Searching for Flycatchers, Finding Kingbirds

Have been hearing an Ash-throated Flycatcher was haging out at Lust Road for a while. The last time I was there a couple of weeks ago it was getting near dark and I didn't not find it. I had a short window to head back there after banding so off I went. Again, no flycatcher. I did easily locate the reported Western Kingbird, though.



The Kingbird flew off every time I got too close in the van so I parked at the gate and walked the road. A Sharp-shinned Hawk bolted out in front of me along the way and flushed any birds at that end. Halfway down the road, the Kingbird flew over near me and landed on another wire.



Out over the fields I noticed my first Northern Harrier of the year.



A few sparrows, like this Savannah Sparrow, flew around in the low grass and through the chain-link fences.



I completed a full walk up and back but still could not find the Ash-throated Flycatcher. Gray Catbirds were getting loud and feeding on the trees just beyond the gate.



I was about to leave when I saw the Kingbird land nearby again so I decided to take one more shot. Oddly, when I was on foot, the bird was a lot more approachable. Even when I had to make my way through some noisy grasses it stayed and watched.



I got nice and close, in fact. After a few more shots I left the bird to continue its hunting.



On the way out of the area, a Northern Mockingbird said goodbye.



Flycatchers remain a nemesis species for me. Sigh.

The Great Backyard Bird Count for 2013 is February 15-18th.
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Another Year, Another Say's Sighting

We now have records of the Say's Phoebe for 3 years straight. Technically a Western bird, this individual has been showing up for at least the past 3 years at the same field. Someday I hope to arrive when it is near the road. Every time I get there it is halfway out in the the field on the midway fence.

Always looks like this.



Doesn't help that I always seem to get out there during rainy or excessively overcast days. One day I might show up when it is able to fly more freely. Especially, considering the heavy Kestrel occupation.

So, I headed out toward home by way of Lust Road to see if anything was happening there. Like Ranch Road, many, many Kestrels. I just wish that they were not so skittish. I barely got this shot.



The only bird not paying attention to the Kestrels were the many Loggerhead Shrikes. This shot is actually through the side window in the gloom.



One more bird before the toll road. I found 2 Western Kingbirds up on the wires along Harmon Road. One stayed long enough for a shot.



More Winter birds to arrive. Can't wait!