Mystery Flycatcher

[scott]

Hi All,

I was birding yesterday just off Hwy 7 near the truck scales west of Hope and came across this very shy flycatcher. Unfortunately, it was being very quiet and occasionally flitting between shrubs. Hard to get a decent photo. This is the only photo I managed to get and it's tightly cropped. Apologies for the quality. Any help with ID appreciated. flic.kr/p/2pNHwKb

Scott
Hope, BC

[Gord]

Dusky or Hammond's, Scott. Good work getting a photo of a clearly uncooperative bird. Lower to the ground in shrubs is a Dusky trait, but Hammond's on the move on migration will use this habitat too until they get on breeding territory and start to hang out higher up in the conifers.

[scott]

Much appreciated, Gord. Difficult call for sure. I was leaning toward Dusky because of it's relative tail length compared to its primaries, plus it was hanging out in low willow shrub. But not knowing for sure, what do you think is the best way on reporting it in my eBird checklist? Or, just leave it off the checkist? Thanks again.

[Randy]

I would put empid sp. And you can provide those details in the comments. Too bad it wasn't vocalizing!

[Randy]

Scrap that. Looks like you can log as Hammond's/Dusky!

[scott]

Thanks, Randy.