Spring migration at Pheasant Branch Conservancy is something to behold: over 200 species have been seen there in May alone! Join us as we explore the park’s creek corridor, a stopover hotspot tucked into downtown Middleton, WI. Local expert birder Mike McDowell will help us seek out Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, and the many warbler species that visit PBC in early may.
This will be the last WYBC outing with Ryan Treves as club leader.
Where: Park at 2376 Park St, Middleton, WI (a dead end) and meet at the Park Street entrance to the creek corridor (map) When: 6:30am – 9:00am on May 6th, 2018 Who: This free walk is open to young birders 10-18 and their chaperones!
Please RSVP by emailing wisconsinyoungbirdersclub@gmail.com to reserve a spot. In your RSVP, please include the name and age of the young birder(s) attending, a cell phone number, and any allergies.
Extra binoculars and a field guide will be available.
In the event of an inclement weather forecast, an update email will be sent out by May 5th.
Seeing a harrier and six hawks up close, learning about bird banding at the country’s longest-running raptor station, and having cookies — what could be better?
The WYBC had a great time at Cedar Grove Ornithological Research station on October 28th. Record turnout, favorable winds, and a wonderful host made it one of our best events yet. Young birders from Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Appleton all met to observe mist netting, data collection, and the daily life of a bird bander.
One of our favorite moments was witnessing a hawk descend from its migration route above our heads, go into a dive. While it was coming, we heard “Freeze!”, so we all stopped in our tracks. Suddenly, it flew into a net right before our eyes. Tom ran over, untangled it from the net, and discovered that it was an immature male. Amazing!
Many thanks to everyone at Cedar Grove for their amazing hospitality!
Raymie and his sister at Parfrey’s Glen in Sauk County.
Age: 13
Hometown: Appleton
How long have you been birding, and what got you started?
As long as I can remember. While my family wasn’t really what you would consider birders, my Grandma watched birds at her feeders. She taught me the basic backyard birds, and I went from there. I spent a good majority of the time at my Grandma’s house looking through her copy of The Sibley Guide to Birds. I learned to recognize the birds I hadn’t learned from my Grandma from the drawings in the book that I had memorized.I started to draw birds in kindergarten. Eventually I started going to nature preserves to look for birds. Now, I sometimes teach my Grandma a new bird (this spring I identified an Eastern Towhee for her.)
Why did you join the Wisconsin Young Birders Club?
I wanted to get together with people my age that like birding as much as I do.
What is one bird you want to see in the future?
I want to travel around the world and see all sorts of exotic birds and other wildlife. One bird that has always stuck out to me is the Iiwi. This bird is beautiful, and represents Hawaiian birdlife and the conservation that needs to take place on the island chain.
The Hawaiian Iiwi
Tell us something interesting/funny that happened to you while birdwatching.
I went down to Missouri to see the total solar eclipse. But the trip would have been worth it just for the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. When it was almost to totality, they would fly more like a woodpecker or a finch. That is, they would fly up a little ways, stop flapping and let themselves fall a little bit. They would then start flapping again and repeat the process. I have never seen a hummingbird fly that way before. (Check out eBird’s feature on eclipse birdinghere!)
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know. I definitely want to work with animals and nature. Ecology is an interesting subject. It would be cool to work in/own a zoo. Environmental education would be cool. I just somehow want to work with animals and nature.
Horicon Marsh is one of the best spots to see birds in Wisconsin. With over 300 species sighted, thousands of birds breeding and many more migrating through, the marsh is a spectacular habitat for shorebirds, waterbirds, and other wildlife from March to November. August can be one of the best times to visit for fall shorebird migration, when one might be lucky enough to spot dowitchers, godwits, stilts, and even ibis.
So when the WYBC headed out to Horicon on August 19th and was faced with foggy conditions, zero shorebird habitat (because of heavy rains), and very little birdsong, this didn’t look so promising. However, with positive attitudes and many pairs of keen eyes, we managed to find 58 species in only a couple of hours. Check out some of the highlights below.
Spending most of our time in the Old Marsh Rd. area, we were treated to spectacular views of a female Northern Harrier hunting actively over the reeds, as well as a pair of Trumpeter Swans gliding right above our heads. Did you know that Trumpeter Swans are the heaviest native birds of North America?
Later on, we spotted an American Bittern only a few feet from us, using its classic upright stance as a camouflage. American White Pelicans flew above our heads, and Green-winged Teal proved an identification challenge on a nearby dike.
