[EBB Sightings] flycatcher

This is indeed an unusual bird this time of year. Data from Santa Cruz Co.
indicates that the first Ash-throateds typically show up in the region
between Mar 30 and Apr 17.

Pamela, could you share some additional detail on the field marks that led
to the ID? As you know, Myarchus flycatchers are a challenge to distinguish
in the field and, this time of year, some of the rarer species are about as
likely as Ash-throated, maybe more so. Since December 2001, I only know of
only 2 Myarchus records in the region and neither one was an Ash-throated:
the 2001 bird was a Nutting's Flycatcher down in Santa Cruz; 2003 had a
Dusky-capped Flycatcher in Oakland.

Bruce Mast
Oakland, CA
________________________________________
From: sightings-admin at diabloaudubon.com
[mailto:sightings-admin at diabloaudubon.com] On Behalf Of Pamela Llewellyn
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 2:52 PM
To: EBB
Subject: [EBB Sightings] flycatcher

Ash-throated flycatcher - Yes, truly. 
I had a very long look and got to observe some interesting behavior. 
Seen in Pleasanton on Bernal off of Valley yesterday sitting up in a bare
tree doing the "head bobbing when aggitated" that David Sibley describes as
typical of the Myiarchus genus. 
Probably wondering how the heck he ended up in 20 degree California weather
in the middle of winter. 
Also of note, on January 1st and then again yesterday morning, a lone Robin
was heard "singing in the new year". 
Couple of early birds. 
-- 
Pamela Llewellyn 
Environmental Scientist 
pllewellyn at kleinfelder.com 
(925) 484-1700 ext# 254 
FAX (925) 484-5838 
cell (925) 413-8329