Ed Greding Loc: Texas

Hello Vicki. I want to thank you for identifying the "mystery bird" (mystery to me, anyway) as a young female Hooded Oriole. I found it in Peterson's "Field Guide to the Birds of Texas" (1960 ed., Plate 55). Except for the color and shape of the beak it looks to me just about like the female Western Tanager (same plate). I'm really more of a "frog man" and amateur astronomer than ornithologist, but there are lots of beautiful birds around here, and I need to learn at least some. One spectacular one I've seen is the Painted Bunting male---I never saw one until this summer, but now I have a few photos---none comparable to your fine work. Thank you again! ---Ed

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks Karin. I liked that shot, too. There was something about that old, rusty barbed wire and the little bird, drying from a recent bath that appealed to me.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Many thanks Bob. I'm glad you liked seeing a collection of our "locals."

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I get excited when the Hooded Orioles show up for the season. Most of our birds are rather plain with the exception of the Scrub Jays and Anna's Hummingbirds. In the marsh areas, we might find some interesting varieties like GBHs, Stilts and Avocets, but the majority are not very colorful.

I've found that as I try to get shots of different species, I feel compelled to learn their names to some extent. Sadly, I also get a bit lazy and don't always look them up. It's easier to ask others on the forum for IDs. I envy you your Painted Bunting. I've only seen them in photos.