This picture was taken this morning at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, CA. There are lots of ponds and foliage there. The bird was flitting from branch to branch very quickly, food-hunting, I'm sure. As you see, its right eye is missing, not just closed (I have other images of it confirming that). My guess is a Yellow Warbler. Please ID it for me.
Thanks,
Wendell
Last edited by wendell westfall; 08-02-2010 at 08:10 PM.
Wendell- My first guess is that this in an oriole of some sort, based on shape and overall colouration. With the yellow colour and your location as clues I would say adult or young female Hooded Oriole.
This looks much more like a warbler than the first image Wendell so I see what you mean about suggesting a Yellow Warbler. This bird has been through the wars.
John, there is an Audubon Society chapter housed nearby, so I'll inquire of them (sighting, etc.) when I'm next in the area. Appreciate your follow-up . . .
Wendell - yes, a Yellow Warbler. The yellow under-tail feathers, yellow primary feather shafts and yellowish breast make this. A female (absence of reddish streaking on breast), all worn out from raising the family! I have seen the beak abnormalities before. Just like people, things can go wrong :(. Might have had a scrap with a squirrel or Sharp-shin.
ID please -- Southern California
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