Green-winged Teal

 On my first day home after five days away, I naturally headed to the creek that runs through our farm... and happily found seven Green-winged Teal hanging out.

This one was showing off his green wing.

And this one the white under his wing.

I like to think of it as a wildlife welcome home.

Accipiter? But which one?

This is another photo sent to me by my friends from Willamina area who sent the scrunched down Northern Harrier photo in my "Mystery Bird" blog. I am losing my reputation with them as someone who can identify their birds. Well, I was able to tell them the other photo they sent was a Rough-legged Hawk so I'm not completely incompetent.

I'm guessing this is a Sharpie by the rounded head. What's with all the white spots on what appears to be an adult bird (by the red eye)?

As always, the OBOLers have come through: it's a Sharp-shinned Hawk

On the adults, Coops have a paler nape than crown.  Sharpie's nape is same color as crown.  In photo looks to be same color.  Would need text to be sure but white spots are the bases of gray feathers, so maybe other feathers are growing in and will cover up white..

Bob Archer

Mystery Bird

Friends who live on 500 acres near Willamina, OR, sent me this photo and asked what this bird is. I can't tell. Help!

She added:

It wasn't very big, about a foot tall and the posts are just regular fence posts.  It was early this morning.  The other pictures are about the same.  It has a yellow beak if that helps.

Wow! Oregon Birders On Line were fast with their responses. All respondents said it's a male Northern Harrier. Hannah Fritz sent this link to a Northern Harrier in a similar pose: http://esask.uregina.ca/management/app/assets/img/enc2/selectedbig/51BF7705-1560-95DA-43A437B440D46746.jpg

Thanks all!