7 replies to this topic

[Jessifer]

Hello all. I sadly do not have a picture, but a poor MS paint version of what I saw. I have never seen this before in my life and it was stunning for the second that I did see it.

Details! Location: Watertown, Massachusetts. It was around almost 7pm, on a road next to a river. I only saw the back of it, it was flying towards a tree. I was driving, so I didn't get to stop and look. From what I recall, it was all black on the back, besides a white patch before the tail feathers, with yellow or golden circles all along the wings. It looked to be about the size of maybe a grackle or blackbird.

Here's my attempt at the visual: http://i.imgur.com/qnhTd.png

[betiam]

European starling perhaps?

[Jessifer]

The circles were bigger than a starling's spots. That did come up when I was trying the bird identifier, but doesn't look like it.

[Liam]

Only thing I can think of is a Flicker in poor lighting: http://deltanewsweb..../flicker_st.jpg

[Triplefeather]

Only thing I can think of is a Flicker in poor lighting: http://deltanewsweb..../flicker_st.jpg

This seems closest as a starling doesn't look anything like this. Well, neither does a Flicker, aside from the really obvious white rump.

Maybe if not a Flicker I was thinking a little leucism? I can't really think of anything with yellow spots on its wings...

[Liam]

This seems closest as a starling doesn't look anything like this. Well, neither does a Flicker, aside from the really obvious white rump.

Maybe if not a Flicker I was thinking a little leucism? I can't really think of anything with yellow spots on its wings...

If you look at the photo I attached, the flicker has some spots on its wings. They're not quite as big as in the OP's attachment, but they're more substantial than the starling's.

[Sparky the Cuttlefish]

Here's a shot (not mine) of a Yellow-shafted variety Northern Flicker. They'd be far more likely than Red-shafted based on your location, and do have yellow on the wings: http://www.billhubic...ue_20081109.jpg

[Jessifer]

Hmm. I did see the flicker on my identifying quest. It was the one that most resembled what I saw flipping through bird books, with that white patch. It was very dark black though, maybe it was indeed the shade. I also don't recall seeing that red stripe behind its head. I guess I will settle for that. Maybe go back to that area and try to spot it again! Unless anyone else has any ideas. Perhaps a migrating bird or something?