ML632691952

Observation details

Four different observations/photo series over a nine minute period, just after noon. First observation was distant and backlit, and I had low expectations that it would be a zone tail. It reappeared a couple of minutes later, and as it got closer I eventually realized that it was in fact a zone tail. It left the area again and then it came back fairly close. Undoubtedly my best ZTHA encounter since birding Ojai for five years, and the only time with a camera. Solo, not in the company of vultures. About 2 1/2 miles up, in a valley/meadow area maybe half a mile shy of the upper cow grate. Comparing with the photo taken at Casitas by Lynn Oldt two months ago, I’m wondering if this is a different individual. It’s quite beat up, compared to that bird and it has a different colored cere. Fingertip primaries are worn and broken. Third from left leading edge is missing 1/3. Fifth from right leading edge is missing 1/2. Missing at least two tail feathers, but slight gap is seen only when tail is spread. Feet are bright, pale yellow. Cere is bright, white or cream, and large. UPDATE: I was unaware of the sighting and pictures by Steve Neely four days prior in the same general area. I'm confident it is the same bird.