'Coat' of Many Colors

I am 64 years young today...so, I thought for my birthday, I'd post this special bird for the occasion.  I think I finally ID'd this little booger!!! I found it amongst the thicket just off the bridge that crosses a small run-off creek by the bay waters, in a thickly wooded area. The tiny beautifully marked bird was quite elusive. By this I mean, I was seen chasing it around here and there 'cause it wouldn't remain still long enough for me to focus on it before it flitted to another branch. At long last, Bud [my husband] spotted it in the low lying area near the small creek bed. I was able to stand behind a tree just off the path, and get a good focus. Well, at least enough to photograph it as it cleaned itself, a bit oblivious to me being so nearby. The late time of day and the sun hitting the area in the leaves and branches also made it difficult to try and identify it because the coloration is off somewhat...casting a yellow glow on some photos. Well, when I got home and uploaded from the camera card to the computer, I viewed it. Then...to my dismay I could not find anything online, or in my bird guides, that resembled the markings and colors. After days of trying on my own, I faced my dilemma head on and posted a photo [one of several only] on the "What Bird Is This" Forum. There, no one knew. In fact, some of the bird experts were not helpful at all being that they responded that the photo was over exposed...sorry, but it's not...straight off the camera. Others even went and told me it was an orange toed bird. No help at all, and not funny as they thought when I was seriously trying to ID. Off and on I was adamant, knowing that someday when I had a lot of time, I would continue my search...using clues from other bird sites and clicking on different links that sounded similar to this particular bird. One time, clicking away because of ID similarities, I turned up with a bird from South Africa! Nope...not that one. After a long time of searching off and on...I found it...I think...on my own accord!!! The Corpus Christi Audubon Society told me that they are extremely rare here in town. Right now, I'm so pleased with my finding. I did it. And, hoping that all you bird experts out here that frequent my photo blog, won't tell me differently. LOL I will be elated if my IDing is correct. And, if so, I won't ever forget this one. After finding one photo online that closely resembled my photos, I went to other sites after I typed in its name, through google and found many similarities. I also read on another birding area web site that they are quite abundant on the King's Ranch [which is only minutes away from Corpus Christi]......

Besides, it's pretty. {I'm also thinking this is a young one; without the maturation markings...or perhaps a female}

NORTHERN PARULA

photos taken: Hans Suter Nature Park - Corpus Christi, Texas

Habitat Range:

comparison with google searches

ONE and TWO