Quite embarrassingly, the consensus is Northern Mockingbird.  I had thought it was a mockingbird but rejected it based on the eye ring and that it wasn't acting very mockingbird-like, sitting all upright and quiet.  

 


 Geez, I've been birding long enough you wouldn't think I'd be fooled like this but ... there you have it.

Thanks to everyone who responded!!
Sarah

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Norm Saunders <>
To: 
Sent: Mon, Jan 3, 2011 7:52 am
Subject: RE: [MDOSPREY] Blackwater NWR, bird ID help needed


Have you considered Northern Mockingbird?

Norm

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Sarah Anderson
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 12:03 AM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Blackwater NWR, bird ID help needed

Hi everyone,

I birded & photo'd @ Blackwater NWR on 12/31.  Took a couple of photos of
this bird (link to photo below), which was perching in a tree along the
Wildlife Drive, in the open area next to the water (across the road from one
of the huge Snow Geese flocks).  It looks to me like some sort of flycatcher
but I'm really not sure.  Can someone help with the ID?  You can respond
off-list if you prefer.  Thanks so much!!

Here's the link to the photo:
http://sarahanderson.smugmug.com/Recent/Recent-Additions-1/DSC2523/114522804
3_eALMA-M.jpg

FYI there were still (according to one of the volunteers at the visitor's
center) roughly 8000  Snow Geese on the refuge.  There were no longer
"dozens" of Bald Eagles but I probably saw at least 10-12 separate birds,
mostly adults but a few juvies.  One bird was carrying nesting material.
Had some good looks at Northern Harriers.  The Snow Geese were absolutely
spectacular!!

 
Sarah B. Anderson
Cabin John, Maryland