Need Warbler Refresher

Jonathan J. Weber · Sep 24, 2015

I don't recognize these two new fall arrivals. They showed last night an hour before dark with 4 Myrtle Warblers on the edge of a nearby woods. The reddish-orange feet on the first are significant, but I don't remember, nor can I find, which species has them as a trait. Any help will be most appreciated.

Kind regards,

Jonathan

Daniel Cadieux · Sep 24, 2015

Hi Jonathan. The top image is that of a Northern Parula (a first year bird as evidenced by the white semi eye rings). The bottom image is a Red-eyed Vireo - first clue of it not being a warbler is the thicker bill hooked at the tip. You can also faintly see the red in the eye.

Jonathan J. Weber · Sep 24, 2015

Thank you, Daniel. That is the first time I've ever seen one in that plumage.

This bird showed up in the same location 30 minutes later. When I looked at my takes for the day, I had passed this one off as another Parula until I examined it more closely. If this might be a Blue-winged Warbler from my guide gleanings, it will be a a first of lifer for me.

Regards,

Jonathan

Paul Guris · Sep 25, 2015

Tough shot but I lean towards Bay-breasted for that one.

Jonathan J. Weber · Sep 25, 2015

Thanks, Paul. I will go with that. The variation of fall plumage in them sure can be surprisingly confusing.

Paul Guris · Sep 25, 2015

Here are a couple of good articles on separating Blackpoll and Bay-breasted.

http://ebird.org/content/wi/news/id-tip-blackpoll-vs-bay-breasted-warbler-in-fall/
http://www.thewarblerguide.com/blog/2013/6/11/contrast-in-wing-bars
http://freidaybird.blogspot.com/2012/09/fri-d-bay-breasted-v-blackpoll-warblers.html

Jonathan J. Weber · Sep 26, 2015

Paul, Thank you for those informational link guides.

Jonathan

Need Warbler Refresher

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