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Subject:

Empidonax at Monkton

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Bob Ringler

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Thu, 24 Nov 2005 16:26:13 -0500

   This afternoon with Ben Weinstein I observed the Empidonax at Monkton. We watched it between 2:05 and 2:30 PM at various times at ranges of 10-50 feet. Though it was overcast with occasional light rain we had some excellent views of the bird from different angles. Ben will post photos. I took some video.
   Whatever the species it is one that I have not seen for many years but I would like to offer my impressions that may differ somewhat from others. I was struck first by the appearance of a gray head contrasting with the olive back. The throat was whitish with this extrending onto the sides of the neck. The chest was dingy but separated by pale yellow in the center of the breast giving it a vested appearance. The white wing bar was prominent but not pure white. There was a shorter bar at the shoulder of the same color. The bird had a slight crest. The eye ring was expanded both before and after the eye. The bill did not appear to be completely yellow on the lower mandible but I did not see this well. It flicked wings and tail together. It did not vocalize. The photos I have seen thus far appear to show a long primary extension and notched tail. Based on these observations I would lean toward Hammond's Flycatcher, but I am willing to be convinced otherwise.
   Kaufman's "Advanced Birding" and the Sibley guide are the best references I have. We need some more opinions and photos. I may go out again tomorrow morning.
--
Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD