Ferndale Preserve

Had a trip with the Orange Audubon today and we started south of Clermont. That scheduled trip was fairly quite so we added a bit more birding by following Gallus to his usual haunt out at the Ferndale Preserve.

There were mainly Tufted Titmice and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and the occasional flock of Swifts and Swallows but it was also getting late in the day and HOT.

By the time we made it out to an open area a female American Kestrel took wing and circle off into the distance.



It took quite a while to get any more bird sightings. Tapes were used to call up a nice Northern Waterthrush which was joined by a couple of warblers but nothing too exciting.

Out of the blue, an Eastern Kingbird dropped in at the top of a nearby tree.



While the group was trying to make sure there were no other warblers hiding in a tree, I walked around the next tree ahead and noticed a bird flying out to grab insects. Had to be a flycatcher by the way it flew out and returned to the same spot at the top of the tree.

Indeed. But what species?



My first thought was an Acadian Flycatcher. Further study when I got the pictures home was that it wasn't since it wasn't green enough. Which leads us to wonder if it was a Traill's version.



If so, it would most likely be an Alder Flycatcher in our area. That is what I think I am calling this bird after consultations and research.



If anyone feels it is something else, please let me know! Wish it would have come down lower for better photos.

Ferndale should be a fun spot to band in the future, especially after they get new landscape improvements finished which are now just beginning.