In the late nineteen seventies Jeff Gilligan and some other birders found an
Orchard Oriole on the south side of the Marine Science Center buildings while I
was birding on the north side. I was on a short schedule and left the area
without knowing about either bird or birders, and only heard of the sighting
several hours later. In 1983 an Orchard Oriole showed up at Chuck Philo's place
in Toledo. I had no opportunity to chase after it. Maybe ten years ago an
Orchard Oriole spent several days in the willows near the MSC. I looked for it
twice without finding it, although other people who did so found it both before
and after my attempts. Nearly a month ago what was only last Friday identified
as an Orchard Oriole masqueraded as a Bullock's while it came regularly to a
feeder at the MSC. It was seen at least as late as 1:30 pm on January 2. I left
my sector of the Yaquina Bay CBC early to watch the feeder it had been
frequenting. I arrived there about 4 pm. and stayed until dusk. The bird was a
no-show. Laura and I tried again today from 1:30 until 2 pm. Same result. So
I'm finally convinced. Orchard Oriole is actually a mythical bird. The rest of
you who keep reporting the species in Lincoln County are just messing with me.
Darrel..
