ML623116832

Observation details

I first noticed the bird as it flew over the field and landed in a dead snag along the cliffs ~160 yards away. I thought it might be the juvie Northern Mockingbird so I got my scope out. When I saw the bird, I immediately noticed a yellow underside and a gray head. I have experience with Western Kingbirds this year in North Dakota and I was sure it was one. When I tried to get a picture, it disappeared. About 10 minutes later, I saw it flying out over the field frequently diving into the grass and then perching in a tree. While it was in the tree I was able to digiscope it. I also noticed the outer edges of the black tail were white. The head was a light gray, not dark like Cassin’s, and the white/light gray below was not confined to a tear drop shape like a Cassin’s. I hope the bird sticks for others to see! First county record since 2003, when Terry Mosher had one probably attempting to hybridize with an Eastern Kingbird.