Although I have not visited the site in question, I used to band and survey for Alder and Willow Flycatchers on their breeding grounds in Maine. With practice, most birds can be identified to species by song, but I agree with Bob, caution must be used especially for those not very familair with the birds. It is not neccessarily clear cut, and there is some overlap / confusion even among the primary songs of these species. Hearing a bird sing once or a couple of times is not sufficient to ID in many cases due to this sometimes subtle variability. Alternate songs and calls can be very helpful but should also be used with caution. 

 

Beyond what listed in the Naty Geo field guide, does anyone know of any reliable, diagnostic, visual characters that have been devloped for distinguishing these species? 

 

Good Birding,

 

Frank Marenghi

Annapolis, MD

 


  
> Date: Thu, 20 May 2010 15:18:46 +0000
> From: 
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Alder Flycatcher at Alpha Ridge Park
> To: 
> 
>    This morning I went to Alpha Ridge Park to look for the Alder Flycatcher that has been reported there for a number of days during the past week. What I found was a Willow Flycatcher doing all three of its song variations including its Alder-like three-note song. I also heard its "rip" and "whit" calls. I also heard a second Willow Flycatcher. Unfortunately very few people record the birds they believe to be Alder Flycatchers so I don't know what people were hearing here. There may well have been an Alder Flycatcher here but I could not prove it today. I am writing this note so that people are aware of the possibilities of misidentification of Willow Flycatcher vocalizations and to be very careful when you believe you hear an Alder. Video cameras are very good for recording songs even if you cannot see the bird. I have used this technique in the past to record Alder Flycatchers to be sure of the ID. I hope people will continue to visit this site to add more opinions. 
> 
> Bob Ringler 
> Eldersburg MD 
> 
 		 	   		  
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