Hi Tweets,

I think Eugene Kridler is only asking us to think a little, which is fair
enough... I do think that his message gets lost in his delivery, but he
strikes me as worth listening to.

On another note, there are several Hutton's Vireos that are very active
along the trails right near the visitor's center at Discovery Park. These
guys are superficially similar to Ruby-crowned Kinglets, but if you pay
attention to (1) size and thickness of bill (Hutton's has a thicker and
longer bill) (2) details of the eye ring (Hutton's eye ring is 'broken' at
the top) (3) structure of the wing bars (Hutton's has two distinct white
wing bars, kinglet has one with a black stripe behind it), and (4) behavior,
you can pick then out. The behavior really works for me: Hutton's Vireos
are not as active as Ruby-crowned Kinglets...the vireos don't 'flick' their
wings, and will remain perched on a twig while you look at them. Try that
with a kinglet! Of course, if the Kinglet flashes his red spot at you, or
if either bird sings, you will get them easily. I think 'non-singing'
Hutton's Vireo - Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a good 'subtle' ID problem to work
on.
Or you may choose to destroy this tape and the Secretary will disavow all
knowledge of you...

Rick Romea
Seattle, WA