A brief foray into woodland allowed us to pick up Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Warbling Vireo. Towards the end of the walk, observant eyes trained downward spotted this beautiful monarch caterpillar:
Our last species was a treat – a family group of Black Terns. Black Terns are a state listed breeder, needing pristine marsh in order to breed. We saw at least a dozen! Although we only managed to see 3 shorebird species on the trip, we had a lot of fun. Check out our full species list below, and we hope you’ll join us on the next outing!
On May 27th, 2017, the WYBC held its first ever collaboration field trip with the Wisconsin Society of Ornithology. Local expert Tom Schultz led the group on a walk through White River Marsh SWA, visiting cattail, forest edge, and prairie habitats. Wendy Schultz and Jeff Baughman joined the group as well.
The trip began at 7am on White River Road. Immediately, a pair of Whooping Cranes serenaded the group from across the marsh. Sora, Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren and Willow Flycatcher were all observed in the first few minutes. While learning about the history of White River Marsh, we were wowed by singing Sedge Wrens and Yellow Warblers. Alder Flycatcher as well as both cuckoo species sang from a wooded edge as Ryan discussed the rules of thumb for bird call playback.
A small grove nicknamed the “Oak Island” yielded Yellow-throated Vireo, singing Blackpoll Warbler, two beautiful Scarlet Tanagers, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
Yellow-throated Vireo
As the weather warmed up, we decided to explore a new habitat along the edges of White River Marsh: grassy fields. There we were treated to displaying Bobolinks, Eastern Kingbirds, and singing Eastern Meadowlarks, though Henslow’s Sparrows were nowhere to be found. The trip concluded at Dead End Road, where Grasshopper Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, and American Kestrel were the last birds of the day.
Though the group was slightly smaller than normal, we all had a good time, seeing a total of 77 species — a new day record for a WYBC field trip!
Total Species: 141 Distance Traveled: 173.7 mi Average Age: 16.7Energy used: less than half a tank of gas!
On May 13th, the Wisconsin Young Birders Club sent four teens – Josh, Ben, Ryan, and Michael – out on a ‘Big Day’ to see as many species as possible in Dane County. In doing so, the WYBC Teen Team raised $1226 for Bird Conservation efforts in Wisconsin. A big thank you to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon for organizing our fundraiser.
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The day began at 5:00am at Cherokee Marsh. In the predawn light, the team started the day off strong with wetland species such as American Woodcock, Virginia Rail, Sora, and American Bittern. By 6 o’clock the day list had already risen to 50 species.
Next stop was the Creek Corridor of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Though scattered showers and an overcast sky threatened to halt the team’s impressive progress, the warblers still put on a show: Bay-breasted, Golden-winged, Blackburnian, and Parula were all singing. Along the corridor the team ran into both veteran Madison birder Mike McDowell and a fellow WYBC member, Rowan! However, there was no time to lose — after a brief snack, the WYBC Teen Team was on the road again.
By 8:30, Josh, Ben, Michael and Ryan had reached the County V Ponds. Through a strong wind, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Short-billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Plover, and Northern Harrier were all checked off. Unfortunately, the first major miss of the day, a vagrant Snowy Egret, was absent. A quick scan of the County DM ponds yielded the unexpected rarity White-rumped Sandpiper along with Savannah Sparrow and American Pipit. Their total was fast growing, and the weather held.
As mid-day approached, the team ventured further into western Dane County. Pelicans and Orchard Orioles, plus the day’s only Pileated Woodpecker, were spotted at Indian Lake. Following a beautiful hike up the Oak Savannah of Pleasant Valley Conservancy, the team relaxed for a lunch break while looking over the driftless landscape. Ben practiced his DSLR camera skills on a Red-headed Woodpecker while Josh helped teach Ryan and Michael the finer points of Atlasing. (Was the kestrel we saw carrying food breeding already? Can those two associating Brown Thrashers be called a ‘pair’?)
