[MDOsprey] Dull streaky warbler

Totnesman@aol.com
Sun, 26 Sep 1999 20:24:31 EDT


What a gorgeous day!

While scanning my back yard trees in the Allenford community this morning, I 
saw a dull brown, exceedingly nondescript warbler foraging on the trunk and 
major branches of a birch tree.  The breast and throat were distinctly 
streaked with darker brown on a pale brown background.  General coloration 
like a fall female yellow-rumped warbler.  There were no wing bars.  There 
was a hint of a dark eye streak or light eyebrow.  The bird was the same size 
as a redstart (one was nearby). It had 'warbler' bill.  The bird was 
methodically gleaning from the bark, staying put and not flitting about, 
(part from the occasional foray to chase off another bird which came too 
close).  The light was good (07.30) and the distance ca. 20 feet.

The only bird I can find which comes close is an immature orange-crowned 
warbler.  I have never seen an oragne-crowned, and the Peterson and Nat. Geo. 
(old version) guides show the streaking as less distinct and general 
coloration more yellowish, and am therefore reluctant to call it an OCW.  I 
would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Other birds present included, in no special order:
 
      magnolia warbler
      Am. redstart
      both kinglets
      black-throated blue warbler
      white-breasted nuthatch     
      sapsuckers (2)
      yellow-billed cuckoo
      sharp-shinned hawk (dashing overhead - second consecutive morning one 
has done this)
       lots of blue jays
       C. chickadees
       tufted titmice
       Canada geese (60+/-) flying south


Thanks in advance.

Robin Todd
totnesman@aol.com
Ellicott City, MD