14 replies to this topic

[calepo]

Even though I have a copy of iBird and the Audobon apps on my iPad, I couldn't find these little guys. Help from the experts, please?! They're different birds seen on two different days. The first was flitting from tree to tree obviously eating bugs. The second was just passing through. Quick moving little guys!

 20120411_Kern Co_211 Vanessa_unk2.jpg   564.6K   71 downloads  20120413_Kern Co_211 Vanessa_unk2.jpg   180.83K   66 downloads

[Liam]

Welcome to Whatbird!
Your first photo shows a Black-and-white Warbler, and the second an Empidonax Flycatcher, not sure which one.

[calepo]

Thank you, Liam! My goodness, that was a fast reply!

[Liam]

Where are you located? Location can help pin down the ID of the flycatcher.

[calepo]

Hmmmm...Liam, I checked the range and the Black-and-white Warbler doesn't appear to stray near where I live. Are you sure?

[JimBob]

Ditto liam.

[Liam]

I am definite. The Black-and-White Warbler is a very unique bird.

[calepo]

I am located in Kern County, in Southern California. Specifically, Ridgecrest. A small desert community just east of the Sierras.

[Liam]

I believe you're not too far out of their migration path. See eBird.
http://ebird.org/ebi...r=1900&eyr=2012

[calepo]

Wow...maps sure vary! I'm absolutely loving this site! I used to bird a few years back with a friend and always felt like I sucked at it! But, I love it! I'm always catching myself glancing at anything that moves (I chase dragonflies, too). It was dangerous when I rode my motorcycle! LOL Anyway, I'm getting back into it. The Black-and-white Warbler definitely caught my eye as being unusual. Thank you for assisting me!

[Liam]

Glad to help.
I'm sure a Western member can help you ID the flycatcher.

[guy_incognito]

Congrats on the Black-and-White Warbler, that is a good find for CA.

[calepo]

Thank you, guy_incognito! It makes me very happy, indeed!

[ginspin16]

welcome from another desert dweller! I live in victorville. I didn't know we had black & white warblers around here.

[cabirds]

I'd like to float Gray Flycatcher. We get them here in Sacramento during Spring migration, although they're a very good, reportable, find.

That said: so many of the Flycatchers here are sooo close that I have trouble telling them apart.

For reference: http://www.sacrament...lycatcher2.html

Do you have any other photos? And did you observe him enough to watch him wag his tail? Did he wag his tail up or down. And was it a strong flick or a weak flick? (yes, those questions actually are Diagnostic, I promise!)