San Diego. At the end of July, I heard a new bird song, then
spotted a new bird. Later research on this site revealed conclusively
that it was a Hooded Oriole, inasmuch as there weren't any other
candidates that looked anywhere close. The call also matched.
LOOPY BEHAVIOUR
<>I saw it enter a bush that
vertically covers a wall, to a depth of about a foot. It was
exploring this bush, making its way from branch to branch inside, as
opposed to exit-enter, exit-enter. I've never seen a bird travel through a bush like this.
<>
<>A couple of days later I spotted it again. This time
investigating my roommate's hemmingbird feeder. As I watched, he
flew round to each flower aperture and attempted to jam his beak
in. There are 6 of these flower apertures on the device, and he
tried each one.
<><>I can only attribute such thoroughness
to starvation. He may have learnt about other types of feeders
providing seed. I doubt the red juice would do him any good even
if he managed to get some. I was on my way out to the lawn to lay
down some crusts in the usual spot, but I don't suppose he stayed to
observe that.
<><>
