Subject: Palouse News and Finch ID
Date: Apr 30 20:10:25 1998
From: Deb Beutler - dbeutler at wsunix.wsu.edu


The only new arrival I have to report is CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD. A
male showed up yesterday, Apirl 29, for my first of the year. He didn't
show up today but a female spent all morning in my yard.

Some of the photos of the male Carpodacus finch have arrived. They
are slightly over-exposed by do show a field mark that I didn't notice while
I was take the photo. There is a distinct break between the bright red
crown and the browner nape. Therefore, I must conclude that I was wrong and
these really are CASSIN'S FINCHES, not Purples. It has been a learning
experience. Sometime next week I will head to the museum to see if I can
get a better handle on the differences (we have both Purples and Cassin's in
the collection. I will also be looking at the "Solitary Vireo" specimens to
get a good handle on them.

Cheers
Deb

Deb Beutler
Department of Zoology
P.O. Box 644236
Washington State University
Pullman (Whitman Co.), WA 99164-4236
dbeutler at wsunix.wsu.edu