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Post by bandj on Aug 30, 2009 11:08:00 GMT -8
Flycatchers are rare in our neighbourhood (East Vancouver), so we were delighted when this bird visited our front garden this morning. It spent quite a while gleaning and preening in a small robinia tree. We’ve sometimes been tempted to take this tree down, as it’s not very healthy, very buggy and prematurely yellows; but when we get visits like this we’re glad we’ve left it alone. We think it’s a Pacific-slope but aren’t sure. Any thoughts?    Bryan and Janet |
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Post by Gord on Aug 31, 2009 8:44:20 GMT -8
Hi guys. Nice little story of your garden visitor! Those buggy trees do seem to be popular among wildlife! As to what this guy is, I think it might be a Willow Flycatcher. A Pacific-slope might have a little more yellow to it on the tummy and overall have a more yellow-olive feel to it. Your bird looks good for a Willow there. The eyering is pronounced on a Pacific-slope as well where it is absent or very very thin on a Willow. Looks like this one has a hint of an eyering.
Nice work both in attracting the little guy to the yard and getting pictures of it. Sure are tough little birds to identify!
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Post by bandj on Aug 31, 2009 17:12:55 GMT -8
Thanks Gord. We think you're right. That was our second choice, and looking more carefully at the eye ring in particular Willow wins the day. It must have been on migration: it hung around all day yesterday, alternately feeding and probably resting in the adjacent cedar tree. Today no sign at all.
B&J
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