[wisb] Responses: Empidonax ID? Images
- From: Schaufenbuel <schaufenbuel@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Schaufenbuel <schaufenbuel@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:52:47 -0600
On the Empidonax image question I have these seven responses so far:
Least 3; Yellow-bellied 2; Alder 1; Empidonax genus 1.
No doubt it is a single mediocre shot of an unknown Empidonax. None the
less, it is a bird with an ID. We may feel uncomfortable with a single
ID but may go with the most likely species given what is presented in
the image and with my input.
My opinion is that the bird is either a Yellow-bellied or, to a lesser
extent, Alder because of the long appearing tail. Tail vs primary
projection are hidden by a branch thus maybe giving the illusion of a
longer tail.
However the bird in life through the view finder seemed to have a bold
eye ring slightly elongated from the back of eye. Back and head were an
olive color and as noted in the original post there may be some under
exposure effects diminishing the yellow tone on the underparts. Eye
ring, wing bars and breast were tinged with yellow. The throat lacked
a strong contrast with the malar region. Muted streaking on the breast
and a rounded head were two items that strengthen the Yellow-bellied ID.
If you look carefully at the Empidonax the corners of the mouth -- the
gape -- retains bright yellow flanges indicating a recently fledged
bird. Which may confound efforts to pin down the ID. Both Alder and
Yellow-bellied Flycatchers nest in Portage Co. the latter being rare.
This Empidonax was found in the exact spot and date where a few years
ago an Alder was giving its "Mick" call note.
Best of birding,
Joe Schaufenbuel
Stevens Point, WI
Schaufenbuel wrote:
>
>
> Birders.
>
> I invite input on the ID of this Empidonax (I have a suspect).
>
> While attempting to photo an unidentified active warbler this bird
> popped up in the view finder and disappeared. My one image is
> slightly out of focus and slightly overexposed. The image was made
> September 14th at Mead Park in Stevens Point, Portage Co.
>
>
>
> http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2418397240104716876kBqkuU
>
>
> http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2610939930104716876CmUjFf
>
>
> Back channel me with any comments.
>
>
--
---------------------------------------------
Joe Schaufenbuel
5676 Regent St.
Stevens Point
Portage County, WI 54481
(715) 345-2788
"The most exciting phrase to hear in science,
the one that heralds new discoveries, is not
'Eureka!' (I found it) but 'That's funny...'"
--Isaac Asimov
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