Unidentified bird found at Mclaughlin Bay

[Stargazer0310]

I am immensely puzzled by this guy(or lady?). Any idea?

[norman]

Insomnia again ... If it isn't a first-year male melanin-deprived Orchard Oriole, I'll eat a sandwich or something nutritious. Last time, I had to renege on devouring a cat on an odd-angle shot of a Great-crested Flycatcher ... so I'm trying to be less dramatic I.D.'ing photos/digital images.

Any singing (nice musical jumble) or call notes? I saw one (two or more years old male) at Ashbridge's earlier this month, and remember its call was pretty gentle compared to the Baltimore. The Orchards flick their tail a bit at times.

Seem to like it up here; more reports practically every year.

[GStuart]

A first year male Orchard Oriole would have a black throat (hence your qualification of melanin deprived) and be a more yellowy-green colour.  But that still doesn't account for the white in the wings.  I think that you will find it is a female Baltimore Oriole.

[Anonymous]

I 2nd a female Baltimore Oriole....

Norman, hope everything is ok - insomnia isn't a thing to be taken lightly mate.

Attila

[Stargazer0310]

Thanks for all your comments. I don't think I heard it sing and it was flying back and forth adding more material to the nest. It sat regularly in the nest. Does this information help to determine the sex? :?

Thanks.

Kuan

[Anonymous]

Nest building is a role for both parents, however with the bird sitting on the nest I'd say she's guaging comfort (females generally incubate the eggs) and is building the nest according to her comfort level.

[GStuart]

The nest itself is a pendulous basket and clearly designed by an oriole.  The males of both common oriole species have dark heads.  Your lady does not.

[norman]

Grilled cheese and onion, with a blob of jalapeno salsa. Yummy.

I'm in the middle of packing for the big move on the weekend, and my reference books and guides are ... somewhere in a box. I really shouldn't jump in on photo quizzes -- I'm 0 for 2 here so far, and the public humiliation which is sure to follow may be more than I can bear.


Thanks, Attila, for your concern about the infernal insomnia, and your all-around decency on this one. My aunt, should she find this thread, would start spiking my tea with her lithium carbonate again. Then I start reporting Fiery-billed Aracaris and F-104 Starfighters and the ambulance would be at the door again.

I should lie down now.