Date: 4/8/26 10:14 am From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: [slocobirding] Another Oriole for the Spring list...
Following up my post of 4/5 regarding the Hooded and Bullock's orioles visiting our yard. We can now add another species of oriole to that list. On Sunday morning 4/5 I took 2 photos of an oriole perched on the electric wires over our yard. I initially identified it as a Hooded Oriole, the expected species this season. I later spent some time reviewing my photos, additional references and comments shared with me by others familiar with both species and now it is confirmed as adult female Orchard Oriole. A much rarer species to this county. Last county ebird report of the Orchard Oriole was at this location on February 15, 2026.
Separating female Hooded and Orchard orioles is known to be very tricky and I am posting the 2 photos on flickr of the confirmed female Orchard Oriole seen on Sunday, April 5. Maybe it will help sort out the 2 species the next time you see a female oriole?? 🤞.
