I recently listened to an episode of the American Birding Association’s podcast which focused on the Golden-winged/Blue-winged/Brewster’s/Lawrence’s warbler complex and its dynamics. It co-starred Professor Nick Block of Stonehill College here in MA, along with Prof. Matt Hale of TCU, the two of whom recently published an article on the topic in North American Birds. Interesting listening for when we wind up trying to gauge where a particular individual warbler falls along the Blue- to Golden-winged spectrum. Anyone can listen to the podcast, I think; ABA members can log in and read the NAB article.
> On May 13, 2025, at 8:56 AM, Robert Ross <plumisl...> wrote: > > Here is what Merlin picked up in my backyard this AM from 7-8 PM. > > American Robin > Baltimore Oriole > American Goldfinch > Gray Catbird > Sond Sparrow > Black-capped Chickadee > Red-winged Blackbird > American Crow > Northern Cardinal > House Finch > House Sparrow > Blue Jay > Black-and-white Warbler > Brown-headed Cowbird > Red-bellied Woodpecker > Scarlet Tanager > Eastern Phoebe > Blue-Gray Natcatcher > Eastern Kingbird > Red-eyed Vireo > Tufted Titmouse > European Starling > Northern Mockingbird > Chipping Sparrow > Dark-eyed Junco > Bay-breasted Warbler > Great Crested Flycatcher > Osprey > White-breasted Nuthatch > Canada Goose > White-throated Sparrow > Downy Woodpecker > American Redstart > Eastern Towhee > Yellow Warbler > Golden-winged Warbler > Nashville Warbler > Magnolia Warbler > Northern Parula > Cedar Waxwing > Black-throated Green Warbler > Blue-headed Vireo > Mourning Dove > Brown Creeper > Savanah Sparrow > Rose-breasted Grosbeak > Least Flycatcher > Ovenbird > Blackburnian Warbler > Fish Crow > > I am having difficulty with the sonograph as Merlin is reporting it is > "Unavailable." That is not rare with longer recordings. If I can get > access, I'll post it on eBird. > > I am just south of Martin Burns Wildlife Area, a well-known > blue-winged warbler nesting site, so my initial suspicion is that the > golden-winged warbler is likely a blue-winged warbler. However, I am > going to spend the rest of today trying to pin it down. We did have a > Brewster's warbler in the yard several years ago, so I like to think > anything is possible. > > Sincerely Submitted, > > Robert Ross > <plumisl...> > Byfied, MA
