Hi Isaac, Thanks for bring this to everyone's attention. As most readers will already know, the field identification of empidonax flycatchers in the fall can be extremely difficult but not impossible. I think it would be educational and healthy for the list for us to have an online discussion of this bird beyond the usual 'it's still here' updates.
Based on the eye ring and shape of the bird the main contenders are WESTERN FLYCATCHER (WEFL) and YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (YBFL). Even though YBFL pass through New York City area with some regularity on migration they are extremely rare at such a late date, although not unheard of. Using 'likelihood' is therefore not really appropriate and we must rely on images, live views, and if we get really lucky, some vocalization. I'd be very curious to hear the arguments advocating YBFL put forward on Whatbird as mentioned but not expanded upon in John Keane's written comments. Perhaps someone who has seen them can paraphrase? At this late hour I am happy to remain agnostic about the identification and would like to hear the arguments. Any empid in December is exciting and a great find. Hopefully local birders will be able to refind the bird tomorrow and obtain additional photos. If not, we already have a good set of images to chew on. Cheers, Angus Wilson New York City On Thu, Dec 8, 2016 at 9:45 PM, isaac grant <hosesbroadb...@gmail.com> wrote: > This was just posted to ebird. If any are not on it have a look. > > http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32922727 > -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
