Look at the picture above, on the left. Recognize the bird? Is it a fall warbler? Or is it a female Goldfinch? A different angle, in the picture on the right, shows that she is indeed a Goldfinch - not a warbler. For nine months of each year I have no problem recognizing female Goldfinches. But for three months each fall I often confuse them with what I fervently hope are southward migrating warblers. More often than not I lower my binoculars with disappointment. It gets a bit frustrating. At least until I do spot a warbler, then all is well. Today I was rewarded with a female American Redstart (one of 36 warbler species that will pass through). That's her below. I know, I know, she doesn't look like much like a Goldfinch. In the bottom photo she is giving me a good once-over. What creature might she be confusing me with?
MMMFemale American RedstartMMM
Setophaga ruticilla
Please comment if you wish. All photos by BarrytheBirder
BtheB
2 comments:
Female Redstarts can be just as confusing, since they don't look much different than first year males! Very nice photos.
Excellent point, Stuart.
Regards, Barry
Post a Comment