The tree is an American Dogwood easing into fall with a colorful mix of leaves and ripened red berries. And on its branch is a Summer Tanager, photographed on September 28th.Look how all those colors blend to make her practically disappear! (And according to Peterson's field guide, this is year-around plumage.)
But that wasn't the only magic that happened. I decided to post this sighting on the TN-Bird List (sponsored by the TN Ornithological Society), along with a fall warbler sighting. And that's when the real adventure began.I called the warbler you see below, a Blackpoll, with some ID help from out-of-state birding friends (a brand new bird for me). And that remains a possible ID, but here's the catch. Historically, the Blackpoll is a rare sighting in our area. The reason why, from a local veteran birder, "...most Blackpolls migrate eastward across the northern parts of the continent until they get to the coast and then turn south migrating over the Atlantic Ocean. They are rare in the south in fall. In almost 30 years of birding, I've probably seen around a half dozen Blackpolls in East TN in fall and its close look-alike, the Bay-breasted, is common."
An interesting bit of information about a striking bird that only gave me a brief look. I've since shared the three images I had of the bird (all of them poor), but maybe they will lead to a definitive ID.
Summer Tanager, above.
After this warbler exchange, I began to wonder about my tanager ID, as well, and decided to ask for confirmation on whether this bird was indeed a Scarlet Tanager, as I had initially thought. The response: "Actually, the large bill and orangish-yellow coloration means this is a Summer Tanager. Either a female or immature (likely an immature). A Scarlet Tanager would have a much smaller bill, greenish coloration and darker, more contrasting wings."
Ah, I am glad I asked. Don't you just love mistakes, especially public ones! But each time a mistake flags interest from an experienced birder with a willingness to help, it leads to new friends, new birds and an endless amount of learning and enjoyment. And in this case, a special 'thank-you' goes to Tennessee's TN-Bird list for making this possible.
As one who suggested Blackpoll based on the significant streaky back on your Facebook page, I can see now that perhaps I shouldn't have been so hasty.
ReplyDeleteThe bird is definitely on the streaky end for a Baybreast, but the white spots on the tail are more elongated, which according to the Dunn & Garret Warbler book (an excellent guide), is good for Bay whereas Blackpoll has spots that appear more rounded.
If we could see the front this might all be easier, but those two birds are difficult, and if a veteran birder is urging some caution, maybe some is needed. :)
In any case, this is definitely one of those birds that makes you a better birder.
Thanks Nate! And thank you for your suggested ID. Without your asistance, I might have just given up on the ID. And as it turned out, it's been a satisfying learning experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful pictures, Vickie!
ReplyDeleteI cam across your blog after visiting another, I love your Summer tanager photos and I lvoe birds.
ReplyDeleteI love it when I see a picture like your "Blackpoll." I won't weigh in on the ID, but the pic sent me to my guides and made me study the possibilities, and that will help when I see the confusing fall warblers. Thanks
ReplyDeletewhat gorgeous photos, I agree that id becomes more difficult in autumn foliage. it's nice to find out what your mistaken birds are...
ReplyDeleteHello Vickie,
ReplyDeleteI live in Vancouver, BC. This morning, I saw my very first Barred Owl. (I'll probably post a picture this evening.) It was in Jericho Park, where I walk most days with my dog. I was googling to see if I had identified it correctly and came across your blog. It's a beautiful one, and I hope to keep following it. Thanks for writing so beautifully about your life and the things that are important to you.