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It is with pride and excitement that I submit to the Puddlebean Ornithological Society the following pictures that I was lucky enough to be able to make of a bird species that is, I believe, previously unknown to these islands, although they are common enough in The Far Isles. This species is a lesser species of the tit family I believe, although those who are more expert in these matter than I must, of course, have the final say.
This shy and unassuming bird is rarely seen in the Lok'Groton Isles, but can be observed by the careful ornithologist in open habitat.
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| A rare sighting of the red-crested tit in the South Field |
Rocky beaches seem to form part of the usual habitat of this species.
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| The red-crested tit is not a garrulous bird, but careful and patient observation will be rewarded. It's song is generally known for its simplicity and beauty, and is renowned in legend in the Far Isles, where this bird is more commonly observed. It is written that the Beauteous Empress Hermaghite the Third (in those ancient days when the Far Isles were an independent kingdom) was moved to tears upon hearing the sweet call of the red-crested tit one morning during sunrise. Since that time, the song of the red-crested tit has been used as a poetic metaphor for courtly love and muscial inspiration. |  |
| The red-crested tit mates for life, and can often be seen in mating couples (see the panel on the right). The amorous constancy of this species has tended to reinforce its identification with the ideals of courtly love, and led to the adoption of the red-crested tit upon the crest of sir Bormalid, a famous knightly paragon of the last century, renowned in verse and song for his chivalrous and amorous accomplishments.
When in a mating frenzy, the call of the red-crested tit can reach volumes surprising to the unsuspecting observer (see below).
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