Although the day’s total was already over 120 species, the team hadn’t finished. Exploring the Erbe Rd. Grasslands payed off with displaying Bobolinks, singing Grasshopper Sparrows and Clay-colored sparrows, as well as a confusing raptor (eventually agreed upon as a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk). Thousand Rock Prairie had Vesper Sparrows, but no Henslow’s Sparrow, Dickscissel or Upland Sandpiper. Ryan also learned that a road indicated public on a map may not really be so public…
It was time to swing back through Madison. Nine Springs was quiet, but keen eyes and a good scope helped chalk Green-winged Teal and Gadwall onto the list. Previously reported Forster’s Tern and White-eyed Vireo were absent from the Stricker’s Pond area in Middleton, though the team was lucky enough to spot an Eastern Screech-Owl and a stock-still Green Heron on the far end of the lake.
A big thank-you to Ryan’s parents for facilitating a much-needed pit-stop on the edge of Owen Park; nachos, pizza, and lemonade were gone within minutes. Michael’s gaze skyward added Broad-winged Hawk for the day. Though Ben had to head out, Josh, Michael and Ryan set off to Fish Camp Park. There they located Common Tern, Black Tern, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. The day came to a subdued finish at Patrick Marsh: though a previously reported Eared Grebe was nowhere to be found, one female Red-breasted Merganser was the final addition for the day.
Thank you to everyone that donated – we hope to raise even more next year!
How long have you been birding, and what got you started?
Somewhere around three and a half years. My interest was first sparked when we did a school project that involved drawing some of the birds that we’d seen. At some point we saw a bird that I couldn’t ID (a recurring problem), so we called a lady we had connections with (my recurring solution) who knew about birds! Of course she was an avid birder, so she invited me to our town’s local bird festival. I got involved with the birding group there, and they got me hooked!
Why did you choose to join the Wisconsin Young Birders Club?
I chose to join the club because it provided a great opportunity to meet and bird with more birders, as well as go on awesome field trips.
What is one bird you want to see in the future?
Definitely a King Eider! This bird has fascinated me since we visited the St. Louis Zoo years ago. We tried to see the one in Milwaukee, but got there just one day too late!!
Tell us an interesting/funny birding story from your experience in Wisconsin or elsewhere.My favorite birding story is of a birding day during my first year out. I was just out with the aforementioned group seeing some great birds when we were standing at the top of a small hill. A bird flew right by us; everyone watched it fly by in silence. Long tail, pink underwing— I was just about to make a suggestion when the group leader took the words out of my mouth. A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher!
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
If you couldn’t be a full-time birdwatcher, what would you want to be when you grow up?
A pastor and a dad. (Hopefully all three options can go together!)
Why is birding important to you?
Birding is important to me because it’s just so incredibly fun! I love the community that has grown around it and the opportunity that provides to meet awesome people. It’s really cool that you can walk up to random people with binoculars and scopes and start a great conversation.
What is one thing you like to do when you’re not birding?
I really enjoy goofing around with my siblings; we have some really great times together.
Hometown: Carpentersville, IL (main) / New Lisbon, WI (cabin)
How long have you been birding, and what got you started?
I have been seriously birding for about two years but I have been interested in birds for much longer.
A flock of Ducks (probably Ring-necked or Bufflehead) at our cabin back in 2013 was the first time I tried hard to identify a bird.
Why did you choose to join the Wisconsin Young Birders Club?
I saw it on the ABA website and thought it would help me with birding near our cabin (New Lisbon, WI).
Where do you see yourself as a birdwatcher in 10 years?
I see myself traveling around the world trying to see the most birds possible and as a avian field technician for my job.
Tell us an interesting/funny birding story from your experience in Wisconsin or elsewhere.
We were going to walk our dog and as I am walking down our driveway, I spot a Warbler about 7 feet up in a tree about 15 feet away. I walked closer till I was only about 5 feet from the bird. I got my binoculars on it and realized that it was one of the most rare birds I had ever seen. It was a Kirtland’s Warbler! The bird stayed for almost a minute with me at that distance allowing me to study the it very well.
Kirtland’s Warbler
What advice would you give to a novice young birder?
Keep birding. Know that even the most experienced birders make mistakes and age is not a barrier.
Why is birding important to you?
Birding is important to me because
1 – I have made many friends through birding.
2 – It is the only hobby/activity that I have ever had that I can do anytime and anywhere.
And 3 – It gets me outdoors.
You can check out Oliver’s fledgling Illinois bird club, the Whimbrel Bird Club, here: https://whimbrelbirders.org/
North American Vegetative Regions. Golden Field Guide to Birds (1966)
Most birdwatching journeys begin with a step out the door. They involve trips across miles through diverse ecosystems and vivid scenery. Today, however, I took an ornithological journey not through space, but through time — back to the origins of modern birding.
