Message:

[

Previous   Next

]

By Topic:

[

Previous   Next

]

Subject:

Re: Speaking of migrants--Philly Vireo @ SWAP

From:

Bob Ringler

Reply-To:

Date:

Tue, 8 Aug 2006 10:39:23 -0400

Stan,
   As far as I know there are no July reports of Philadelphia Vireo in Maryland. The earliest fall date is August 20, 1971, a bird banded in Kent County, but there is no reason they cannot occur earlier. They are rarely reported in August. The problem is juvenile Warbling Vireos. I don't know about your suggestion that Warbling Vireos appear longer and sleeker than Philadelphias. To me they seem to be the same shape, but maybe that's just me. It's good to have your detailed description. In the past it has been impossible to evaluate reports with no descriptions.
   I hope that others will chime in on this discussion. This is one of the more difficult identification problems. I would like to hear more opinions on what other people use as primary field marks.
--
Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD


---- Stan Arnold <> wrote: 
> Hi Folks,
> 
> Elaine and I just returned from a hike around Southwest Area Park (SWAP) in
> southwestern Baltimore Co., where we found a PHILADELPHIA VIREO nabbing
> small caterpillars on a tree along the southern loop trail.  This little
> bird was solid pale green on the back and wings (no wingbars), was pale
> above and below the eye with a weak dark eye-bar, and weakly spectacled.
> Its breast and belly were medium yellow, neither bright nor overly pale.
> The jizz was short and dumpy--more reminiscent of a kinglet than a catbird;
> in other words, the bird did not have the longer, sleaker appearance of a
> Red-eyed or Warbling Vireo.
> 
> I happened to check out the "Yellow Book" and notice that the early arrival
> date for Philly Vireo is 20 August.  This is way out of date, as I've seen
> them in mid-August before, and I think discussion on this listserve has
> indicated that they may have shown up in Maryland as early as late July or
> the first week of August.
> 
> Also of interest, a VIRGINIA RAIL was vocalizing at SWAP near dusk on
> Friday, 4 August.  I keep going back hoping the moorhens will return.
> 
> Stan Arnold
> Glen Burnie
>