Possible Alder Flycatcher Island 22

[Gord]

Today a flycatcher singing a different song was at Island 22 at the west end. It sure sounded promising for an Alder Flycatcher as it's song, "Ree-BAA!" was different from our Willow Flycatcher's sneezing "FITZ-bew! song. Visually, the bird looked as it should; like a Willow (or Alder, depending on where you are in the Province). I only heard it about a dozen times and the bird seemed to be moving along and not sitting still for too long. It was heading east and I couldnt follow past where Chris found the Philadelphia Vireo last fall (row of populars along the south border) due to flooding. I would have liked to hear it some more and maybe the call note as well to make sure it wasnt a Willow Flycatcher with a bug stuck in its throat or something. Tempting to think it might be the real deal, but would rather be sure instead of overeager and too quick to give these tough birds a name.

[Deleted]

Hi Gord.

If Alder Flycatchers follow a similar migration chronology to Willow Flycatchers (which seems like a reasonable assumption), this would be a good time for one to be moving through. I heard several Willows this morning while atlassing near the Vedder Canal.

The song of Alder Flycatchers (at least those I've heard in the Chilcotin) is noticeably different from that of Willow Flycatchers, and really does sound like "Fee-BEE-o" as it's usually described. The final "o" can be nearly lost, so your description sounds plausible. However, you're probably aware that Willows can often intersperse a somewhat different form of their song, a rather abrupt "rrEET" that is also quite different from their "Fitz-BEW."

Ah, those Empids! Great fun!! At least this time of year there's a good chance they will vocalize.

Stan

[Gord]

Stan, I assumed the same in terms of migration timing and feel even better about the though that it's shared.

The one that I had at Cheam Lake stayed for a couple-three days so allowed for regular hearing of its song and call note which to me, cinched it. Otherwise, I agree that hearing a bird make a Alder sounding song a couple times does not mean it's an Alder as Ive regularly heard Willows make weird songs before switching back to their more accepted song.

Also, have a butterfly in the photo gallery. I havnt taken the time to look it up when I know you'll know it by the picture so I invested my time elsewhere and will wait for you.