I thought this one would be fun.  I've been birding for over 54 years,
most of them in this region, and I don't have the slightest idea how to
identify this bird for sure.

I don't like Orioles because the color is a bit weak and in any event
stronger toward the rear.  On Acadian Flycatcher, I don't understand why
the bird has blurry streaks on the side or why the lores are as bright
as the upper part of the eye ring or why the lower part of the eye ring
is virtually absent and the upper part is huge.  Also it doesn't show a
significant primary projection. (Perhaps that is an artifact.  The far
wing seems to project beyond the body further than the near one does.)
Both identifications are good ideas, but it is going to be hard to prove
either one, and I personally don't believe them.

The bill does look somewhat broad, or I would try to make a Warbler out
of it.  Maybe it is a Warbler anyway.
If it is a young bird with retained winter plumage it would leave some
room for us to maneuver.  In particular, current molt would explain the
strange difference between the two wings.


Frode Jacobsen wrote:
> I believe it is an Acadian Flycatcher, most common flycatcher found at
> Soldier's Delight followed by Eastern Wood-pewee (which lacks any distinct
> facial markings as well as bold wing bars). The lack of a bold eyering
> excludes Least and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. Coloration could be
> affected by light reflection from canopy/ground. Certainly not an oriole:)
>
> Frode Jacobsen
> Windsor Mill, Md 21244
>
>
>
>   
>> It's a female Baltimore Oriole partly in the shadow and bill somewhat
>> occluded.
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Wendy and Tom Crowe" <>
>> To: <>
>> Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 3:17 PM
>> Subject: [MDOSPREY] ID Help
>>
>>
>> Could someone help a relative birding novice, please?   We saw this bird
>> in
>> Soldier's Delight.  I am guessing that it is some type of flycatcher, but
>> after looking through all our field guides I only feel more confused!   I
>> did not touch the coloring in the photo, but it looks more yellowy to me
>> that what I saw through the binocs.  Thank you for any help.
>>
>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/24059656@N06/3563289613/
>>
>> Wendy Crowe
>>
>>
>>     
>
>   


-- 
Maurice Barnhill
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Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716