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Daily Bucket - When is a yellow bird not a Goldfinch? [1]
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Date: 2023-01-12
I will offer this answer to my title question; when there is a variety of species during migration period.
I drove out to Sardis Lake on Jan. 9th, to check on new birds for my 2023 state ID list. I even got a few new species. But of course, there was a yellow flash in the tree that demanded my focus. The camera took a few good shots where I aimed.
same bird as the title photo, different twig.
Different bird, same tree.
I had my Sibley Guide with me but didn’t take the time to hunt for the “ bird at hand ”. I took some more photos of movement in the trees. Here is one of those shots.
More markers here to identify this bird than I thought possible.
I had to do a deep dive when I got home to Id the bird above. #1 — shape of tail tip, #2 color of stripes on tail ( width/orientation considered ), #3 wing length, #4 feet color, #5 beak color, #6 eye ring and shading (pattern) around head. This is a female Pine Warbler, non-breeding.
But, wait! I have another photo that caused me to question my ID choice.
Female Goldfinch (non-breeding) Feb. 2022
The head, tail and wing length are the keys to the Goldfinch Id above (beside the fact she was with a flock). But then, there was this other photo of the female Pine Warbler I photographed on Jan 9th.
After grooming, the Pine Warbler settled down (for a brief moment).
Well, Hell’s Bells! I looked through all my Warbler, Vireo and Finch photos to confirm my guess. Here are some of my comparison shots.
female Goldfinch non-breeding plumage Feb. 2020
female Yellow-throated Vireo, summer 2022
male adult Goldfinch non-breeding plumage Feb. 2022
Prothonortary Warbler breeding plumage 2019
female Orchard Oriole breeding plumage, Summer 2022
adult male Pine Warbler, Summer 2022
I am satisfied that I got this one right. My “ Nook’s nudge “ had become a “ self shove “ and I feel pretty good about this exercise. I only stumbled a few times along the way with no scrapes, cuts or boo-boos that show.
As an added bonus, here is a video of birds in slow motion.
A 30% chance of rain today with temperatures moderate (even warm for this time of year). I am seeing more birds trickle into the area as the days grow longer (ish).
What discoveries have you made in your area?
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