Saturday, September 13, 2008

What kind of bird is this??

Ok, I know these are not very good pictures but they were taken in haste and during a major rain storm, so its the best we could do.


Does anyone have any idea of what kind of bird this is.????

We have had the pleasure of enjoying its visit now for a couple of days and we have scanned the bird books but don't find any that looks exactly like this guy. He has a very orange blunt beak like that of the grosbeak, a dark head with a body that is redish orange. There is a mate but she is much duller in color of course and is more brownish. The closest we can come to is a Pine Grosbeak, which do not usually visit this area.


He announces his arrival each time with short cheep-cheep, sounds that make me think of the noise chipmunks make. It seems to like the old stale blueberry muffin I put out, even soggy as it is with all the rain we have had.



Someone out there in blog land surely can identify this curious looking fellow.

We will be waitng here patiently at the computer.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought maybe it was a Tanager. . but the orange beak fooled me hmmm. Looks like part Cardinal and??? Hmmm
When you find out let us know. It sure is pretty:)

Mari said...

It really does look like a Tanager, but for the orange beak. We may have to ask Doc!

Cathy said...

It really is a pretty bird. Let me send this to my photographer friend, Patricia and see if she knows what kind it is.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what kind of bird it is either. Obviously you have bird feeders and out of curiosity how many do you have. I have 4 in one spot and it doesn't take long for them to empty, that's for sure!

Patricia said...

Hi Nancy! At first glance, I was sure this was a cardinal, but couldn't understand the black head until I found this.

It seems that others are asking the same question and the answer is that it is a cardinal with a common parasite problem that causes them to lose their feathers, revealing the dark skin underneath.

Connie Barris said...

well, this far exceeds my bird watching expertise...

I know hummingbirds and that is just about it!!! smile...

but I do love to watch birds..

I hope you find your answer.

Unknown said...

Wow
It looks like it's in the cardinal, crow family to me. We don't have those here in SC but it sure is an interesting looking fellow. Have a great day. Lisa

Unknown said...

Hi everyone, thanks for your input, but I do think Patricia has nailed it on the head. We have been watching this bird more closely and it does seem to be a cardinal with some sort of feather problem. It appears to be healthy so hope it will get its crest back soon. Thanks Patricia for the research.

Joyfulsister said...

Aloha Nancy,
I was going to say a cardinal as well. I came by to say hello and that I was blessed by your visit to my blog, I love meeting new sisters in the Lord and I'm glad we found our way to each other.

Blessings Lorie