Hi all --

Barry and I -- thanks to Bob Ringler's post and a call to Jim Stasz for precise 
directions (he was looking at the bird at the time), we made it to the spot by 
about 10:30, cleverly avoiding several speed traps enroute! Jim and Mike were 
there, however the bird wasn't -- which caused us some sweating for about 45 
minutes when it suddenly decided to show, and was seen by Mark Hoffman. Whew!

Barry and I managed to be in the right place at the right time and the bird flew 
in to within 10 feet of us (initially too close for my Zeiss 10x40s to focus), 
then moved away a bit for a close examination. It then flew to a perch above us 
(many photos being taken at the time) where we could examine the bill shape, color, tail length and primary extension. It never vocalized while we were there and Jim said it was silent earlier as well.

We have worked up some field notes -- briefly, we did observe some conflicting features -- the bill appeared too narrow for Western but large for Hammond's, rather long primary extension (past base of tail) and consistently rounded rather than the angular (slightly crested) head of Western. These features (which we mentioned at the time) are also shown in Mike's photos. The lower mandible did appear to have a faint darkish tip (with the remainder dull orange) but this can be an artifact of light/shadow so would want to see other photos on this. The throat was grayish white with no warm tones, there was a distinct gray-olive "vest" with 
yellowish underparts. The face, lores and nape were paler gray contrasting with darker gray-brown crown. The back had strong olive tones in sunlight, less obvious in dull light. The white eyering was distinct, thinner at the top and bottom, wider in front and (especially) behind the eye. The tail was medium-length and distinctly notched. The general plumage coloration is shown in Mike's photos.

Those wanting to look at a suite of Empid photos which includes western 
species may wish to access this site: 
http://www.schmoker.org/BirdPics/Flycatchers.html

We had to leave for other obligations but hope it sticks around for birders who 
were involved with Thanksgiving celebrations to "dip in" as Barry would say.

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD



> Link below is to some photos of the flycatcher in Monkton, taken this morning:
> 
> http://www.pbase.com/mbird023/flycatcher
> 
> Good birding and happy thanksgiving.
> 
> Mike Burchett,
> Churchville, MD
> Morgantown, WV