November 30, 2023
Streak-backed Oriole, Arivaca Cienega, 11-30-23
So, as the reader will be aware, there are two Streak-backed Orioles at the Gilbert Water Ranch (Maricopa County). And on the 28th another was reported at the Arivaca Cienega (Pima County). The observer, a Janelle Willis, an unknown new birder. She recorded the bird’s call and compared it to known oriole music. She posted the audio file. So the next day she went back to the same spot at the same time, and, magically, the bird reappeared. She posted it again, and gave a description that was OK. This morning I ventured 34 miles to Arivaca. The cienega used to be verdant, with open water. Gone, gone, gone. Alfalfa, I suspect. It’s still a decent spot with willows, cottonwoods, oaks and vast grasslands and what seems like hundreds of acres of Mexican Sunflowers. They are all desiccated now, but still should have sparrows picking through the seed heads. No sparrows today, no warblers. But… the Streak-backed Oriole made several appearances mostly foraging on Hackberries. It is pretty shy.
Streak-backed Oriole, Arivaca Cienega, 11-30-23
Streak-backed Oriole, Arivaca Cienega, 11-30-23
Streak-backed Oriole, Arivaca Cienega, 11-30-23
How do we explain having three of these birds? I bet there are a lot more floating around SEAZ unnoticed. It will be worth paying special attention to any oriole seen this winter.
Dangerous Vision
