[EBB Sightings] Keep mimics in mind

Hi E.B.Birders,

At Inspiration Point on Monday I heard the first few
notes of a Swainson's Thrush song, only track it down
to a European Starling.? Years ago, I was tempted to
report a over-wintering Olive-sided Flycatcher from
the north side of Rodeo Lagoon in late
November....until the next November, when I finally
saw a starling make a perfect Olive-sided call from
that exact location.? Once, while censusing Black
Rails at Point Edith I was alerted to their
distinctive "kee kee kur" call resounding from the top
of telephone pole....not exactly Black Rail preferred
microhabitat.? It was a Northern Mockingbird.

I've also been birding with a "real" ornithologist,
when we heard the partial call of a California Quail.?
He was adamant that it was not a startling, until we
located?the starling, and watched it make the call.?
Even the expert can be fooled by these mimics.

So my advice is beware of mimics. ?Learn which species
that might mimic. I was surprised to read Phainopepla
mimic.  Also young birds may still be sorting out
their songs, and may sing the songs other species,
such as the White-throated Sparrow in near Embarcadero
Plaza last year (3 April 07) that sang both
White-crowned and Golden-crowned songs as I watched
it. 

I would really try to get a visual for species that
you hear singing earlier than expected. It will add
credibility to your report.? If you can't, that's OK,
too, but just keep the idea of mimics in the back of
your mind.

All the Best Birding by Ear,
Denise Wight,
Moraga, CA