Hi Paul and all-
Nice bird! My understanding is that in our area we have extensive hybridization between Hermit and Townsend's Warblers (called HETO's in the banding community). I think you can only ID a true Townsend's by ear. Otherwise, they are all considered hybrids.
Interesting to know if that is still the consensus in the science community.
Thanks for the post!
Melissa Willoughby
Seattle, WA
Biobirder at- Comcast dot- net