I like birding in winter. The colder the better. It’s bracing. And there are no bugs. Trouble is, there are no birds. Well, not entirely. There are birds. But they’re the same most days. On the unfrozen parts of the river in the woods near my home there’s the breed of urban Canada Geese we get, and they might migrate if forced, but we usually see them through the winter. There are sparrows and winter-versions of American Goldfinches that look like sparrows. And Dark-eyed Juncos, etc. I’m hoping for a Snowy Owl, but usually strike out.
This is winter birding, and it’s not the subject of today’s sighting. Instead, the subject is the Bananaquit. Go ahead. Say it: Bananaquit. Fun, huh?
I generally have trouble with bird names because they can be goofy. Like “Pied-billed Grebe,” or any “grebe.” Grebe? C’mon. There’s “Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.” You don’t want to say that. And what about “Tufted Titmouse?”
Maybe Bananaquit overlaps into this category of idiosyncratic birdy-sounding names. I prefer two-fisted names like “Raven,” “Robin,” “Crow,” and “Barn Owl.” “Eagle” is good. But when you put “Bald” or “Golden” in front of it, you feel a little too picky. Anyway, why are we talking about Bananaquits?
Because it’s freezing! Bird sightings are few. And when I stand in the cold my mind wanders back to a rain forest on a hillside in Jamaica where I saw a Bananaquit. I’m not real conversant with tropical birds, but there’s a side of me that remembers what I’ve seen in bird books. This is inexplicable; I’m usually not good with book lore.
But as soon as this yellow and black, plump and hyper little bird showed up, I said “Bananaquit.” I don’t know how it got its name, but there were banana trees in its range. I don’t see the connection, and I’m not going to research it. I do know there are other birds with the “quit” suffix in their names. Maybe somebody out there can explain what it means.
Bananaquit. It does roll off the tongue. Even if you’re only saying it in your mind. And it takes your mind off the cold, transports you to the jungle with its bird song, insect hum, trees, vines and flowers, happy shirtless people, hummingbirds of all kinds, even rare hummingbirds with great long tails that stream behind. Saw one of them, too. The Jamaicans call it “Doctor Bird” and it’s something of a national symbol there.
But that’s another story. The story for now is, a half-frozen guy at a half-frozen river in the the Midwest, with no birds to report. But a Bananaquit to think about.
B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T!
You snagged me with the banana-quit…i wanted to say it, too. Reminded me of my tropical bird quest this morning, as i walked out the newly opened bird-walk, up on piers, meandering along the ma’alea shore on Maui. And the only birds spotted, the hawaiian stilts, they were impressive with their spindly yellow legs stepping through the pond.
Earlier this week I spotted a red cardinal walking in my small condo yard, so bright and magnificent. Mostly in the first light of morning, I hear the calling dove, then a screech from the mynah…they rule. Looking forward to being here during winter, to see who comes to visit.