Adult Dusky Flycatcher in willows – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There is a story behind these Dusky Flycatcher photos that I took earlier this week while I sat in my Jeep next to a creek in the Wasatch Mountains.
For weeks now there has been a Willow Flycatcher in the area and I suspect that there may be a pair there nesting. I’ve struggled to get clear images of the Willow Flycatcher because its favorite perch is behind multiple branches no matter what angle I try to get on it. I’ve enjoyed hearing the “FITZ-bew” call of that flycatcher and catching views of it flying in and out of the clump of willows.
Last Sunday I saw another flycatcher fly into the willows and the Willow Flycatcher gave chase. The birds flew round and round the willows and zipped in and out of the branches. I struggled to keep up with them with my eyes and tracking them with my lens was next to impossible.
The intruding flycatcher landed briefly on some of the low branches of the willows three times which gave me nice views of it and a few photos were taken. I wish I had been able to take more.
Wary Dusky Flycatcher – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This Dusky Flycatcher had good reason to look as wary as it did because the Willow Flycatcher was determined to chase it out of its territory and eventually it succeeded.
Because of the amount of white feathers behind the eye of this empid and the yellowish feathers on its belly I was certain that this flycatcher wasn’t another Willow. I suspected that it was a Dusky Flycatcher and asked my friend, bird guide and fellow bird photographer, Mark Stackhouse, for assistance with identifying it because I struggle a bit with empid ID. Mark felt that Dusky Flycatcher was a good call.
As always, I appreciate your help, Mark. Gracias!
I see Willow Flycatchers frequently while they are here for their breeding season. I don’t find Dusky Flycatchers often at all. This Dusky Flycatcher delighted me by showing up and allowing me to get a few photos of it before the highly territorial and agitated Willow Flycatcher chased it away.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Dusky Flycatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific pics; especially considering how much effort it took to get them. But, your wonderful narrative put everything in focus (sorry). Great read. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful photos.
A subtle little charmer. Thank you.
That charming little yellow smile!
Excellent shots of a difficult subject. I enjoy your enjoyment of nature. Thanks.
Useful ID info, thanks!
Great shots Mia!