Brenda asked -

> Tweeters-
> Saturday and Sunday, while hiking in the Cascades northeast of Salmon le Sac,
> I encountered both Wilson's and Orange-crowned Warblers in high mountain
> shrub habitats (around 5500'). These were in mixed flocks with MacGillivray's
> and/or Nashville Warblers. In two instances the shrubs were Sitka Alder and
> in one, Willows. Given the uncertain status of these two species as breeders
> east of the Cascade crest, it is possible that they may either have been
> breeding in these locales or are already on the move south from other
> breeding areas. Aug. 9 seems a very early date for this. Any thoughts?

As much as it may pain us to admit it, the "fall" southbound migration is already
underway. This past evening after sundown, the trees and bushes lining the southwest
edge of my property were alive with the "heep" callnotes of staging Swainson's
Thrushes.

However, having said that, the described habitat is similar to that used by both
Wilson's and McGillivray's Warblers here in central BC. Wilson's is the typical
warbler of the alder-filled avalanche chutes with Mac's not far behind. OC's tend to
prefer a bit lower elevations. So you would most likely find them in the willows
near the bottom of the chutes in the alluvial fans - not *at* the bottom since OCs
like their sites well-drained. Macs would be all the way from the bottom to the
middle, and Wilson's would take the upper storey. Macs seem to have the most
tolerance of nesting habitat.

- Jack



Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca