dimitrig

Thank you!

This was today at my house near Joshua Tree. I think it might be a rock wren. It’s video but I included a still as well. RingVideo_20230923_220726.mp4

Taken last week near Joshua Tree National Park. The area has Leconte’s, Bendire’s, and California species I am going with California thrasher just based on the more brown versus gray coloration of Leconte’s.

Sighted today (5/29) near Joshua Tree. There were three of them together flocking with HOFI and even though they flew with the finches they tended to stick together. From a distance I thought Brewer’s blackbird because of the size and all-black coloration. However, I managed to get closer to see that they were not all-black but actually had a lighter brownish(?) head. Ah ha! Cow birds! Well, no. It turns out they had a ring around their neck and a lighter-colored bib as well. I have been birding this area for a decade and these were a first for me in this location, whatever they are. What are they? Second photo shows with HOFI in the shot to compare size.

I think these are American white pelicans but maybe also snow geese. They were very large. There were 22 of them flying in a V and then sometimes just circling on air currents in a disorganized manner. This was over Pasadena so pretty far inland (30 miles from the ocean) and not something I usually see.

It looks like a Robin to me. What might the alternatives be? None here in California. Not sure about Chicago.

It's too short, unfortunately.

I have had very good luck with the BirdNET App when it comes to IDing song and sounds. I tried SongSleuth and it was wrong more than it was right - often REALLY wrong. However, BirdNET is really great! It has even picked out two birds calling at the same time. I have been able to ID a lot more birds since I started using it, since I often hear birds before I see them and BirdNET gives me a good idea of what I might be looking for. It's not always able to make an ID and it is not 100% correct, but it's been a great tool to have in the arsenal for people like me who can't yet identify every call made by every bird.

Wow! Steady hands! Thanks for sharing!

Which might put the ID into question… That is why I asked.

I see that camera has a 65x zoom lens. Pretty nice for a P&S! You used a tripod, I assume?

I also have a house near Yucca Valley (Flamingo Heights) and I saw a Scott's this spring, too. Hooded is more common. Actually, in that area you can also see Bullock's as well for the trifecta! I have seen all three at my property over the years. I saw a Hooded just today. What makes it distinct isn't the yellow belly as much as the black head. If it's a yellow bird that is not a black-headed grosbeak but has a black head then it's a probably a Scott's oriole.

Very nice photos! What did you shoot this with?

Ontario, Canada or Ontario, California?

I would be interested in learning what defines this bird as a HOFI.

Taken April 13 at Huntington Library and Botanical Garden in San Marino, CA. Forwarded from a friend who actually took them and was present. She had no idea. It was drinking water or nectar from a Puya flower. House finches were doing the same. Doesn't seem like typical behavior, but I am going with a northern mockingbird that has gotten pollen all over its face. The second photo seals it for me. The first one is just VERY ODD. I can't imagine what else it could be? Orioles are common there, too, but coloration seems wrong for a female oriole.

Hey Chris! I am curious where this location is. I have a house in Flamingo Heights which is also about 8 miles north of Yucca Valley. If you don't mind sharing is this Landers/Yucca Mesa or the Pioneertown area?

Wrentits are larger than Bushtits. Also, Bushtits often call to each other while foraging (called "contact calls") while Wrentits generally don't. Bushtits also tend to flock in large numbers, although sometimes there are just one or two. Wrentits are almost always solitary or else a pair. There is almost no mistaking these two species for each other in the field because their size, behavior, and calls are so different from each other.

Agree. Looks like a California Towhee.

Almost certainly Hooded, especially if the male was spotted. They seem to often travel in pairs. Bullock's would also have more distinct wing bars and Hooded is more yellow underneath like this bird.

Yep! They are gulls alright!

Yes. Both females/immature.

If it was a Spotted Towhee it would be doing something like this and the part I circled is the wing?

Rats come to eat fallen seed and then I guess they need to nest SOMEWHERE. I mean, there is some truth to it, but it isn't my fault her attic isn't properly sealed and it's not like we're suddenly not going to have rats if I stop feeding the birds because of how many people have fruit trees around here. My dad used to sit in his backyard and shoot the squirrels because they ate all his fruit even as the neighbor was feeding them. Anyway, perhaps there is something like that going on here. That's why I asked. If this person ISN'T feeding the birds then to me it's a little more scary. A skull in the mailbox? If it's a kid doing it that kid needs to be identified, because it seems like a very disturbed person. Many serial killers start out with animal cruelty.

Where do you see that the head of the bird is and what do you think the part I circled is?