Some of the staff is heading back out into the field this week – needless to say to warmer temperatures for sure. Apparently we are in the midst of a third Polar Vortex for the year and we are feeling the effects of NOT getting our cold acclamation cycles in. IT IS COLD! At a minimum, the normal training runs would at least get my butt outside before and after our Texas migration. The ankle has put a stop to that silliness. This is officially the longest I have gone without a run since I started this hobby some 25+ years ago. A few more weeks until my next surgeon follow-up and then hopefully start rebuilding – wish Linda luck as all this pent up energy is driving her nuts (she says I’ve taken to pacing like a caged animal and constantly telling me to STOP IT – link here). Something tells me today’s featured feathered friend would have something to “Say” about it as well!
Hit the jump to learn more about this rather annoyed looking bird!
What says you Say’s?
“Stop whining” (link here)… “and find something to do” (link here).
Hahahaha, apparently today’s specimen has been listening to Linda!
I am not sure if it was more annoyed by me being there or the fact the male Vermilion Flycatcher in the previous post was showing off its more brilliant feathering (link here). Apologies as I had to bring the brilliance down a bit from that last post. Although the Say’s Phoebe does sport some nice coloring, it is nowhere the torch level of their kin.
With all the focus on the Vermilion, I almost completely missed the presence of this Say’s Phoebe. While staying in Tucson, AZ last January, Linda noticed that there were Brewer’s Blackbirds hanging out an RV resort southeast of the city (link here). For a bird that basically hangs out in more than 3/4s of the US you wouldn’t think that would get me very excited, but what the Cornell region maps apparently do not show are all the white dots of no-go zones that perfectly align with wherever I happen to be. It is a bit embarrassing when asked what I am looking for when I show up at a birding hotspot and have to admit, “well a blackbird with yellow eyes”. I think this Say’s just laughed at me as well.
Luckily, I was able to get the Brewer’s checked off rather quickly. There is a golf course attached to this Voyager RV resort that had a large flock of the Brewer’s grazing in the tee box. With that out of the way I could focus on the more interesting feathered locals. Additional details on this particular site if you have not been there before. Basically you are birding from the road as there is a chain link fence around the golf course. This still gives you a good view of their pond and of a fairway that runs the full length of the dead end road you can bird from. I also found the trees across the street and the clump at the end of the road were quite productive as well. Although that road does not get a lot of use, there is a definite danger of getting conked on the head by an errant drive – before you ask, Brad, you do NOT get hazard pay if we send you out there ha!
There is something about that fence that is a Flycatcher magnet. Per the previous post, you are already aware the Vermilion was hanging out on it. Probably a good perch to put an eye on any insects hanging out around the pond. This Say’s Phoebe was spotted down a bit from the Vermilion with a steely gaze in that direction. As FCs do, every once in a while, it would launch off the fence or hop down to the gravel in front and nab a trophy insect.
My favorite shots came while it was on the ground as that green tone of the fairway was muting the Say’s peachy colors – finally gave up trying to provide any more separation for that first set of shots. The tan gravel/sand feels a lot more complementary of their belly and undertail coloring. Let me know if you concur in the comments for future image treatment options.
The Say’s Phoebe is actually a staple for our Texas trips. One can always be counted on to be hanging out at the Progresso Sod Farm – well, make that “former” Progresso Sod Farm in Weslaco, TX. It is now a subdivision that has been slow to take hold providing plenty of empty lots and pastures for birding – the Burrowing Owl hangs out there. For the last 4 or so years (at least) we’ve made the trip over there and successfully tinned the Say’s for the year. I was not expecting just how abundant these Flycatchers were in Arizona – seemed like they were everywhere! You do need to double check that they have a brown/grey chest and not white, as they can easily be mistaken for female Vermilion Flycatchers on first look. Note, Say’s are much larger than Vermilions coming in around 6.7 inches long versus the latter 5 or so inches.
Out of pictures, need to close this out and get you on your way. In appreciation for stopping by, how about a few takeaways on our peachy species. Probably been asking yourself how the name came to be (me too). According to Cornell, Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew named it after Thomas Say who first encountered the bird back in 1819 at a place called Cañon City, CO. It is likely Thomas’ more noted work that led him to this Flycatcher as he is considered the “father of American entomology” – I can imagine he wasn’t too pleased with this bird munching up all his insect specimens, ha. Lastly, this FC breeds farther norther than the rest of its family. The Cornell region maps states its breeding range extends all the way to the arctic tundra.
A fitting wrap as it feels like the arctic tundra out my window right now. Take care everyone and hope you enjoyed the shots of this non-sympathy giving Flycatcher!
Life Intrigued 