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Western Kingbirds Arrive For Camera Critters

Western Kingbird In Flight photos by Larry Jordan

The Western Kingbird is a Tyrant Flycatcher, or New World Flycatcher, that make up the largest family of birds in the world.  They are also the most widespread kingbird in the West.  The flycatcher family of birds also includes the Ash-throated Flycatcher, one of my favorite birds that will nest in birdhouses.

Western Kingbirds arrived in Northern California a few weeks ago from their winter grounds in southern Mexico and Central America and have really been putting on a show.  They catch insects on the fly like Ash-throated Flycatchers but are more conspicuous.  You will often find them sitting on wires or fences in open areas that have some trees or shrubs nearby.  This bird was sitting on a fence behind the hospital where I work hawking insects.

I believe there are a pair ready to nest in this area as this Western Kingbird was interacting with his own reflection in one of the huge windows of the hospital building.  I believe he thought it was a rival for his mates affections.

I will be following these two if they nest nearby although I have not been able to locate an easily visible Western Kingbird nest as yet.

To see more cool critter photos, visit Camera Critters and have a great weekend!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Karen May 2, 2009, 7:59 am

    Wonderful captures !!

    I really like the first one of the Kingbird in flight …

    Nicely done .. 🙂

    Karens last blog post..Camera Critters – Peter Rabbit

  • kayleen May 2, 2009, 8:28 am

    I saw my first westerns in Nebraska this week. They are such beautiful birds. Great captures.

    kayleens last blog post..Camera Critters-Northern Bobwhite

  • Shey May 2, 2009, 8:38 am

    Magnificent captures, as always! I especially love the 1st shot. I also love their yellow-colored breast.

    🙂

    Sheys last blog post..Unexpected Sighting

  • sandy May 2, 2009, 11:10 am

    enjoyed this

    sandys last blog post..Camera Critters #56- the Cattery

  • Snap May 2, 2009, 11:16 am

    What magnificent shots. The kingbird is gorgeous. Thanks for stopping by!

  • chris May 2, 2009, 2:21 pm

    Hi Larry,
    This is a lovely bird, I would like to see one such a bird around my yard. I love the window reflection picture, and yes he probably believed it was a rival male!!

    chriss last blog post..Golden, did you say golden?

  • Fishing Guy May 2, 2009, 3:01 pm

    Larry: I love your bird capture, certainly nothing like this in Ohio. You made some beautiful flying capture and that reflection is special.

    Fishing Guys last blog post..Camera Critters #56

  • Jennifer May 2, 2009, 11:09 pm

    Lovely photos, especially the last one. I enjoyed looking through your blog!
    When you’re in Germany the next time, maybe you can go the Vogelpark Walsrode, it’s a zoo only for birds and has many rare species. They have Eagle Owls and many other spectacular birds. It’s halfway between Hannover and Hamburg in the north of Germany.

  • Carole@Fowlvisions May 3, 2009, 1:28 pm

    Beautiful pictures! In our area the Great Crested Flycatcher has arrived. I haven’t captured any photos of it yet but I will soon.

  • The Zen Birdfeeder May 5, 2009, 5:22 pm

    Some really nice images! I love the reflection one. Thanks for sharing!

  • Denise May 5, 2009, 8:35 pm

    Incredible photos! I enjoyed my visit here very much. Thank you!

    Denises last blog post..Watery Wednesday