[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Jordan Lake Pacific-slope Flyc. details



Birders,

I have not heard any results yet today from yesterday's sighting of a 
Pacific-slope Flycatcher at Jordan Lake.  I know that the bird was 
observed by me, Harry LeGrand, Will Cook, Derb Carter, and Ricky Davis, 
and possibly others who came later. 

I thought it might be helpful to provide a description of the bird to 
folks on the list.  If anyone else 
looks for this bird, please post your success, either positive or 
negative, in relocating it.  Thanks!

Following is a description of the bird from our notes taken in the field 
as we watched it through 10 power binoculars and a 30 power scope:

Small flycatcher, noticeably smaller than an Eastern Phoebe, which was 
nearby for comparison and larger than a nearby Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Head 
slightly crested; Bill fairly broad, blackish above, orangish-flesh 
below; mouth interior orange; Eyering pale yellow, wider and nearly 
pointed in back, very thin above, widened in front but not pointed and 
not quite as wide as in back; Upperparts olive, slightly more 
yellowish/richer around nape and head; Underparts pale yellow with 
greenish tint and a brighter yellow in center of belly; Upper flanks 
slightly dingier than rest of underparts; Undertail coverts pale 
yellowish; Wings dark sooty; Wingbars present (two), buffy/pale yellow 
with upper wingbar slightly thinner and duller; Wings short, barely 
reaching base of tail with short primary projection; Tail medium length, 
appearing long due to short primary projection.

The habitat was along the margin of medium growth mixed pine & hardwoods 
with tangles of honeysuckle and a nearby weedy field.  The bird spent 
most of its time along the grassy edges, but it also fed in sunlit openings 
just inside the woods.  Most of its foraging was at or within 3 feet of 
ground-level.  

A nice way to start Y2K!  JP

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jeff Pippen   	 				 jspippen@duke.edu
Botany Dept. Box 90342				
Duke University, Durham, NC  27708		PH: (919) 660-7278
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^