Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), Tubac, Santa Cruz County

Diane Touret found this Louisiana Waterthrush along the Anza Trail in Tubac south of the bridge over the Santa Cruz on 5 December 2007.  It was photographed by Dick Dionne on 17 December 2007.

Louisiana Waterthrush is an ABC sketch details species. The ABC and North American Birds editors request that minimal (sketch) details of sightings of these species be turned in for the sighting to be included in the NAB seasonal report, and for that sighting to be considered "official" with regard to the records keeping for the state. Sketch details should include a brief description of the bird and circumstances surrounding the sighting.  Sketch details can be sent to the NAB regional editors: Gary Rosenberg (ghrosenberg AT comcast.net) or Mark Stevenson (drbrdr AT att.net)

Note especially the bright white rear eyeline and unstreaked throat of this Louisiana Waterthrush which distinguish it from Northern Waterthrush which is also usually buffier below with denser, blacker streaking.  Another often overlooked field mark is that Louisiana bobs its tail in a semicircle whereas Northern bobs its tail straight up and down.  This is very useful when seen walking away from you, which is often the case!

 17 December 2008 photo by Dick Dionne