ML32662011

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

While birding along Dexter Street, 100 yds west of Redwood (this is mostly across the large lake from the main warbler spot), I first spotted a contrasty solitary-type vireo fly into a thick tree and lost it soon after. My first impression was Cassin's (the species I am most familiar with). After several minutes of being unable to relocate it, I tried CAVI playback. It flew in and I was able to capture the video posted below. Soon after it sang about 10 phrases, some of which I caught on video. I lost it again, and tried BHVI playback. Again, it flew in, giving more looks. It responded with equal agitation I would say. I see a contrasting dark head. The throat is white and the contrast along the malar line is strong, though not overly so. I would probably expect a BHVI to have stronger contrast. The back is more gray than green, which is probably also why I don't get a BHVI impression in spite of a semi-strong contrasting malar. There is a good amount of yellow/green on the underparts, especially the flanks and undertail. Definitely not a Plumbeous. The song (faint) in the 1st video is quite burry, just like a CAVI. BHVI would be more clear. The 2nd video shows the bird closely. It looks the most constrasting in this video (compare some of the photos to see it in different light) I know there was a bright vireo seen regularly on the other side of the lake in late October. This might be it, or might be a new one. But I feel this one can be ID'd safely as a Cassin's Vireo. Videos & photos at: www.flickr.com/photos/nightjar

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

ISO

400

Focal length

215 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/60 sec

Dimensions

2732 pixels x 1756 pixels

Original file size

1.78 MB