ID's - terrible photo's

[tuchp]

Hello, Would there be any hope at all of an ID from these terrible bird photos. They were taken this past Aug. at Tunkwa Lake, BC. I realize it is a tall order, but would appreciate any input at all. Thank-you, Pat

The bird in the first set of pics seems to have a red eye and a red patch on the back of the head. In the third set of pictures the little one, with the prominent eye ring and yellow beak was hopping around the underbrush. The one with its head turned away - there was one more really blurry picture of it as it flew away - that showed an obvious eye ring. The contrast between the grey and stark white made we wonder if it was a solitary vireo. The little warbler with the yellow breast, I was thinking Townsend's?? The larger flycatcher seems to have a white patch on the breast. The one on the lawn mower has a blue tinge to it.

[Gord]

Pat, Ill take a try. I always like these!

The first two looked like a Pine Sisken to me. I cant explain the red eye or the red on the back of the head. It then got me thinking about Redpolls (somewhat out of place for Aug mind you) but this bird doesnt seem right and the red on the head would be more on the forehead too. Odd bird!

The next ones with the guy on the lawnmower and the one right after look to be Vesper Sparrows. The one on the mower looks like a juvenile. The large size, prominant white eyering and white edges to tail feathers (like a junco) are good ID marks .

The little one in the tree looking away looks like a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. You spotted a good fieldmark with the eyering but that plus the wingmarkings in the photo make me think Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

The flycatcher one is indeed such and I would go with Western Wood-Pewee on that. The light area on the breast giving a slight 'vest' look is good work on your part to see the fieldmark. That, plus the dark face and throat is good for pewee.

Your warbler Im not sure. Yellow-rumped Warbler came to mind at first but the yellow on the tummy seems to be too large. Townsends is possible but to me a little too light on the grey areas. You're right to be looking at the warblers with wingbars though.

Thanks for sharing! I enjoy these kinds of things as the challenge is always great and helps learn new things too.

[tuchp]

Thank-you Gord! I have been pouring over my field guides without feeling positive on these. When I first spotted the little one in the tree, my first thought was kinglet too but then looking at the picture, the snow white breast made me wonder whether or not I was right. I looked up Vesper Sparrow and think maybe it could be - especially the one in the underbrush. The one on the lawn mower has such a huge beak. Sometimes, what with adult, juvenile, male, female, summer, winter, it can be very challenging. I really do appreciate the help - there was a time that I couldn't recognize a chickadee or junco!! -Pat