Monday, January 28, 2013
Wish Fulfilled
It appears my long-time wish for a Baltimore Oriole ID on the property. Back on January 9 I reported a mysterious new visitor that might have been a Baltimore Oriole. Unfortunately I had two poor images and the city naturalist was unable to confirm that, or any other ID. But he did say an Oriole would be most likely. At last I found a good photograph of what can only be the same bird. Let's step through the identification. First, the yellow head. My only prospects for winter in the southeast would be a Pine Warbler, which I know well, or the B.O. The tail is consistent with an immature female Baltimore Oriole, as is the wing pattern. And we are confined to the 1st fall female: an adult female would have a dark head and darker tail. And the range and bill shape are consistent. I'm sold: a Baltimore Oriole it is, and a young bird that may remember the good pickings here. With luck she'll visit until my fruiting shrubs are mature enough allowing a real Oriole feast. The future may hold such wonders. Wish: fulfilled.
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