ML643591965

Observation details

***Stakeout mega and the reason, or at least the excuse, for the trip to New Mexico. We arrived shortly after sunrise and Cin-Ty Lee had found the bird. We watched it foraging, and I tried my best to make some audio recordings, which was challenging given everyone's excitement. The bird was usually about 15-40 feet up, sallying our to catch prey, often returning to same of nearby perch and quivering tail upon landing. Sometimes gave a soft pip call upon landing (the most common vocalization we heard). Also a variable rolling burry 'tureee turree' , the second component being particularly variable. Very attractive flycatcher, suggesting Empidonax, but prominent crest and sallying behavior and perching prominently in open more like Contopus. Rich buffy-cinnamon below and on face. Back and crown olive. Wings darker gray with narrow buff wingbars and tertial fringes. Cleft tail. We watched the bird for most of the time we were here, last seeing it near the pond