Rare Bird Report #38-B-09

Idaho Bird Records Committee
Rarities Report Form

Species: Ovenbird

Reporter:
Cliff Weisse
4125 Beaver Springs Rd.
Island Park, ID 83429
cliffandlisa@octobersetters.com

Other Observers: None    

Date of Observation: 4 June 2009
Date Report Prepared: 6 June 2009

Locality of Observation: Camas NWR, Jefferson County, in the row of Cottonwood trees adjacent to the irrigation canal north of headquarters, a.k.a. "The Straightaway"

Habitat: Ripair oasis surrounded by farm/desert.

Conditions:  Sunny with little or no wind.  Distance about 10 yards. Binoculars Nikon Premier 10 x 42.  Duration about observation less than one minute total.

Did you take notes… No    

Did you consult a field guide or other reference work?  No

Description: Warbler sized bird with olive brown  upperparts, white underparts and extensive black streaking on breast and flanks.  Head matched upperparts in colol, complete bold white eye ring, orange median crown stripe and blackish lateral crown stripes.  Legs were pink.  No wing bars present.

Behavior: This individual sang from about 5 yards away but was not in sight.  The song consisted of five loud sharp phrases that were not buzzy or burry in quality.  Each of the phrases was the same and consisted of two syllables.  The accent was on the first syllable which was higher in pitch.  When approached it flew into low branches carrying a small worm which it consumed while I watched.  It then dropped to the ground and was seen walking up a dead tree trunk with tail cocked upwards.  

How and when did you positively identify the bird, and what clinched the identification for you?  I recognized the song immediately.  Upon observation head pattern, eye ring, and extensive black streaking were observed to confirm the identification.

How did you eliminate similar species, and what were they?  The song and plumage are distinctive and could be confused with no other North American warbler.

Experience with this species: I've seen Ovenbird many times in NJ, MO, NY, and ID.  I've heard them singing many times as they are a very common species in the eastern US.  

General experience birding: 16 years

Were photo(s), video, and/or audio obtained by you?  No