[obol] Bunting (Indigo?) K. Falls

[Dave Haupt]

OBOL,
  Encountered a female bunting in the yard on 4 June.  The bird struck as a female Indigo upon a 10-15 second observation before b-lining to the east.  General ground color was brown overall (reminiscent of female cowbird color), with the the mantle, head and wings richer brown.  The bird showed no indication of wing bars; throat was whitish tan contrasting with face and breast.  The breast had some faint streaking; some suffusion of bluish in flank/tail base area; hint of pale supercilium.  It did not have any buffy tones in breast.  It's only the second bunting I've had in my yard in 8 years in a county with Lazuli as a fairly common breeder.  Timing is good for Indigo.  I know the two bunting females can be difficult to separate.  Any thoughts or experiences out there to help satisfy my ID?

Dave Haupt
Klamath Falls