Ash-throated Flycatchers Begin Nesting all photos by Larry Jordan
It started out with the unmistakable song as I checked my bluebird trail at Lema Ranch this morning. This is what it sounded like: Ash-throated Flycatcher Song.
So I spot one of the Ash-throated Flycatchers on the ground. What is it doing? Gathering nesting material. Now I am getting excited.
I follow it to a nearby oak tree where, sure enough, the pair are building a nest.
If you keep your ears and eyes open, many times you may be able to find birds nesting sites and be able to follow their progress from mating to fledging their young. You want to make sure that you don’t disturb the nest in any way. You want to simply be a good observer. You may also want to help Cornell Lab of Ornithology by joining Nest Watch!
Here’s a photo of the Ash-thoated Flycatcher peeking out of their new home.
I get excited finding these nest sites because I am able to literally watch nature unfold. If you have cavity nesting birds in your neighborhood and put up birdhouses, it’s even easier to observe their behavior because you have a front row seat!
Click on this photo to see a larger image
Ash-throated Flycatchers are a cavity nesting bird that will use a standard bluebird house or if you want to build your own, you may make the floor size a bit larger. Either way you will have loads of fun watching them and hearing their sweet, bubbly song.
If you want to see more cool bird photos, fly on over to Bird Photography Weekly and join in the fun!
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A really nice collection of shots Larry! (Although to be perfectly honest, I always know that I’m in for some good photography anytime I visit)
The myiarchus flycatchers are beautiful birds and you did them great justice.
Christophers last blog post..Bird Photography Weekly #36
Lovely photos, especially the third one; a great capture.
Loved the bird house plans 🙂
gwendolens last blog post..Bird Photography Weekly #36
@Chris thank you very much for the kind words of encouragement. I love the flycatchers so much, they are an inspiration.
@Gwen I will be trying to get more shots of this pair as they go through the nesting process. I could listen to their calls and watch them fly all day 🙂
Love how you are telling the story with your photos as well as your words. Well done! Ah, the Ash-throated. I have only seen it a few times and the first time, believe it or not was in NJ.
bevsons last blog post..Bird Photography Weekly
Really cool shots, Larry! Although I have seen quite a few Ash-throateds, I have never seen them in a nest. Thanks for sharing!
bob ks last blog post..Chick Flicks
Love these photos Larry! Congrats on the new to be family!
MaineBirders last blog post..BPW: Yard Birds
Lovely shots and interesting information. Thank you. I’m a fledgling myself in the birding area and am always happy to learn when other more knowledgeable bloggers are generous enough to share.
Denises last blog post..Watery Wednesday
Great photos again and an interesting post. I liked the bird song. What gear do you use to record with out in the field?
Micks last blog post..Spangled Drongo
Love that flying bird with nesting material.
Tabibs last blog post..Baya Weaver with nesting material
@Bev thank you very much for the kind words
@Bob thank you and you are very welcome
@John thank you. I look forward to having many chicks hatch on my bluebird trails as well as watching the pair in the tree cavity!
@Denise thanks for stopping by with a comment. I am always happy to share
@Mick thanks for the comment. I don’t record bird songs. I am fortunate enough to take the photos. I found a great resource for bird songs at Xeno-canto bird sounds. Cornell Lab is also an excellent source
@Tabib thanks
the last photo is definitely my favorite: the texture to the branches and forest background add a dramatic feel and enhance the flycatcher’s tensioned stillness
Happy birding
Dale
http://alpinebirds.blogspot.com
Beautiful series of images on the Ash-throated Flycatcher Larry. Its a coincidence that my last past is on flycatcher.
Thomass last blog post..Birding in India – Asian Brown Flycatcher
Larry, this is awesome the numbers of very nice birds you have around you. I totally went crazy on your third shot, a very beautiful wing action close to the nest… Simply wordless.
chriss last blog post..Green plover and green wagtail!!!