[birding] E.E. Wilson bunting

[Joel Geier]

Hi folks,

Sorry for the multiple postings while my multiple scattered trains of
thought gradually converge on an ID here, but ...

First, it seems that the blue patches on this bird make it an
after-hatch-year male.

After looking through all of the online images that I could find based
on searches on various combinations of the words "indigo lazuli bunting
molting hybrid" etc., it seems that there ought to be at least some
visible trace of a pale wingbar or two, on an after-hatch-year, hybrid
Indigo x Lazuli Bunting.

Or is it just that hybrids/backcrosses are only recognized when there is
some trace of wing bars? Seems like this discussion comes up a lot when
eastern birders are hoping for a Lazuli Bunting, so maybe there is some
circumstantial selection toward birds that show wing bars.

This one was such a motley-looking bird, it was hard even to describe
and the yellowjacket feasting on my foot didn't help. It would be nice
if someone could get a photograph tomorrow for better diagnosis. I might
give it a try but the equipment I have at hand is not really up to the
purpose.

The location again is straight north of E.E. Wilson HQ, after you cross
the canal, then turn right just before the fence on the south side of
the area that's closed to the public. Walk out about 200 ft to where
this fence crosses a ditch with cattails, then look north.

Happy birding,
Joel

P.S. We were back out there to pick plums this evening but didn't see
the bunting. We did hear about 30 or so SWAINSON'S THRUSHES calling from
just about everywhere, as it got close to dusk.

P.P.S. For Sandy -- sorry, after sweeping up all of those Blackpoll &
Magnolia Warblers I neglected to take a photo, before mailing the whole
box in to the OBRC. Hope it gets there soon, I hear the weather is
getting warm again. ;)

--
Joel Geier
Camp Adair area north of Corvallis