Female Black-headed Grosbeak in Vallecito backyard, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

A lone Black-headed Grosbeak visited our backyard drip in Vallecito on November 3rd. I had never seen one this late in the year, and was shocked by how battered she appeared with what would turn out to be a deformed bill, worn feathers and even some dried jam on her face. Thanks to the benevolence of more experienced birders, I was finally able to ID her as a female Black-headed as opposed to a Rose-breasted.

3 photos at:  https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S61287037

Britta Lee Shain
Vallecito in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports