We look for help identifying a warbler even though I know what it is

I feel I should apologize for warbling on, but this has been a good year. We’ve seen 16 firmly identified warbler species and one we’re still fighting about. Is it a Canada Warbler or a first spring Magnolia Warbler? My brother Phil’s quite nice photo should be enough to give it away. Personally, I’m taking my stand with Canada, but we’re open to arguments from anybody.

You decide. Is it a Canada Warbler or a first spring Magnolia Warbler? Let us know. Photograph by Phil Ryan.

Speaking of anybody, the strangest thing happened. I got a message the other day that I assumed was from Phil about sighting a Piratic Flycatcher. Apparently, one has been reported in The Kansas City Star, and the message sender claimed to see one in the company of a couple of House Wrens.

Now the Piratic Flycatcher, which gets its name and pirate reputation from its habit of taking over other species’ nests, shows up spottily in Florida, Texas and New Mexico – not Missouri and Kansas. But as we all know, birds have a way of surprising us. Nevertheless, I decided to let loose the canons of sarcasm and wrote back: “Was it wearing a little tri-cornered hat? Did it walk, hop or swashbuckle? Was its call a chirp, peep or ahoy, matey?”

Turns out, Phil didn’t send the message. I still don’t know who did, but whoever it was must think I’m a real jerk, which, perhaps, I am.

So, anyway, we’re approaching the end of the migration season for warblers around these parts. Seventeen warbler species isn’t bad at all, certainly the best I’ve ever seen. There were some notable absences, such as the Blue-winged we saw last year. That’s disappointing but not devastating.

It’s important to note that we’re within four species of beating last year’s count. We still have seven months to go and lots of common species to see. So let us sail on to glory or at least make a decent showing.

Official Big Year species count as of May 27: 176