Phainopepla
Another first for me, especially for my backyard, is the Phainopepla. (pronounced fane-o-pep'-la). It was difficult to get a really good shot of this male because he is that solid, slick, shiny black (and wet). I'm not counting on him coming back so I'll take it! Phainopepla are found in the far southwest and Mexico. It's from the silky flycatcher family and survives mostly on berries, specifically mistletoe. It's a bit unusual for it to drink much water, so definitely a surprise visitor to my yard.
The other bird is a juvenile white-crowned sparrow. Ah, kids...they ain't afraid of anyone :-)
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