School finally over yesterday, I opted to seek the Magnolia Hooded Oriole
out today.



This is not the slam dunk deal that the Bay-breasted Warbler and
Clay-Colored Sparrow were.



Unlike Gene, I live less than 6 miles from the Magnolia location. However,
it is separated by an 8 mile ferry commute. I opted for public
transportation, and used Metro bus #24 from 4th Avenue to get me within
walking distance. I took the 6:20 Bainbridge boat over, and was "on
station" at the leafless tree at the bottom of Raye and Perkins Lane around
8:30. I selected a vantage point that kept the tree, the two palm trees in
the backyard of the house under renovation, and the sun, in view.
Unfortunately, the noise from the air compressor pumping concrete at the
house under renovation was horrific to my ears, and I periodically ducked
below to seek relief. All for naught.



Well over an hour later, my hearing shot, I opted to wander up to the
"Magnolia west" private road (across from Magnolia and Montfort) and I
walked down it. I hadn't quite reached the bottom when the oriole flew from
a tree in front of me, to one out of sight. I retreated up the road 50
feet, and found the oriole in the top of a small tree. I got a great 10
second look before the bird flew off to parts unknown. I saw the bird at
around 10:00 am.



The black throat and bib contrasts sharply with the yellow-orange head and
nape. It is a nice looking bird. For a ten second observation..



J. Acker

Bainbridge Island, Washington

owler at sounddsl.com