An Easy Mistake to Make

So here's a question. What bird is this? In my early days of birding, I was easily fooled by photos of this type. Not recognizing a species, I'd convince myself I was onto something new and different, find "it" in the field guide, and congratulate myself on a life list score. And I'd be dead wrong. Even now, I looked at this photo, blinked with surprise, and started to wonder what rarity paid me a visit. Here's the difference experience provides: I had the presence of mind to look at the field marks and piece out the puzzle. Suet basket... yellowish bill... hint of yellow on the belly... small bird... must be a common Pine Warbler -- in molt. That darn molt can confuse so many, and takes me down now and then. The lesson: use Occam's Razor. The likeliest ID is always a common bird. Only if the field marks don't work would it be advisable to pull out the field guide and see who dropped in. I hope your ID tests go well!