Birdcam, early June

This period saw more of the same array species, including lots of young birds, often accompanied by one or more parents.

A sharp female Bullock's Oriole dropped by on the 4th of June, showing the ash-gray back and bright wingbars which help distinguish it from the (locally) more common Hooded Oriole.















A Western Scrub-Jay (below), not new to the birdcam but relatively infrequent, was a daily visitor during this period.




The biggest surprise, however, was a stunning male Purple Finch, pretty rare in mid-summer in Los Angeles, though a scarce breeder in the Santa Monica Mountains (including at nearby Franklin Canyon). It might have been taking a break from duties there, or perhaps it was a dispersing male that failed to attract a mate, possible given the small size of the local population.

It's told from the much more abundant House Finch by the wine-colored pinkish-red crown, and the suffusion of the same wine-red color throughout its upperparts. This individual shows a good amount of brownish streaking along the flanks, as well as a large bill, which are typical for the local California race of the species.