Concerning townsend-hermit hybridization:

If an observer is conducting point censuses or collecting presence/absence
data (by hiking through appropriate habitat) is it possible for them to
gather ANY data that can provide insight into the HETO question?

Presumably an experienced observer can separate Townsends form hermits
outside the hybrid zone. Therefor could an increase in call variation alert
the observer that they have entered into a hybrid zone.? The big question
is: to what extent does call characteristics reflect the degree or
directionally of hybridization? Are their any trends, or rules of thumb
that an observer could be vigilant for within the hybrid zone?

I ask because many observers collect a variety of biological data while in
the field (and are following ridged survey protocols), and don't have the
luxury getting a visual on every dendroica (particularly those up in the
top of 200 foot Doug firs)

Just wondering.....

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <"}}}}}}}><{
Behavioral Ecology Research Group
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby BC V5A 1S6 Canada
phone: (604) 291-4374 Lab
291-5864 Office
fax: (604) 291-3496
email: fsharpe at sfu.ca
Alaska BC Whale Foundation webpage:
http://www.biol.sfu.ca/berg/whale/abcwhale.html