Reto wrote:
> I came to this "identification key":
- hiding in (high) conifers, singing also in there -> Townsend's
- in conifers, but allowing sometimes a glimpse of a rather large bird ->
Yellow-rumped
- in alder/willow shrubs, lower down -> Wilson's.

Exactly the way those three species behave on their breeding
grounds in Alaska.

As for the others you mentioned, we find Orange-crowned mostly
in deciduous or mixed forests with young birches, cottonwoods, etc.
They can be anywhere from mid-story to top branch, but rarely "Tee'd
up." Blend right in with those young leaves. Yellow Warblers are
usually in low spots near water (even ditch water) and on young
deciduous trees or bushes. Don't think I've ever seen one in a
conifer, but I don't get to see too many.

Chris Maack
Anchorage, AK
CMaack at compuserve.com