ML208344761

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

This is the first record of Eastern Kingbird for Stanislaus County. The following information and photo were provided by Gary Zahm following his observation. "Details of observation: While driving around the North Page Field pasture, I observed a grey-black and white patterned songbird perched on the fence line adjacent to the dirt road. As I approached to within 20 feet, the bird flushed, flying directly away (sw direction) approximately 8 feet above the pasture. I immediately observed a white-tipped black tail through my binoculars. I watched the bird until it landed on a pasture cross fence, approximately 300 yards away. After stopping to assemble my camera system, I slowly drove the road until I was within 100 yards of the bird. I continued to observe the bird, which was perched on the fence wire providing me both side and rear views. After observing the bird for 2 minutes, I slowly drove another 30 yards and took several photos. The bird stayed on the fence wire, approximately 75 yards to the east of my position, during the entire time of observation. "How were similar species eliminated: The white-tipped tail eliminated the Eastern Phoebe; the white throat and larger size eliminated the Black Phoebe (which was also present/observed at the location); the black and [white] plumage eliminated the Western Kingbird (one of which was also perched on the same fence line, but 30 yards from the bird). "Optics used: 10 x 42 Bausch and Lomb Discoverer binoculars; Canon 70D with Canon 100-400 mm lens "View conditions: Observations made between 20 and 255 feet; early afternoon full sun light with sun behind observer; 85 degrees; 10% cloud cover; 5-10 mph nnw wind. "Photo taken: Several images, but only 1 good image saved." Submitted by Harold Reeve on February 9, 2020.

Technical information

Dimensions

1024 pixels x 724 pixels

Original file size

149.5 KB