The subject line has lost some intrigue, but I have gained new knowledge
of Marsh Wren plumage characters. Thanks Mike, Gene, Dennis, and Raymond for
being so unanimous. (Thanks, too, to Don for the Swamp Sparrow suggestion.
The bill shape led us to eliminate sparrows from consideration.)
We had discounted Marsh Wren because it clearly lacked *any* indication
of white streaks on its back. With newfound knowledge that hatch-year birds
have not yet acquired those streaks, I would not be surprised if that's what
we were chasing.
Based on the _Identification Guide ot North American Passerines_, it
would seem that Marsh Wrens "should" be streaked after August or September.
Comments to the effect that CBC "House Wrens" may often be unstreaked Marsh
Wrens piques my curiosity about whether birds like the one at Damon Point
have a delayed pre-basic molt or exhibit an alternate alternate plumage as
adults.
------------------------
Scott Richardson
NE Seattle
salix at isomedia.com