Unknown Passerine, NE Houston, Texas (1 Viewer)

[mbwomer]

Hello all,
If anyone can help with the identification of the bird I would be most grateful. Observed from the observation tower at the edge of Sheldon Lake, far northeast Houston, Texas. Sighted yesterday, approximately 9:00 am, 2 or 3 times. This is the best photo, never could observe from any other angle, so we didn't see underparts of the bird. Flight was quite rapid, slightly undulating vertically. The person I was birding with felt he was hearing vocalizations of Tyrant Flycatchers from the general area. I'm unable to reconcile the yellowish head with the rufous tail on this bird.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks,
Mike Womer

 

[howiewu]

I don't think this is a flycatcher, the bill looks blackbird like, maybe an Orchard Oriole?

 

[fugl]

Orchard Oriole for me too

 

[Rapala]

maybe an Orchard Oriole?

Not Flycatcher IMO. Orchard Oriole matches up.

 

[chris butterworth]

Another for Orchard Oriole.

Chris

 

[mbwomer]

Thanks for the replies

Much appreciated! We had seen a male Orchard Oriole in the same general area about 30 minutes prior to seeing this bird, so I know they were about.

In a different photo, this bird is looking back in our direction, and there was no trace of a black bib, so I'm sure this would be a female rather than a first spring male.

Thanks very much for your halp!
Mike Womer

 

[Rapala]

halp!

'help' o