ML487615051

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Woah, Walla Walla, Washington white wagtail! Approved by the WBRC. The 14 WA record, 2nd for Eastern WA, and first for Walla Walla County. Also, to my knowledge, the most inland record on the US side of the Pacific NW. Seen from 12:42 until 12:53. Not seen again despite many looking. Distinguished from other white-faced wagtail species by the thin black stripe through eye. Presumed to be ocularis by the adult plumage with gray back. This bird lacked the extensive white primaries characteristic of black-backed/lugens. It appeared to be in the process of molting as the throat was mostly white. In flight I could see the long tail with white outer tail feathers. Each time it flew I could hear its unique call, a repeated high-pitched “chissik” or “tze-tseep.” Behavior was like a pipit, bobbing around while it foraged in the mud along the edge of the basin. I had some good views through binos and scope but it stayed far off making photos challenging. This is a restricted access site and birders shouldn't go past the no trespassing sign without permission.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D7200

ISO

360

Focal length

600 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/1000 sec

Dimensions

918 pixels x 562 pixels

Original file size

373.28 KB