Tucked behind numerous flashy, modern field guides on my shelf is a modest book I had scarcely ever noticed. This time my eyes rest upon its beige-olive spine purposefully: “Birds of North America,” it reads. How chaste. As I pull the book away from the shelf, a dazzling illustration of North America’s buntings is revealed on the front cover. The vibrant drawing and curling title contrast the book’s binding so starkly that I become curious immediately.
The Golden Field Guide to the Birds of North America was published in 1966, before the founding of the American Birding Association and several years before Kenn Kaufman’s first Big Year. The book describes about 700 species of birds observed in North America, including several casual visitors. Chandler Robbins, Bertel Brunn and Herbert Zim collaborated to put the guide together, with Arthur Singer illustrating each species. Turning the pages, I am continually absorbed in the artwork. In comparison to the refined depictions in my standby National Geographic guide, the plates in the Golden Guide show richer colors and more pure brush strokes. The page of tanagers stands out as particularly vivid, as Singer manages to capture the range of scarlet, rose and flame-colored hues of each male bird. The pine needles above and the subdued gold of each female tanager provide balance, adding an aspect of visual pleasure to the plate’s educational function.
As I pore over the book, I begin to notice discrepancies within its pages. Why have I never heard of a “Pigeon Hawk”? Since when were there five species of Juncos? What is a Blue-Gray Tanager, native to South America, doing in a North American field guide?
The answer lies in nomenclature, taxonomy and distribution. Nomenclature is the devising on common names for individual species, for example, the convention to call Coccyzus americanus a “Yellow-billed Cuckoo.” Nomenclature has changed significantly across the years, leading to a “Pigeon Hawk” now being called a Merlin, a “Water Pipit” an American Pipit and the “Sharp-tailed Sparrow” a Nelson’s Sparrow. Nomenclature sometimes changes as older names predating modern species descriptions are replaced with names that modern Ornithologists deem superior, as is the case for the Long-tailed Duck (“Oldsquaw” in the Golden guide). More productively, it often shifts to prevent confusion between species. For example, Capella gallinago had its name changed from “Common Snipe” to Wilson’s Snipe because it was not the same species as the Old-World* species named Common Snipe. Often, nomenclature changes are gradual in their affection: some birders still refer to the Eastern Towhee as a “Rufous-sided Towhee.”
The Flycatcher family has had more than its share of name changes, as shown here in the Myiarchus genus. The “Wied’s Crested Flycatcher” in this plate is now the Brown-crested Flycatcher, and the “Olivaceous Flycatcher” is now the Dusky-capped Flycatcher. Both species retained their scientific names, however: Myiarchus tyrannulus and Myiarchus tuberculifer, respectively.
Taxonomy changes, while more unusual, are certainly more interesting. These occur as a result of increased knowledge about what constitutes a species, and where a species fits in its genus or family. Alterations in the taxonomy of North American birds usually occur in two forms: ‘lumps’ and ‘splits.’ For instance, the five subspecies of Juncos illustrated above were ‘lumped’ into one species after the Golden guide was published, while the “Plain Titmouse” was split into two species in 1996, the Oak Titmouse and the Juniper Titmouse. Other notable examples include the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker split into the Red-naped Sapsucker, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and the Blue Goose and Snow Goose lump. Taxonomic changes that are neither lumps or splits have occurred, though they are few and far between. The Screech Owl, for example, not only split into its Western and Eastern variety, but also moved into the new genus Megascops. Even more drastically, the Olive Warbler was moved into its own family — Peucedramidae — as a result of a 1998 study of the bird’s mitochondrial DNA. Though taxonomy changes continue today (2016 changes), the definition of a species is questioned now more than ever. When a bird’s anatomy, behavior and genetics all suggest different conclusions, the reality arises that, in some cases, animals do not adhere to rigid classification.
Bald Eagles were considered rare in the 1960s.
The last major clue to what makes the Golden guide so different is distribution: the way a species or population is spread across a given area. The most common distribution change is a decline in range or population. Several species in the Golden guide have experienced drastic population changes since 1966. Bachman’s Warbler, Dusky Seaside Sparrow and Aplomado Falcon** have been considered all but extinct due to habitat loss and/or hunting. The population decline of other species such as Red Knot and Black Tern can be seen by comparing the species descriptions in the Golden guide to a field guide today. Nevertheless, there are a few notable instances where a species has rebounded from its 1966 status to reach healthy levels today. Due to human effort and the ban on DDT in the 1970s-1990s, Bald Eagles and Ospreys have both made spectacular rebounds in North America.
