Also for the record, I never had any doubt about Dave's ID of the bird. My concern was getting a handle on what this paticular bird looked like and how it looked different than a Baltimore. The illustrations I have looked at are sort of confusing and I hope(d) with some guidance from him, I could better understand the differences. I have never seen a Bullock's Oriole in any plumage so I was just looking for help, not bringing into question the validity of the sighting.
Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
Look at the Sibley page 519 of the 2000 edition.
For the record Dave Czaplak is one of the most careful birders I know, and if he reported a Bullock's and I had the time, I would chase it.
George
-----Original Message-----
From: George M. Jett <>
To:
Sent: Wed, Nov 25, 2009 11:54 am
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Bullock's Oriole in Montgomery
Look at the Sibley page 519 of the 2000 edition.
For the record Dave Czaplak is one of the most careful birders I know, and if he reported a Bullock's and I had the time, I would chase it.
George
----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Sussman" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 11:28 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Bullock's Oriole in Montgomery
Hmmm, seems an odd time of year to be brushing up on my orioles, but given the rather confusing plumage illustrations in the NatGeo guide, which shows immature Baltimores can have a dark patch under the bill (as well as George's description of that being a feature of 1st yr male Bullocks), and the note that Bullock's is a casual vagrant to the East, "most reports are of dull immature Baltimores" (National Geographic 5th edition), and given the fact that Stan et al have already this morning seen 3 Baltimores, well...
At any rate, I hope it hangs out till at least Friday, when I might have time for a chase!
Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
Dave can explain how he identified the bird in the field yesterday, but in the mean time on Bullock's females the underwing coverts are gray (grey for you Brits). Baltimore male and female underwing coverts would be pale yellow this time of year. The male Bullock's has black tips in the tail. Baltimore male don't have the black tail tips. The head on the Baltimore would also be darker but this might be hard to see in the field. The Bullock's has a lighter grayer back. First year male Bullock's should have a dark patch under the bill like a first year male Orchard.
George
-----Original Message-----
From: George M. Jett <>
To:
Sent: Wed, Nov 25, 2009 10:56 am
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Bullock's Oriole in Montgomery
Folks
Dave can explain how he identified the bird in the field yesterday, but in the mean time on Bullock's females the underwing coverts are gray (grey for you Brits). Baltimore male and female underwing coverts would be pale yellow this time of year. The male Bullock's has black tips in the tail. Baltimore male don't have the black tail tips. The head on the Baltimore would also be darker but this might be hard to see in the field. The Bullock's has a lighter grayer back. First year male Bullock's should have a dark patch under the bill like a first year male Orchard.
George
----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Sussman" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:57 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Bullock's Oriole in Montgomery
Hi Dave,
Could you post a brief description of the bird, please. How did it differ from, say, a fall immature male Baltimore Oriole? I've never seen one, so would be interested in what to look for (not that there might be another oriole in the same area, but you never know.). Thanks,
Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
At 3:30 today I briefly observed an immature male Bullock's Oriole at
ycamore Landing.
-----Original Message----- From: Mary Ann Todd <>
To:
Sent: Tue, Nov 24, 2009 6:56 pm
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Bullock's Oriole in Montgomery
At 3:30 today I briefly observed an immature male Bullock's Oriole at
ycamore Landing.
rom the parking lot at the end of Sycamore Landing Road walk upstream on
he towpath about 1/3 mile to where the last McKee-Besher field ends and the
urf farm begins. The bird was about 50yds beyond this point, feeding in the
all trees between the towpath and the turf farm. There are many tall trees
ere with small dark fruit (Cherries?) Hordes of Robins, Waxwings,
tarlings and a few Purps were feeding here. The oriole was loosely associated
ith
hese feeding flocks. After a minute it flew diagonally across the turf farm
nd into the tree row separating the last McKee-Besher field from the turf
arm, then a bit farther and out of sight. I watched these trees for the
ext half hour but did not see the bird again. The last field (which is west of
ycamore Landing Road and adjacent the parking area) is divided by three
ong hedge rows having lots of cover and berries. When I was there the center
f feeding activity seemed to be the row of trees and fruit running north
long the east edge of the turf farm. In past years I have seen Baltimore
rioles in this area a few times through December.
ndy Martin reminded me to check the firearm season for deer, which opens
his Saturday. There is bow hunting going on now, I think.
ave Czaplak
ermantown MD |