The guy I took a photo of (#2) didn't move, no tail pumping...so I don't think it was an Eastern Phoebe and I looked up both in all my bird references and none showed either with a yellowish beak...only flycatchers seemed to have a yellow beak. It's hard to tell tho. I've been doing some more searching and wonder if it could be either an Alder Flycatcher or a Willow Flycatcher. Both are in my area in Illinois this time of year and both seem to have a yellowish beak ...the problem is, according my my sources there's no way to tell one from the other except by their song, so it could be either one of them. The only thing maybe would be that I saw this one right next to a river in a wooded area. I think it was the Willow Flycatcher that lives in that sort of habitat. I wish I knew...either would be new birds for my sister and me tho so I'm pleased if it is one of them. Thanks for all the comments and ideas! I really appreciate it!

The Towhees around here-East Tennessee-certainly sing the "Drink" part of their song, also the "Tea" part-sometimes written as towhee. This am I heard "Drink, drink, drink....long pause...your tea" Then just "drink drink..." I think it's a little later in the year when I hear the "tea" or "towhee" part alone. Right now I have an Eastern Wood Peewee that repeats "pee-oh-wee" over & over & it's kinda mournful sounding. He sings from a cedar tree in a small cemetary across the road & it seems fitting somehow. Susan

Correct on both ID's & yes, many birds' bills change color as they mature. Also some bills are different color in breeding season vs. non-breeding season & there are some male vs. female bill differences also.

European Starling. Check the transitional juvenile photo in the Field Marks section of All About Birds. It's the sixth photo in the lineup - click on the arrow to see them all. Claire This post was edited by claire on Sat, Sep 20, 14 at 11:00