Willow or Peewee?

[Wetlander]

Just wanted to let some more experienced birders confirm my IDs.

This photo is from mid-summer.
I assumed it was a peewee, but now I'm thinking it is a Willow Flycatcher?



This one is from this spring. I think it is a Gyrfalcon? Bigger than a peregrine, but still has the vertical eye stripe.




And just an oddity for fun. This was also from earlier this summer. I think the term is xenochromism. I'm pretty sure this is a male Red-Winged Blackbird. It was with others and made the characteristic "chack" call. The black streaks and grey smudges were on the bird, not shadows.

[Gord]

Wetlander

I agree on your second thought of Willow Flycatcher. One thing to watch for when comparing pewees to Empids (the Genus all these olive-green horrors share) is that the Empids (Willow Flycatcher and friends) are active when perched. They flick their wings and tails frequently. Pewees sit much more still and dont flick their tails. Pewees are also darker overall with dark faces with basically no eyering.

That falcon is odd! I dont think it's a Gyrfalcon. It looks similar to a Merlin, but a Merlin is almost half the size of a Peregrine. Maybe it's a hybrid bred by falconers? Something to consider when looking at weird raptors.

Cool Red-winged Black(white!)bird!

[Wetlander]

Yes, the falcon was bigger than a peregrine... I never considered a hybrid!
Thanks for the flycatcher info... learning more everyday!

[lynnmiller]

Neither the Willow Flyctcher nor the Western Wood Peewee has an eye ring which this bird seems to exhibit. The white eye ring also seems to extend slightly behind the eye. That would make it right for Pacific-sloped Flycatcher. Also, the raptor appears more accipiter in shape than falcon. I do not get the impression that this bird has the long pointed wings of a falcon that usually extend to near the tip of the tail. North American falcons at all ages would show some sign of a malar or "moustache" mark. Also, the eye stripe is more indicative of an accipiter. If your guess as to size is correct, I would think it is a Cooper's Hawk.

Lynn

[Gord]

Good thoughts, Lynn.

While I have seen some Willow Flycatchers with eyerings (not distinct) this one sure does seems to have a bit more of one. Everything else looked Willow to me. Tough!

That raptor still has me scratching my head. I did not think Cooper's but good eye there to suggest it. Was stuck on falcons!

Single images can be tough (no jab at your single shots at all Wetlander! Often, the bird never gives us a choice on how many or how good of pictures we get). My wife always asks in awe why I take so many pictures of the same bird. I explain different angles and poses are good to get if possible for ID and so forth.

One is better than none, and each picture after one is better and better!

[Wetlander]

Thanks for the input Gord & Lynn. I do have a few more photos I will post that may/ or may not give some answers.