Voted
Christin Tröger15-Aug-2006 19:59
Terrific capture!
Guest 13-Aug-2006 18:00
Excellent timing, Carol. This is a sweet one!
Martha Albuquerque11-Aug-2006 20:50
what a beautiful catch, Carol! he is walking so beautifuly! V.
De'Carr Studio11-Aug-2006 14:13
Looks like the "Tennesee Bird Walk" nice catch, Carol.
QUERIDO11-Aug-2006 06:54
Nice shot
Barb11-Aug-2006 00:55
Neat capture. Vote.
Mostafa Moftah10-Aug-2006 22:48
walking in a leisurely way.. so nice. ~V~
carabias10-Aug-2006 19:18
Beautiful. I love. Vote.
laine8210-Aug-2006 15:17
Quite the little soldier isn't he...made me smile !!
Bonnie 10-Aug-2006 14:24
Walking down this lonely road....
You don't have to walk alone....
Cute, like how you caught him
in mid-stride. :) ~Bon