ML609910950
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
- Playback
- Not specified
Observation details
Encountered this bird with a mixed flock of House Finches, Black-throated Sparrows, and Cactus Wrens midway along the switchbacks as the ascent towards Picacho Peak began on the Sunset Vista Trail, here (32.6339890, -111.4048480). This is about a 2-mile hike from the parking lot, so definitely not an easy chase, although the hiking was pretty easy up to this point (a different story beyond this point!). This bird was a female oriole, identified as such and separated from other possibilities such as a female tanager by long tail and long, slender bill. As far as Orchard vs Hooded, this bird appeared small (not much larger than nearby Black-throated Sparrows) and was richly yellow on the entire undersides, as well as the tail. The tail appeared relatively short, compared to the long tail of a Hooded. I also heard vocalizations, which were husky "chuk chuk" calls, rather than the thin "chet-chet" calls of a Hooded. I watched the bird through binoculars at a moderate distance, before it moved further along the slope with the mixed flock. I thought I had missed my chance for documentation, but did manage a few distant photos, which I hope are sufficient to support my observations detailed above. I also got a sound recording, again distant, which Merlin identified as Red-winged Blackbird. Not accurate, but I think supports my assertion of "husky" call notes. The bird then rounded the ridge to the east, away from me, and I was unable to relocate it (the trail went in the opposite direction).
Technical information
- Recorder
- Microphone
- Accessories
- Original file size
- 2.13 MB