1. English and Scientific names:

 

Willow Flycatcher, Empidonax traillii

 

  1. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage):

 

One, Breeding Male [Note: I may have heard a second bird in the vicinity.]

 

  1. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) (specific locality)

 

Bossier Parish, Riparian Area approximately 0.4 mile north of Bass Pro Shop at East Texas Street Bridge.

 

  1. Date(s) when observed:

 

June 13, 2011

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Approximately 7:20 AM CDST

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

428 Hickory Hill Drive

Boyce, LA 71409

 

  1. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

 

None.

 

  1. Other observers who Independently identified the bird(s):

 

Terry Davis

 

  1. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

 

Clear morning light, looking west with sun to my back.

 

  1. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):

 

Zeiss 10 x 40 binoculars – Good Condition.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

In willow about 70 feet above the ground and about 100 feet from me.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

Approximately 5 minutes total including listening to singing bird and actually watching it.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

Riparian habitat adjacent to well mowed field. Lower story mostly 20-30 foot tallow trees backed with 50-60 foot willows.

 

  1. Behavior of bird/circumstances of observations (flying, feeding, resting; including and stress habits in identification: relate events surrounding observation):

 

I had been told about the location of the bird. I had not heard/seen it when I arrived at the location. I was looking for a Cassin’s Sparrow previously present nearby and Willow Flycatchers in the willows. I heard a Willow Flycatcher calling – Fitz Bew – and then saw it one willow in a clump of several tall willow trees.

 

  1. Description (include only what was actually seen, not what “should” have been seen: include if possible: total length/relative size compared to other familiar species, body bulk, shape, proportions, bill, eye, leg, and plumage characteristics. Stress features that separate it from similar species):

 

This was a 5-6 inch flycatcher perched on a branch toward the top of a willow. It was reasonably non-descript with whitish wing bars and a brownish back and light belly.

 

  1. Voice

 

The classic call for this bird is Fitz Bew. That is what I heard before actually seeing the bird.

 

  1. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

 

Alder and Acadian flycatchers would otherwise be indistinguishable from a Willow Flycatcher had the bird not been singing.

 

  1. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attached”):

 

None. Not sure if any of the others visiting the area actually made any photos or recordings. Frankly, just flat forgot that the bird was a BRC bird and, once I heard and saw the bird, refocused my efforts to locate a reported Bell’s Vireo.

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

 

I have recorded Willow Flycatcher a couple of times in Louisiana and in once in North Dakota.

 

  1. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):
    1. at time of observation: Sibley’s Guide and National Geographic Guide
    2. after observation: Peterson’s Guide

 

  1. This description is written from: ___notes made during the observation (notes attached?); ___note made after the observation (date: ______); __x___ memory.

 

  1. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain. Yes

 

 

  1. Signature of reporter ______signed JVH_______ date July 15, 2011 time 8:40 PM