ML626426658

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

This excellent bird was found here earlier in the day by Julie Doerr. When we arrived, it was actively foraging along the paved edge of the entrance channel, picking through the barnacle-covered concrete. It was fairly tame and not evidently disturbed by the group of 15-20 birders who were watching it. Overall, the bird was structurally similar to a pipit, but it had a very long, black tail that was frequently bobbed up and down. The upperparts were generally gray and unmarked, though the coverts were lined extensively in white, and the underparts were cleanly whitish-gray below. The head was characterized by a dark eyeline, a pale whitish supercilium, an indistinct dark outline to the auricular area, and a pale whitish throat--notably, the head was extensively washed in an interesting pale yellowish tone. When combined with the short, dark bill, the face often reminded me (Kellen) of a Black-throated Green Warbler. A large, black, u-shaped bib lined the throat and extended about mid-way down the breast, and the outermost tail feathers were white. The bird flew from the channel entrance a few times, apparently landing somewhere on the road near the Cypress Patch. It frequently called in flight, often producing a loud, two-syllable "chi-pitt" noise, and always came back to the edge of the channel. So surreal to see one of these casually foraging in Humboldt County.

Technical information

Camera

Microphone

Accessories

Original file size

40.97 MB