Grosbeaks, finches, sparrows and buntings.
Looking up, I realize several hours have passed. For a time I was completely consumed by the intricacies of a magnificent bird book, every page sparking new curiosity. By looking back through the years, I glimpsed what it would have been like to be a birdwatcher in the 1960s, in the budding field of ornithology and field identification. Yet I did not only learn about name changes and species lumps—I learned about why I love birdwatching. While names and styles and even species may have been different way back then, birding in 1966 was driven by the same core reason that birders go out today: for an unwavering passion for our feathered friends. On the 50th anniversary of the publishing of the Golden Field Guide’s Birds of North America, I became a better birdwatcher—without even leaving the house.
*Old World refers to Africa and Eurasia. Old World warblers and Old World Buntings, among other families, are very different from New World Warblers and New World Buntings.
**Efforts to re-introduce the Aplomado Falcon to southwestern U.S. have had some success.
Bibliography
“All About Birds.” All About Birds. Cornell University, 2015. Web. 27 Nov. 2016. Robbins, Chandler S., Bertel Bruun, and Herbert S. Zim. Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. New York: Golden, 1966. Print.
Raymie and his sister at Parfrey’s Glen in Sauk County.
Age: 13
Hometown: Appleton
How long have you been birding, and what got you started?
As long as I can remember. While my family wasn’t really what you would consider birders, my Grandma watched birds at her feeders. She taught me the basic backyard
birds, and I went from there. I spent a good majority of the time at my Grandma’s house
looking through her copy of The Sibley Guide to Birds. I learned to recognize the birds I
hadn’t learned from my Grandma from the drawings in the book that I had memorized. I
started to draw birds in kindergarten. Eventually I started going to nature preserves to
look for birds. Now, I sometimes teach my Grandma a new bird (this spring I identified an Eastern Towhee for her.)
Why did you join the Wisconsin Young Birders Club?
I wanted to get together with people my age that like birding as much as I do.
What is one bird you want to see in the future?
I want to travel around the world and see all sorts of exotic birds and other wildlife. One bird that has always stuck out to me is the Iiwi. This bird is beautiful, and represents Hawaiian birdlife and the conservation that needs to take place on the island chain.
The Hawaiian Iiwi
Tell us something interesting/funny that happened to you while birdwatching.
I went down to Missouri to see the total solar eclipse. But the trip would have been worth it just for the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. When it was almost to totality, they would fly more like a woodpecker or a finch. That is, they would fly up a little ways, stop flapping and let themselves fall a little bit. They would then start flapping again and repeat the process. I have never seen a hummingbird fly that way before. (Check out eBird’s feature on eclipse birdinghere!)
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know. I definitely want to work with animals and nature. Ecology is an interesting subject. It would be cool to work in/own a zoo. Environmental education would be cool. I just somehow want to work with animals and nature.
Thanks, Raymie!
December Young Birder of the Month: Oliver B.
Age: 13
Hometown: Carpentersville, IL (main) / New Lisbon, WI (cabin)
How long have you been birding, and what got you started?
I have been seriously birding for about two years but I have been interested in birds for much longer.
A flock of Ducks (probably Ring-necked or Bufflehead) at our cabin back in 2013 was the first time I tried hard to identify a bird.
Why did you choose to join the Wisconsin Young Birders Club?
I saw it on the ABA website and thought it would help me with birding near our cabin (New Lisbon, WI).
Where do you see yourself as a birdwatcher in 10 years?
I see myself traveling around the world trying to see the most birds possible and as a avian field technician for my job.
Tell us an interesting/funny birding story from your experience in Wisconsin or elsewhere.
We were going to walk our dog and as I am walking down our driveway, I spot a Warbler about 7 feet up in a tree about 15 feet away. I walked closer till I was only about 5 feet from the bird. I got my binoculars on it and realized that it was one of the most rare birds I had ever seen. It was a Kirtland’s Warbler! The bird stayed for almost a minute with me at that distance allowing me to study the it very well.
Kirtland’s Warbler
What advice would you give to a novice young birder?
