Tweets,
Lesson number 1: when looking for a rare bird with Gene
Hunn, never agree to split up. Stick close to the guy,
instead.

Actually, I eventually got a second and better encounter
with this bird, but it remains tantalizingly elusive. I
agree that Perkins Lane may prove more dependable for
those looking for it (near 2587 Perkins just down slope
from Magnolia Blvd.). Another good vantage point, perhaps,
is from the bottom of Faye Rd. near a house that is under
construction. Scan the trees up slope as you face
southeast.

I heard the oriole give what is described in the literature
as a rising "wheet" call (not to be confused with other
chatter it can elicit). It sounded more drawn out and
sharper to my ear than House Sparrow or House Finch. The
only recording I found that comes close to the call can be
heard within the song posted on this website:

http://askabiologist.asu.edu/expstuff/experiments/birdsongs/birds_az.html#O

Listen closely near the end of the track for two occurrences
of a "wheet" call, though the calls of the Magnolia bird were
slightly longer in duration.

As far as I know, no one has heard a song out of this Magnolia
bird.

Carl Haynie
Sammamish, WA