ML611963481

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Amazing first New Jersey record, first East Coast record (furthest east previously was in Wyoming). Similar in proportion and shape to an Eastern Bluebird but smaller with namesake vibrant blue tail and orange flanks, white eye-ring more prominent at the back of the eye, small beak, white throat, and tan head and back. Observed first 11:57 on a twig near the ground, 13:38 as flew about 20 feet up in a pine (nicely sunlit). Later observed in the homeowner's yard at 14:48 in brambles, and finally best view in the backyard with 3 other birders for about a minute almost in the open 15:01. Several times I saw the Bluetail bobbing its tail while perched. The bird was chased consistently in the woods behind the house by a hermit thrush. Thanks so much to the kind and helpful homeowner and finder Harry Riker who reported the bird yesterday!! Congratulations!! Thank you to the fellow birders who pointed out the bird in the backyard and were extra helpful and kind. Lifer!! Photos to follow.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D500

Lens

200.0-500.0 mm f/5.6

ISO

4000

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/500 sec

Dimensions

5000 pixels x 3620 pixels

Original file size

11.43 MB