“Baypoll” Warbler – first winter
Bluff Point, Groton, CT
October 2, 2009 ©John Schwarz
This bird caused considerable deliberation because of the confusing similarity between first-winter Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers. Outside opinions were sought, and out of ten responses there were six votes for Blackpoll and four votes for Bay-breasted. Upon close examination the undertail coverts appear to be white, and the feet appear to be orange – which would indicate a Blackpoll.  (These two species are closely related; could they hybridize?)