Documentation of Scott's Oriole
2024-018

Observer Information

Reporter:  Sally Waterhouse  13623 County Road 261L,   Nathrop, CO  81236-7713
E-mail:  smwaterh@owu.edu
Other Observers:  Preston Larimer and Greg Mihalik

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Scott's Oriole
First Date/Time:  5/10/2024 10:10:00 AM
Last Date/Time:  5/10/2024 12:05:00 PM
Duration (total time in view):  40 minutes off and on
County:  Chaffee
Specific Location:  Salida
Number:  1
Age:  Adult
Sex:  Male
Plumage:  Breeding

Habitat

suburban backyard feeders with oranges after late snowfall

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  binoculars
Distance:  50-75 feet
Light:  cloudy but bright

Description of the Bird

 

Property owner who requested privacy had posted a photo of bird on May 09. 2024 to the "Colorado Loves BIrds" website wondering what it was.  Paul Hurtado checks this site and based on the poor photo thought Scott's or hybrid was possible and contacted me since he knows me and knows I live nearby.  I eventually made contact with the property owner and received permission to visit along with 2 other birders mid morning the next day.  She allowed us to stand in the backyard and view. 

The bird was present as we arrived along with 16 other species (see ebird checklist of same day which I will post after submitting this report) eventually observed in the yard.  There was some snow falling/melting off branches from the late season 8 inch snowfall the night before as can be seen in photos.  The bird mostly flew back and forth from a thick spruce tree to a feeder with oranges.

Jet black hood and black wings with lemon yellow belly extending under most of tail, lower back, and lesser coverts edged below with 2 white wing bars was distinctive and clearly indicated a pure Scott's adult male in breeding plumage with no hybrid traits. 

I stayed in touch with the property owner who indicated that the last day the bird was present was May 14.  

Photos courtesy of Greg Mihalik

Similar Species Discussion

 The bright lemon yellow color and full black hood and yellow vent really eliminated all other reasonable possibilities.  We did look carefully to rule out any slight hybrid traits but saw none.

Previous Experience

 All 3 of the observers have had some experience with all North American orioles.  Preston has the most experience with Scott's orioles since he spends several weeks in Arizona each year.  

Notes

Notes made DURING observation

Materials Available

Photographer: Greg Mihalik

Photos |

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Date Documentation Submitted

6/4/2024 1:58:00 PM
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Location Map

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