Melissa,



I would argue that the Townsend's Warblers we see beyond the normal range of
Hermit Warblers are simply Townsend's, though an examination of their DNA
might indicate some historic contact with Hermit populations, which however
doesn't make them anything other than Townsend's. It's the Hermits that are
the bigger problem, as many if not most that we see in Washington are likely
hybrids. Nor can one reliably tell them apart by ear, in my experience.



Gene Hunn

18476 47th Pl NE

Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

enhunn323 at comcast.net



From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Melissa
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 2:27 AM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] RE: Townsend's in Ballard



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