2 Birds in Aptos, CA/ North Monterey BAy (1 Viewer)

catmadden

SquirrelFreak

• Jul 6, 2007

• #1

Saw these in my back yard, don't quite look like any thing in my book... Help???
First 2 same bird....

 

Last edited: May 26, 2011

birderbf

Wild, Wild West ................... ern Spindalis

• Jul 6, 2007

• #2

The first two are the familiar female House Sparrow (note pale eyebrow and large beak) and the second is an Oak Titmouse. Note overall gray color and crest (this species is very much like Juniper Titmouse which has a different range, mainly in the southwest).

 

timwootton

Well-known member

• Jul 7, 2007

• #3

Can't comment on the second, but the first has aready been 'nailed'.

 

E

emupilot

Well-known member

• Jul 7, 2007

• #4

I can confirm the second as an Oak Titmouse. Like House Sparrows, they are not shy around free bird seed.

 

Lisa W

I really need to get out and bird more

Staff member

Supporter

• Jul 7, 2007

• #5

ID's confirmed or given, just wanted to say I like the shots - especially the titmouse.

 

Storm-Petrel

registered dude

• Jul 7, 2007

• #6

Female house sparrow and Oak titmouse

 

catmadden

SquirrelFreak

• Jul 7, 2007

• #7

Thank you all for the help. I looked in my books, I have 3/ the Stokes, Audabon and National Geo. None of them have a bird called an "Oak or Juniper" Titmouse. I found Tufted, Bridled and Plain. This bird looks closet to the Plain. My Audabon only shows 2 Titmice. Is there a better book out there? Seems I do not have the best guide... I had thought the Stokes was good, but if it is missing birds, I need a better one...
The female House Sparrow, around here we call them Weaver Finches....

 

D

Dave B Smith

Well-known member

• Jul 7, 2007

• #8

Take a peek at the Sibley guides. Definitely one of the best. In any case, it has both Oak and Juniper Titmouse.

 

birderbf

Wild, Wild West ................... ern Spindalis

• Jul 7, 2007

• #9

Plain Titmouse was split somewhat recently into Oak and Juniper. Oak is the one that reaches the Pacific and your area.