We
do not want to oversimplify the identification of the Forktails
(Ischnura) occurring in the southwest! The best way to
positively identify them is "in-hand" with a 10x or
better lense. Close examination of details with binoculars
is helpful. Western Forktail (I. perparva) is similar and
it's range is close to us in SE CA and SW AZ. Mexican
Forktail (I. demorsa) is also similar. (not sure of it's
range).
We've
seen Rambur's Forktail at the New River Wetlands and all across
the Imperial Valley in So. California
and along the Gila River in Yuma, Arizona. Rambur's has been
called the Great-tailed Grackle of the dragon world because it's
range is expanding rapidly. They do well in disturbed areas
and constructed wetlands so we see more of them at the NRW and
along canals than we do Desert Forktails. There is much
debate on the identification of Rambur's Forktail here in the
southwest because it might be different from those found in
the eastern United States. An unusual event was photographed in early
December, 2001, on a cold stormy night, in which thousands were
clustered in the tops of the sedges along the shore of the NRW
Imperial site. When the site was visited a few days later
there were few Rambur's to be found. A similar incident was
noted in 2002 with much fewer numbers involved. We will be
watching this phenomenon much closer this winter!
Last
updated
Sep 8, 2003
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