Identification???

[ken1953]

The wife and I are arguing about this one...I say it's a female Blue Jay, she says it's not. So, after some unproductive research, I'm turning to the pros.

What is this bird? This is the best shot I've been able to get in the past week. It is always hidden in the branches. There's a blue jay in the area also, no doubt, and I think this is his female. What do you all think?

Ken

[Copy_Kot]

I think your wife is right. My guess is: Mockingbird. It doesn't have the markings around the face like a blue-jay. It has the black markings on its wings and black band/bar through its eye like a mockingbird.

It looks like it may have the crest on its head like a blue-jay, but if I look closer... it may just be the color of the branch behind it.

That's just a guess.

[payn817]

My guess would be mockingbird as well. Here's a close up to see if it's a match.

[paulnj]

Sorry Ken, but that's a northern mockingbird. Bluejays look the same whether female or male.

[ken1953]

OK..I stand humbled...the wife got on and found the mockingbird site and just showed it too me...looks like I'm stuck cooking dinner tonight...hehehe...wow...she actually got on the Texas state bird site and got a picture of it...hehe...
However...I knew you guys could do it...hehe...looks like I'm going to have a good area for bird sighting around here...One of our neighbors has a purple martin home, but the trees have started growing up around it... :=( ...I've never seen one and hope a nesting couple may still come back to it.
Anyway...thanx all...
Ken