New Yard Bird - Hammond's Flycatcher

[Gord]

As we sitting down for dinner I noticed this guy in our bird bath! I called Jamie and he and my camera got to the window just in time for a quick shot before it flew off. Quite a surprise indeed and a new yard bird too!

Hammond's Flycatcher by Gord G, on Flickr

After dinner we went out into the backyard and sat to see if it was still around. We were pleased to see a now dried off Hammond's Flycatcher using our trees and shrubs we've planted to feed in. No doubt this guy will be in good shape to continue its journey to more mountainous areas where they will nest. Even though our yard isn't very large, we can still help the birds out.

Hammond's Flycatcher by Gord G, on Flickr

Hammond's Flycatcher by Gord G, on Flickr

[nickinthegarden]

That is one of the exciting things about birding at this time of the year is the appearance of the unexpected. When I first started birding and to pay attention to what I could see outside of my condo in New Westminster I was amazed at just how many visiting birds were passing through.

[paulos]

Gord, I'm looking back at this since I heard you express doubts about it being a Hammond's. I'm sharing some of your doubts now, but I'm not sure. The head shape is right for a Hammond's. The shorter tail does look like a Hammond's, but the wing/primary projection does seem a little short. The lack of notch in the tail also would be a strike against Hammond's, though I am wondering if that is the angle of the last picture. I don't think this is a least, not with the all dark bill, and there would be more white around the eye. Dusky is possible, but the tail appears too short. Hammond's still seems most likely, but it is a puzzler.

[Gord]

Paul, this one might end up going down as a not sure, but still Hammond's seems the best fit. I have more photos and some of Dusky that we know are Dusky because those ones had had the courtesy to call! Either way, we were pleased to have the bird in the yard.