Hi Ryan,


How did you determine that it's the 'east side' variety of Spotted Towhee?

Although the books (my Byers, et al., and Pyle are at hand) speak to the
'paler'
aspect of the interior birds relative to the coastal birds, I have been
unwilling
to 'call' any individual to the subspecies (Pipilo maculatus oregonus west
of
the Mountains vs. P.m. curtatus on the east side).

The individual variation that I see in known P.m. oregonus is pretty wide,
and
there is a lot of gradation from dark adults to paler birds-of-the year.
I've trap-
ped or netted and banded a couple hundred Spotted Towhees over the years,
mostly oregonus, but have handled a few dozens of the 'sage and bunchgrass'
birds (well, not really, as they've all been in the riparian or suburban
areas).
I've seen some pretty glossy-black-hooded birds in the Blue Mtns, and a fair
number of somewhat dull-black ASY (after second year) males here in Olympia.

Are there other identification tips that you'd care to share with us?; I'd
sure
appreciate learning a new ageing tip. Many thanks.

Jon. (old dog) Anderson
Olympia, Washington
festuca at olywa.net
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Subject: Skagit Game Range/Everett STP
RTShaw80 at aol.com wrote:

Steve Mlodinow and Elizabeth(never got her last name) and myself birded the
Skagit Game Range and Everett STP today from 8:00AM-12:30PM.
Good numbers of both Kinglets and Black-capped Chickadees were noted in the
area, as were decent numbers of Sooty Fox Sparrows, Lincoln's Sparrows, and
the usual Songs. Just a few each of White-crowned and Golden-crowned
Sparrows. about 5 each Myrtle and Audubons Warblers. also a few Purple
Finch hanging around the Alder's in the area.
Highlights at the Game Range were
SWAMP SPARROW - 2
1 bird of the East side race of SPOTTED TOWHEE

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