>
>I am interested in Jerry Tangren's statement that "Hammond's have completed
>their pre-migration molt by now and thus are bright, closely resembling
>'Western" Flycatchers.' Have all Hammond's completed this molt by now? Anmy
>opinions?
>
>Andy Stepniewski
>Wapato WA

My statement should have read

Hammond's SHOULD have completed their pre-migration molt...

It's not that they resemble Western, but I have been out with experienced,
but unsuspecting birders who thought they were Westerns. The whole bird,
including the throat, can look yellow RELATIVE to and in direct comparison
to drab Dusky Flycatchers.

I can't speak from experience this year because I really haven't gotten out
this year.

However, this is one major difference in the life cycles of the Dusky and
Hammond's. Hammond's complete their molt before migration in the fall,
Dusky afterwards. Also for this reason, Hammond's may be found a little
later in the fall than other empids.

Thanks, Andy, for indicating that I needed to clarify my statement.

--Jerry Tangren
<tangren at wsu.edu>