An odd bird in our backyard
Hi all...we have just found an odd looking bird in a palm tree in our backyard. It has orange eyes, and makes a sound like a dog barking. I have never seen a bird like this before and we are anxious to find out what kind of bird it might be. It has light and dark brown coloring withspots and stripes, a very wide wing span, and large chicken-like feet and legs with large claws. It is about the size of a hawk or small chicken. It has a long narrow beak, so it does not appear to be a hawk of some type of bird that preys on rodents or such. It looks like it might prey on insects, nuts, berries or maybelizards and small snakes or fish and such, or maybe fish. From its markings and coloring it might be a female of whatever kind of bird it is.
It does not seem to be in a hurry to leave, but, does not look injured. We have geese, chickens, ducks, goats, dogs andrabbits in our backyard, and assorted doves that call our yardhome as well, so there is always plenty of food for all. So maybe it feels like it might fit in here. And that is not a problem if it chooses to stay, as long as it won't be aggressive toward the other animals or the children who live here, which it has not shown any sign of beingbe at this point.
Would any of you here on NT know what kind of bird it is/ Or maybe a link to a community boardwhere I might help in identifying this bird? It would truly be appreciated. I have tried to find an Audubon community group to ask, but, can't find one.
Here are somepictures that we took of the bird; The first one was takenwith my granddaughter's cell phone, and the others are with my Canon PowerShot with a zoom lens.
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Unless it can fly, it looks a bit like the extinct kiwi bird.
I believe it's a juvenile Green Heron.
Surely you know I was kidding when I suggested a Kiwi bird. When you talked to it, what was its answer? LOL
Looks like a killdeer or a juvenilenight heron. Both are CA. water birds.
Does it seem injured RW? Usually they will not stay in an area with other animals etc.
Birds are so cool! I had a surprise visit from about 20 of these little fellers and their girlfriends while I was out changing the oil in my motorcycle. I had never seen this bird (live and up close) before. All of a sudden, they're hackin' 'round in the crab apple tree.
Can one of your dogs act as an interpreter?
Spiritually speaking, I believe these occurences are a gift, and I delight in them.
A most excellent way of being, my friend. Ooops, it's gettin' on 2 A.M. here. Bedtime for Pauly.
I thought it barked.
Wow!!! Look at all these birds.
Hope this is beneficial for you.
Whatbird.com
I think this is the one.
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Look at those orange eyes.
Love that picture Mike!!!!!!!
Wow, a lot of different possibilities, Raven - while I don't know what it might be, it sure seems to have taken a fancy to you!
RW, the Bird Woman of Alcatraz.
Best leave it RW, no use trying to capture it. It may just like it there.
So glad you discovered what it is, Raven. I was guessing something in the Heron family, so when I looked up the Heron species in my Puget Sound Region bird book it said that the Bittern/Green Heron is most prevalent here, and that a similar species that is rare in the region is the Immature Black-Crowned Night Heron, similar to a Bittern with rounder, even-colored wings.
It's so interesting, as you noted, that it seems out of place. I hope it eventually realizes that it needs to seek its natural hunting grounds.
I see a routine flight path for them here, since I'm close to both the Bay and some inlet waters they like. I can see how a young bird could get side-tracked from the others.
Oh, good to read. I hope it finds its way.
I've never done video but when I see something like this -- I am greatly tempted to try.
.....and I as well.