Birder Matt Brady spotted an Orchard Oriole today in Oceano Lagoon. This bird rarely makes an appearance this far west, in fact only three other sightings are reported on eBird for the last ten years! This is the smallest icterid blackbird in North America and can be hard to identify given their intense coloring that can appear all black when the bird is moving. Orchard Orioles acquired their name in part because of where they forage for favorite food-- nectar. A common nickname is "nectar robber" because the bird will pierce the bottom of a flower, thereby avoiding the pollinating process.

Grab your binoculars!

(Photo by Dan Pancamo)