ML278978291

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Around 9:45 a.m., Nick Belardes spotted a dark gray-brown flycatcher in southwest corner of paved loop about a foot-and-a-half off the ground in what might have been fennel. Right away Nick said to Kai Mills that the bird looked like some kind of phoebe/flycatcher. Kai, thinking it was an Eastern Phoebe brought up a photo on his phone to help ID. The bird, tail flicking, moved to the ground where it may have foraged for a few moments, then flew closeby into another bit of fennel-type plants. It stayed there a minute or so, still low to the ground, then flew back into the willows. The bird reappeared about 30-40 minutes later slightly north, lakeside, behind a bush about fifteen yards from where it was first seen, then flew into the same willows again. On its second appearance, which was also only a few feet off the ground, Tom Edell and Herb Elliot were on hand to see the bird. Its throat was white tapering to a light-colored breast with smudginess on the sides, and a yellow belly and undertail. It’s dark gray-brown head was slightly pointed, though not as prominently as a Black Phoebe. Its back, nape, tail and wings were also gray-brown. Both times the bird was seen, a mixed flock of sparrows and towhees were foraging in the area. I wonder if this bird was migrating from as far north as Canada, and whether or not it might be deciding to winter in the area, instead of migrating to Mexico or Central America. Herb Elliot mentioned this species might not have been seen in the area for 3-4 years. Tom Edell mentioned that it is not an annual bird. Will post photos.

Technical information

Dimensions

1440 pixels x 1086 pixels

Original file size

486.25 KB