This was a life bird for me and a target bird for David Cree and me on our recent trip to Brasstown, in north Georgia. Our most common empid in Georgia is the Acadian Flycatcher. It is difficult to distinguish visually between many of the empids but habitat is very different for the Acadian and Willow and there are differences in plumage; the Acadian has a greenish back and the Willow has a brownish back. The Acadian is found in broadleaf trees usually near water (like the one I posted recently from Pine Log WMA), or high in trees within forests, whereas the Willow is found in low brushy habitats, often near water as pictured above. Since this time of year we don't have any of the other empids in Georgia it is easier to identify these flycatchers then it is in more northern states. Yet voice remains the best way to distinguish between the many similar appearing empids. In regards to visualization alone the Willow Flycatcher might be more easily confused in Northern Georgia with the Eastern Wood-Pewee which has similar coloration. However the later like the Acadian is found around woods, and chooses fairly high and conspicuous perches. Wood-Pewees have relatively short legs compared to the empids with their longer legs but they have longer wings then the empids.


I must add that I have learned recently that we do have some Least Flycatchers in the Georgia Mountains. Hopefully I will be able to see/hear/photograph one this summer!

Tags:   willow flycatcher brasstown, georgia spring 2010 david cree georgia mountain breeder

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Kennesaw Mt.

From the road leading to the maintenance parking area looking into the tall trees toward the open field.

Tags:   flycatchers great-crested flycatcher singing great-crested flycatcher

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Eastern Phoebe. Kennesaw Mt.
Below in comments is a Say's Phoebe capture from my recent trip to New Mexico.

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Eastern Phoebe.
I took an abrieviated hike this afternoon at Kennesaw Mt due to the rain.
Highlights were this close opportunity with this Phoebe and several (at least 3) Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. First day since winter that I have not seen a Golden-Crowned Kinglet on this hike. I did see another Hermit Thrush today in his usual winter territory. I suspect it is the same Hermit Thrush as my last post.

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Anyone willing to name it?
Grand Manan Island. New Brunswick, Canada.

Tags:   flycatchers

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