English and Scientific names:

Bullock's Oriole, 1st year male

Number of individuals: 

One individual

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

 Orleans Parish

Specific Locality:

Uptown New Orleans, University area (near Tulane/Loyola)

Date(s) when observed:

First saw him in Oct./Nov. feeding from hummingbird feeder; then he
disappeared and reappeared last week.

Time(s) of day when observed:  

Initially came around mid-day but lately, after I removed bee guards
from the feeder, he has been coming several times:  7:30 am, mid-day and
around 2-3 pm in afternoon.

Reporting observer and address:

Ilze Choi

New Orleans, LA 70118

Other observers accompanying reporter who independently identified the bird(s):

my husband 

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Good light conditions.  He feeds of a feeder hangind from a small tree
about 3 yards from our kitchen door.

Optical equipment: 

Zeiss Binoculars, 7 X 42B

Distance to bird(s): 

2-3 yards

Duration of observation:

2-3 min. several times 

Habitat: 

My backyard which has a lot of plants, water and food.

Behavior of bird: 

The bird is intent on the hummingbird feeder where he takes several
sips and then hops up the tree towards the top, waits and returns for more
or
flies off.  He also feeds off the cigar plants.  He is very easily
spooked; the slightest movement is instantly sensed.

Description:

He is about the size of a mockingbird, somewhat plumper.  His head (except
the top) neck and chest are golden yellow.  from the top of his head to down
the back he appears muddy/charcoal yellow; wings have black/white wingbars;
his undertail is yellow but he has distinct while flanks; he has a narrow,
irregular mark on the throat and and black eye-line.

Voice:

Have not heard him vocalize.  He only eats.

Similar species:

Similar to 1st year male Orchard Oriole except has white flanks and no
black lores.

Also similar to 1st Fall Baltimore but has black throat mark and
black eyeline.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Digital photographs sent in separately.  Will try to get some better ones
if possible.

Previous experience with this species: 

None.

Identification aids:

a. at time of observation:
  Sibleys Field Guide to birds of Eastern North America.
b. after observation:
Same.  Sibley's picture is identical to the bird and its coloring.

This description is written from: 

Description written after each observation.

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Almost positive but I wish an experienced birder could see it too.

Reporter: 

Ilze Choi

Date and time: 

January 27, 2006    9:30 pm.