Warbler Guy, which warblers look alike? Which are the most confusing warblers to identify from each other?

Thanks, Gilman (in Paso Verde, CA)

Right, which photo is the Orange-crowned? Tennessee?


Warbler identification challenges are ALWAYS the leading questions I get in the spring.

So here's ten typical “double-take” ID challenges you’re likely to encounter when the going gets tough on the boardwalk as the warbler march begins:

(i.e., Knowing the breeding ranges and which habitats the following species tend to frequent and/or nest within is always helpful in identifying look-alikes from each other – among other factors.)

1. Chestnut Sided and Golden-Winged

2. Magnolia and immature Prairie

3. Black-throated Green and Townsend’s/Hermit hybrids

4. Yellow-throated and Grace’s

5. Kirtland’s and Palm (and Prairie)

6. Yellow-Rumped (Audubon’s subspecies vs. Myrtle subspecies) (and intergrades of Audubon’s and Myrtle occur in portions of British Columbia and Alberta)

7. Tennessee and Orange-Crowned

8. Ovenbird and Northern Waterthrush (or Louisiana Waterthrush (they are all in the same genus)

9. Connecticutt and Mourning

10. Mourning and MacGillivray’s

Warbler Watch (Indeed): Daniel's Upcoming Birding Forays

If you're in the Bay Area/California, then maybe you'll appreciate noting my upcoming birding outings:

*

Upcoming Birding Field Trips
with Daniel Edelstein (www.warblerwatch.com)

(Birding Instructor @ Merritt College, Birding Guide
& Wildlife Biologist; edelstein@earthlink.net)


Low Cost: $25 per full day field trip
($20 per day if you register for four or more field trips)

Visit the best birding sites in the Bay Area & Sierras (@ peak of breeding/song)

Daniel’s 25+ years of ornithology/biology experience,
plus handouts you’ll receive (and use of his A-1, 25x-50x zoom scope & binoculars)

1. Bay Area (i.e., to prime-time songbird (“Birding By Ear”) hot-spots)
- April 17th, Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo State Park, Walnut Creek,
9 am – 3 pm
- April 31st, Mines Road/Del Puerto Canyon, Livermore area,
9 am – 3 pm
- May 8th, Point Reyes National Seashore, Bear Valley
9 am – 3 pm

2. Sierras (i.e., we’ll visit optimum breeding areas for common & rare birds)
- June 5-6, Yuba Pass/Gold Lakes area (Sardine Lake, Sand Pond, etc.)
- June 12-13 Sierra Valley (Marble Hot Springs Rd., Dyson Lane, Loyalton area)

Cost: $25 per day’s outing or any five days for $100 (Minimum of eight people needed to ensure each day’s field trip is a “go.”)

Directions/Etc.: If you respond with a “yes” to one or more of the above dates, I’ll send you precise directions/maps/motel-camping options, details/etc.

Email questions to Daniel (an Adjunct Merritt College instructor in its Biology Dept.): Edelstein@earthlink.net

Learn about Daniel’s 25+ years of birding experience and print FREE Bay Area/ California birding information at: www.warblerwatch.com &, in addition, please note Daniel’s popular “Wood-Warbler” blog site: http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com

FAB FIVE WARBLER QUIZ #2

Can you identify the wood-warblers in each of the following five photos?