Black Blacked Oriole 

I haven't posted for a while..but will be adding some older content from last year and new things from this year

Beginning with the ABA Mega rare Black Backed Oriole that is currently being seen about 25 miles from my home location. This is the 2nd North American record of this species. And I had the pleasure of viewing this species on Sunday February 5 along with about 50 other birders (see photo below). Over the past week, there have been close to 300 ebird reports submitted, with many others observing this once in lifetime species in our area.

The Black Backed Oriole is

A Mexican endemic, the Black-backed (or Abeille’s) Oriole was formerly considered to be conspecific with the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). This oriole principally breeds above 1500 m on the central plateau of the country and occurs in riparian habitat, although in winter it performs short-distance movements, and it also occupies other wooded areas, including pine–oak forests. The species is usually observed in pairs or small flocks, and the birds are unusual in being able to predate Monarch (Danaus pleixippus) butterflies, which are toxic to most potential predators. Compared to the Baltimore Oriole, which winters in central and southern Mexico, the present species shows extensive white in the wings, in addition to the largely black upperparts, and flanks. Females, in contrast, are perhaps best distinguished from the same-sex Baltimore Oriole by having less white wing bars.

If accepted, this bird would represent the 2nd North American record and the 1st Pennsylvania record! The first North American record was of a bird in southern California that was not accepted by ABA due to its question of origin. The same situation may apply to this bird.
 

Nonetheless, I have added it my life list...and hope to get back for another observation in the next few days. 

Until next time...good birding.