Whatbird.com

I was going through some of my earlier photos (meaning around Feb.-Mar) that weren't clear enough for ME to ID but I thought someone else might know.  If you can offer any help it would be appreciated.

 Here's the first one - taken in Newport Beach, CA (SO CA) at Back Bay, which is sort of a wetlands type of place (if that helps)

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Life List: 139
Latest: Cedar Waxwing!!!!!!!

Here's the second one - taken in Joshua Tree National Park (Mojave Desert), CA.

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Life List: 139
Latest: Cedar Waxwing!!!!!!!

Looks like a mockingbird and a house finch.

That is what I thought...

Mockingbird and House Finch

Fraser

The first bird looks more like a Flicker, although I'm not familiar with what species are in california. If you zoom in on the photo there is a black collar and possibly some spotting on the breast.  Just my opinion. Second looks good for a house finch.

The black collar on the first bird is the shadow from a branch.