This song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is looking at me funny because I was pishing. "Pishing" means to make a "psshh-psshh" sound with your mouth to encourage birds to show themselves. This sound is (or so it is thought) similar to the scold of a bird warning danger, such as a cat or hawk in the area. Rather than run for cover, though, many birds can't resist popping out of the brush for a peek at what the hubub is about, like rubbernecker gawking at a passing ambulance. Once they've had a look, they flit back into hiding. Birders use a variety of such sounds, including noisily kissing the back of the hand, or using a little wooden squeaker.

posted: 2011-12-07 15:00:12 • Comments (0)

EXIF DATA:
Camera Model: NIKON D90
Focal Length: 300 mm
Exposure: 1/500 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 800
Flash: Not Fired