Ontbirders, Myself, Jeff and Richard Skevington were able to see the incredible mix of warblers that have found haven in Sedgewick Park today. It was like warblers on parade, as birds made an appearance a few seconds apart as they slowly worked the thin line of shrubbery. I have had far worse days in mid-May before......
One of the two Orange-crowned Warblers [to our eyes] looked very like O. c. lutescens or orestra, based on the bright yellow underparts, bright green uppers, yellow lores / supercill. and eye crescents and absence of any gray on the cheek or crown. This individual certainly recalled Orange-crowns that I have seen in west texas and California, far brighter and yellower than typical celata. The Nashville also suggested the western race - O. r. ridgwayi [''Calaveras Warbler''], in that it seemed to twitch / bob its' tail far more frequently than eastern birds, the rump was contrastingly very yellow, the pale area on the belly was extensive and the mantle appeared to be entirely [tipped] gray. It didn't, however, appear to be particularly long-tailed, although it was in a state of partial molt, missing numerous primaries on the left wing and new tail feathers appeared to be growing in. Maybe this was why the bird has lingered so late. I really couldn't say for certain that either of these birds is what I have suggested, although I would be interested on others take of these birds and opinions, either way. And just to muddy the water a bit more - we noticed the Blackpoll Warbler has dark legs and soles of the feet. I have banded many of these in the fall but can't say I have ever seen one with dark legs / feet. Perhaps this is a characteristic of mid season basic plumage, a plumage we would normally never see in Ontario? Input here would also be welcome, off-list would be fine. Cheers, James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6 [519]537-2027 226-228-0093 [cell] [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
