Posted by Evan Obercian (158.252.43.129) on March 03, 2000 at 13:37:06:
I think the thrasher is a juv Curve-billed, which would explain the yellowish iris and straighter bill (basically, the overall Bendire's-like appearance).
My first impression of the bluebird was that it was NOT a Mountain, and I'll stick with that notion. The rusty tones on the scapulars (and even a bit on the auriculars) should eliminate that species; in addition, the flanks do not look grayish to me at all but rather buffy or orange. As for Western or Eastern, I'll go with Western; the throat (from what is visible) looks grayish and not buffy. The only thing that bothers me is the very pure white lower belly, something I associate with Eastern moreso than Western (which looks duller and grayer here). But the bird may be a little overexposed ... oh, and Easterns don't carry nesting material in California.