Date: 9/7/26 12:14 am From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Phinney mixed flock -flycatcher image
Fascinating observation and photographs, the branches notwithstanding.
I had no idea that the designation "new world flycatcher sp." was even
possible in eBird. Great that it is. Very forward-thinking for eBird
I checked eBird for Sep empidonax and found fewer than a dozen for all time
that include photos. Kudos to Anna for the photos for this one.
Empidonax Flycatchers are notoriously difficult to ID. This is one.
BUT, in my experience and research, Western Flycatchers are 'easy' (ha!)]
They are well known for having 'Tear-drop shaped eyerings'.
This translates to a horizontal (gravity defying) eardrop with the rear
coming to a point.behind the eye.
I looked at all the eBird photos and they appeared to be all Western to me,
Including some ot which that were identified otherwise.
As to Anna's 3 photos, blocked partially by thin branches, the middle one
can be interpreted as to have a point at the rear end.
I'd go with that but would be interested to hear what others think.
Bob OBrien Portland.
On Sun, Sep 6, 2026 at 2:13 PM AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
>
>
> An image of the flycatcher observed in Phinney was uploaded in case
> someone can id it. unfortunately
> twigs and leaves in the way. https://ebird.org/checklist/S390404956 >
>
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Akopitov
> Seattle
>
>
> AMK17
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Sent: Sep 6, 2026 8:15 AM
> To: Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Phinney mixed flock
>
>
> This morning a nice sized mixed flock foraged in the back between several
> yards. Flycatchers, yellow and orange crowned warblers, warbling vireos
> and tanagers. Possibly yellow rumped but I didn’t see or hear it.
>
>
> Again Merlin picked up evening grosbeaks and I may have observed 3 flying
> out from conifers but lighting was not conducive to id so went off size and
> shape. Has anyone observed these in Phinney area of Seattle. The recording
> was faint so not confident. But Merlin keeps picking this one up.
>
>
> Haven’t id’d the large headed flycatcher yet but it is not a willow or
> western. Might send a link to photos if anyone wants to assist with id.
>
>
> Good morning for birds!
>
>
> Cheers,
> AKopitov
> Seattle
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
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