Observers: Justin Hite
Email: justinhiteatgmaildotcom
Verification: MONO
Remote Name: 65.241.2.253
Date: 09/08/2008
Time: 12:17 PM -0400
Bobolink in non-breeding plumage seen this morning in the dead willows at the mouth of Rush Creek. At first glance I thought it was a super chubby orangish Wilson's Warbler, mostly because it had a blackish crown that resembles that of a WIWA. But then it turned to face me, and the crown has a central buff stripe, the flanks and sides of the upper breast are streaked, the bill was thicker and pink. And the tail was awesome...all those pointy tail feathers. It was a little larger than the Savannah Sparrows that were also topping the dead willows nearby, but much more orangy-buff in overall coloration. My camera was out of batteries, which is a bummer because the Bobolink was so cooperative and I could have got many great photos. Here's to funky Icterids!