weintrau@mpx0.lampf.lanl.gov (Weintraub, B. L.) (09/19/90)
A couple of days ago, while waiting for my ride late in the afternoon, I saw a bird that I could not immediately identify. It was a warbler with a well- defined yellow throat, a white unstreaked breast and belly. There was a definite contrast between the throat and breast. It was streaked with black along the sides. There were either white tail spots or white outer-tail feathers. Lighting was not good (no binocs, either). If there were wingbars, eye stripes or eye rings, they were too faint to see unaided. Habitat: 7000 ft. elevation. In ponderosa pine trees on green turf lawn outside the building. 100 yards in any direction is native pinon/juniper/ ponderosa pine mesa top or canyon. A couple miles away is thick pine forest, leading to alpine habitat at over 10,000 ft. Behavior: Quite shy, trying to keep hidden in the trees. Nondescript single note call, possibly of alarm. I have never seen such a bird in this area. I believe that it was either a Grace's or Yellow-rumped. Unfortunately, there are contra-indicators for both of these. This one definitely did not have a yellow rump, nor wide white wingbars. Does the yellow on a Grace's throat ALWAYS extend down the breast? Any chance there's some odd immature migrant I haven't considered? - Barbara - all disclaimers apply -