Hi all -
Passing along a non-reviewed ['pending'] eBird report of a possible Alder Flycatcher found by a birder not on Tweeters -- he wasn't able to get recordings, but there's definitely a possibility the bird is still around and might be refindable and fully documented by another birder. If you are headed to Leavenworth anytime soon, it is definitely worth a visit [and a report positive or negative] -- there are currently 4 accepted records of Alder Flycatcher for the state, though part of the low number is likely the difficulty of the id, w/o good documentation.

Here's hoping someone has some luck. The report follows:

Species: Alder Flycatcher

Count: 1
Observation date: Jun 19, 2015
Location: Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, Chelan, US-WA
Submission ID: S24059013
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24059013

Identical to Willow Flycatcher with dark face almost undiscernible eye-ring and good sized bill with lighter lower mandible with darker tip. It's call was distantly different than the "fits-bew" of a the Willow FC. This bird repeated a raspy "ree-bee" song similar in tonal quality to Willow but very different. A two part but closely connected "ree-bee" song with second note ("bee") higher in pitch than first. Dead on with recordings of Alder Flycatcher. Bird was located on the nature trail adjacent to the fish hatchery 100 yards or so in where the trail hooks around to the left. Mostly calling between forays for flying insects from mid level pine branches within a small area. Observed at close range 15-30' for 5+ min. with 10x Swarovski's. Bird was calling when I left.


Best,

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA