TKbird

I got an unusually good picture of a Traill's (for me), so I thought I'd post it and get some thoughts. I've heard that Alder and Willow are not considered visually distinguishable with a high degree of confidence even in the hand, so I expect to leave this listed as Traill's on eBird. Needless to say, the bird did not sing! I'm personally inclined toward Willow, which is more likely at the location (though neither is unexpected). TKbird

Nice observation. Beak length looks OK to you? It seems a bit long for GCKI to me, but I haven't observed them from underneath extensively...

Photo'd in the Adirondacks, 5/30/16. Trying to think what it could be. There aren't many gnatcatchers in the ADKs though. Thanks! TKbird

@Clip meant uncountable: I think @Clip was pointing out that until a species is considered established there wouldn't (or at least shouldn't) be any confirmed records, so if the shelducks were not previously considered established, reports wouldn't be visible. In the event that a species did become established, there would finally be a first confirmed report even though the species had been around for 15+ years. Interestingly, it appears many more shelduck reports in the same spot have been confirmed today, including one with a note that says "Known sire" and one from nearby in April that says, "Consistent sighting at various locations around Ocala," so perhaps a small population really has become estalished there? I do agree with @DLecy that there are a good number of curious confirmed eBird records out there, and I find myself wondering about some of them! ?

Thank you! And you are correct, this was from last November 1st.

I wonder if there's a chance they're vagrants? It seems like an odd time of year for vagrants, but I checked the eBird map and the other continent record is in July, and there are also several July and one June record on the westernmost Atlantic island with eBird records. Nine birds does seem improbable for vagrancy, but the Nunavut record was six and that seems like an odd place for escapees. I dunno, just wanted to put that out there. ?

Sounds fine for Song Sparrow to me! There's so much variation they're bound to catch anyone off guard now and then. ? With the song open, look for a link titled "Macaulay Library ML###" and try copying that one.

I've never spent much time dwelling on unusual-looking CANGs, but it seems like an interesting topic. One of the more unusual CANGs I observed recently had a fully brown chest, so I decided to read up on the subspecies. It doesn't sound like there's much of note to be said about birds like this (especially here in MA with no Dusky or Vancouver geese around), but I thought I'd stick it on here anyway to see if anyone knows anything interesting about CANG variation. -TKbird

Quoting OP so they check back.

After all I've learned from you on here, glad I could return the favor a little!

They're not unheard of this time of year, but it would be very surprising. You'll find most of the pins on that map are earlier in May. Quoting David St. James, who recently compiled information on all species in Berkshire County (western-most MA, where this audio is from), "Coots are... very rare in spring," and moreover "Spring arrival occurs in late March and extends through April." There is only one county eBird record for May, which was not observed after 5/4; and we have a good crop of experienced eBirders here. https://ebird.org/barchart?bmo=2&emo=7&r=US-MA-003&spp=y00475,comgal1

The recordings are in the other order for me, but I agree with Hasan. That is, the first bird in question is a Carolina Wren and the second is an Indigo Bunting.

Thanks! Yes, I'm terrible about providing locations, sorry. This was taken in western MA, so a coot is extremely unlikely this time of year.

Not sure what all I missed in the last week. Anyhow, here's a tricky bird audio clip for anyone up for it. I was looking for a Least Bittern and recorded instead what I think is most likely a gallinule or two (moorhen was a nice name, in my opinion...). Any thoughts? Thanks! TKbird P.S. Turn up the volume! bird.m4a

Yes, sorry, some context might help, mightn't it! This song came repeatedly from near the top of some trees by the edge of a field. Lots of warblers (and RWBLs) were around. It was neither piercing nor notably quiet. I heard this exact version repeatedly for five minutes or so before moving on. The bird sang about once every 30s. I don't have any good extended recordings, but I do have some more short snippets. Here's one, and a longer version of the first. Any ideas appreciated! Thanks. r3.m4a r2.m4a

My best personal hunch is BTNW (BT Green). Not sure about that either though...

Interesting suggestion, thanks! I did not consider that. I'm not finding any calls that are a great match. Did you have one in mind or was it just a hunch?

Heard this song repeatedly. Several possibilities have come to mind, but I gave up on settling this one by myself. Thanks! TKbird r.m4a

Song Sparrow songs vary considerably, especially between regions! You could use the Macaulay Library to find recordings in Idaho.

Fair enough, thanks!

Any thoughts on the non-teal? Thank you! TKbird P.S. It is a video. duck5.mp4

Thanks!!

Thanks all. Yeah, I'm not expecting anything definite here. The gray+brown pair and obvious white in the rump region are what incline me toward harrier.

Perhaps a pair of harriers? Thanks for any input.

Thanks Tony. It's a relatively new hotspot, but about 10 miles away from the nearest lake that regularly hosts gulls. This bird was one of eight gulls flying together. If it's any help, I did get a video of the bird (from which the photo was extracted). gull 2.mp4