Keep birding. Know that even the most experienced birders make mistakes and age is not a barrier.
Why is birding important to you?
Birding is important to me because
1 – I have made many friends through birding.
2 – It is the only hobby/activity that I have ever had that I can do anytime and anywhere.
And 3 – It gets me outdoors.
You can check out Oliver’s fledgling Illinois bird club, the Whimbrel Bird Club, here: https://whimbrelbirders.org/
Thank you Oliver!
November Young Birder of the Month: Elsa
Hometown: Madison, WI
In lieu of the traditional Q&A style of YBM articles, Elsa chose instead to write a short description of her time volunteering at the Open Door Bird Sanctuary in Door County.
“Interning at such a young age, I have found most people think is very surprising, and unheard of. If you ask me, almost anyone should try out such an amazing opportunity as this. I have been feeding owls, handling falcons, cleaning the water bowls for a turkey vulture, and much more! Interning opens up a whole new list of opportunities to both learn and have fun!
On days when we are open to the public, I often get either stationed at the mews, or the education table. At the mews I get to give speeches about 4 out of 12 of the birds at the sanctuary. Here, I often see the visitors astounded, by both my knowledge of birds of prey, and the birds themselves. You would be surprised to find the number of people who haven’t heard of a great horned owl; explaining it to them and seeing them smile, is super fun. It is like suddenly I become the teacher! The education table is nice too. It is covered with tons of fascinating artifacts, that are irresistible and fun to touch. On all open days we also have a raptor show, often with this I help behind the scenes, tying falconers knots and lifting crates with birds in them. Someday I hope to be onstage, and handling the birds myself! After the show, on good days we have a guided trail hike. The trails around the sanctuary are some of the best kept trails I have ever seen. I always enjoy tagging along with the hikes, where we often see cedar waxwings, quail tracks, and eat apples right off the many trees which grow throughout the sanctuary.
On volunteer work days, we come in ready to scrub down the mews and feed the birds. I do a lot of the water bowl and rock scrubbing for the first section, it isn’t the best job, but just being there makes it all worthwhile. By feeding time, this hard work all pays off. I get to slice up the quail for the Merlins, and I walk around placing frozen rats, (or rat-cicles as we like to call them) in almost every mew for the birds to enjoy. As you can probably tell, interning at Open Door Bird Sanctuary has been one of the best things I have ever done, and I would highly recommend an internship of any kind to almost anyone. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn even more about birds.”
-Elsa
Elsa is the perfect example of hope for the future of Wisconsin’s birds. While the WYBC loves members who show up to every event, it is so much more to see members like Elsa working outside of the club to help birds and give back to nature. Thanks Elsa!
The Golden Field Guide to the Birds of North America was published in 1966, before the founding of the American Birding Association and several years before Kenn Kaufman’s first Big Year. The book describes about 700 species of birds observed in North America, including several casual visitors. Chandler Robbins, Bertel Brunn and Herbert Zim collaborated to put the guide together, with Arthur Singer illustrating each species. Turning the pages, I am continually absorbed in the artwork. In comparison to the refined depictions in my standby National Geographic guide, the plates in the Golden Guide show richer colors and more pure brush strokes. The page of tanagers stands out as particularly vivid, as Singer manages to capture the range of scarlet, rose and flame-colored hues of each male bird. The pine needles above and the subdued gold of each female tanager provide balance, adding an aspect of visual pleasure to the plate’s educational function.
The answer lies in nomenclature, taxonomy and distribution. Nomenclature is the devising on common names for individual species, for example, the convention to call Coccyzus americanus a “Yellow-billed Cuckoo.” Nomenclature has changed significantly across the years, leading to a “Pigeon Hawk” now being called a Merlin, a “Water Pipit” an American Pipit and the “Sharp-tailed Sparrow” a Nelson’s Sparrow. Nomenclature sometimes changes as older names predating modern species descriptions are replaced with names that modern Ornithologists deem superior, as is the case for the Long-tailed Duck (“Oldsquaw” in the Golden guide). More productively, it often shifts to prevent confusion between species. For example, Capella gallinago had its name changed from “Common Snipe” to Wilson’s Snipe because it was not the same species as the Old-World* species named Common Snipe. Often, nomenclature changes are gradual in their affection: some birders still refer to the Eastern Towhee as a “Rufous-sided Towhee.”
Wisconsin Young Birders Club 