Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Warbler Guy, do you think the Myrtle and Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler subspecies will be designated new species?

Mari (in Phoenix), it's an interesting question that continues to be debated as researchers
examine the DNA of the two subspecies, among other elements.

Currently, the defining organization for this question — the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) — does not have a new proposal to entertain a split that would result in species status for Myrtle and Audubon's. In fact, in recent years, an AOU committee turned down a proposal to create species status for more than Myrtle and Audubon's, but also, perhaps, Black-fronted and Goldman's subspecies within the Yellow-rumped complex.

For more current information, the following link is worth reading:

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/goodbye-yellow-rump-will-we-see-a-return-to-myrtle-and-audubons-warblers/

I'll provide more updates on this question as I learn of new information.

Regards to all, Daniel

Birding Guide
warblerwatch.com

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Warbler Guy, where can I find Rare Bird Alert posts throughout the USA? Are warblers on Rare Bird Alert posts?

Candi (in Phoenix):

I recommend you peruse http://birdingonthe.net/hotmail.html

Here, by region, you can choose which Rare Bird Alert to read.

For example, where I live in the West, it's exciting to note that a non-warbler -- a Bar-tailed
Godwit -- has recently captivated sleuthing birders visiting Bolinas Lagoon (near Stinson Beach in
West Marin County, CA).

For this sighting, I'm consulting sialia.com and, then, investigating the North Bay Birds listserv.

My photo of this rare shorebird to n. CA is shown at my Facebook post at:
https://www.facebook.com/DCXusa



Initial migrating warblers are noted on several CA listservs today, including migrating Yellow Warbler spotted for the first time in Marin County, CA where I live. A Townsend's Warbler
also seen today in Marin County may possibly stay for the winter/non-breeding season, but it's more likely to continue migrating south (Our area's longer-lingering and overwintering Townsend's Warbler more typically arrive by September and October, with the initial ones seen now more likely transients for Marin County.)