Date: 4/27/26 12:35 pm From: Kristie Nelson <000006a4ec382922-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Birding at Montauk State Park
Merlin seemed especially glitchy Saturday for some of us at Montauk. It was consistently giving many of us Swainson's Warbler for LOWA, even at close range. Another person, who had the Midwest set as the range, it was giving southern species like Slate-throated redstart. As Edge says, don't take Merlin at face value. Often correct, but makes plenty of mistakes.
Thank you Linda for organizing the Audubon group at Montauk
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From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2026 7:04 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: Birding at Montauk State Park
I have had Merlin indicate Swainson's Warbler while watching a Louisiana Waterthrush vocalize. One more instance to remind all to verify any unexpected species indicated by Merlin. Just tonight while waiting for Chuck-will's-widow to call, Merlin identified a repetitive Carolina Wren as a Northern Mockingbird. I've had it identify a cardinal as a mockingbird several times, but this was a first.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade2...><mailto:<1edgewade2...>
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:58 PM John and Linda Frederick <0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...><mailto:<0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
Several birders had a great time birding at Montauk State Park on Saturday April 25. A big thank you to Kristie Nelson for leading our group
It is always a great place to see Cerulean Warblers, among others. Though the Ceruleans don't show themselves well, staying in the treetops.
We didn't have anything exotic or unexpected, but nice views of Louisiana Waterthrush, American Redstart, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Northern Parula. Worm-eating Warblers vocalized but would not come out of the shaded slopes.
Of interest, I think, was that Merlin repeatedly identified a Swainson's Warbler while Louisiana Waterthrush was singing. We pretty much agreed that Merlin was mistaken. Although I admit I was hopeful for a time, considering that Montauk is not too many river miles from known locations on the Current River.
I think combining a mistaken Merlin with a poorly viewed Worm-eating could maybe lead to a Swainson's being reported.
A great day to be out.
And I still haven't seen a Rose-breasted Grosbeak this year! Bah-humbug!
