Species: NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polygloottos)

Number of birds: One

Observers: Myself and Sandy

Date: 4-26-98

Time: 7:35 AM

Location: Clackamus, Oregon. Approximately 2 blocks West-Southwest of
the Monarch Hotel in a wooded area that runs East and West.

Distance of bird: We were standing on the newly constructed road that
runs parallel to the wooded area and the bird was near the top of a
deciduous tree about thirty feet high directly South of us. Distance to
bird was about one hundred twenty five feet. The bird was facing
North-Northwest. We were unable to view it from another angle due to
branches blocking our view.

Optical equipment used: Binoculars, 8x42, and 9.5x44.

Light conditions: Sunny. Low angle (early morning) Some shadows from
branches.

Duration of observation: 3-4 minutes.

Size and shape: About the size of a thin ROBIN.

Description: Crown, nape, mantle, and rump medium gray (like a
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE). Neck, breast and belly very light to light gray.
Wing area appeared to be darker--almost black. Tail was long and narrow.
About the same length as the body, but was darker then the body. Beak
was dark gray or black and about one third the length of head. Eye
color--didn't notice--have to work on that. Area around eye and ear
patch appeared to be mottled with light and dark gray spots. Legs were
dark gray or black.

Action of bird: It sat there the whole time we observed it. It did not
make any sounds that we could hear, (There was alot of freeway noise).
We had to leave before it flew.

There were no other birds in the same tree.

It was not a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE. We have seen several of those by our
home.

This would be our first sighting if it was a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD.

We welcome any suggestions as to what this bird might be, if not a
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD.

Jerry Converse
Grand Coulee, WA