Luckily it was also seen by some birders far more expert than I. After a few days of review they decided it was not a Dusky Flycatcher, as first thought, but was in fact a Hammond's. For my two cents, the Hammond's do seem to be a bit more yellow than the Duskies, but that's something I can only tell from reviewing lots of photographs, not from field-obersvations alone.
The soft grays and yellows make for a beautiful and soft composition, one that seems unique to the Empidonax flycatchers (Warblers and Kingbirds being a stronger yellow). This Hammond's was another one of my favorite sightings on the BiF Tucson trip this February.
Those empis are all difficult to i.d. You did well. I can't believe you were able to capture such beautiful images!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. This Hammond's must've been in the fly-catching zone cause its pretty much ignored me, and then landed maybe 8 feet away at one point, seemingly oblivious to us onlookers.
DeleteI love Flycatchers but have a difficult time with ID. I love the pose in your second image, what a gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteIt was a mighty fine specimen. I like the family as well, but have trouble differentiating and tend to just think of them as one interchangeable group of empids. It was nice to be birding with people who could tell the differences. We ended up seeing 4 different species that day, but I could've only told maybe 2 of them apart on my own.
DeleteExcellent captures of this beautiful Flycatcher! I find identification of these guys very difficult; you did an outstanding job, as always!
ReplyDeleteWow Tammy thanks. He made it easier than most, and it provided for a great learning experience.
DeleteI still struggle with Hammond's/Dusky, although sometimes the differences seem semi-obvious. A good look at that long primary extension will do the trick though.
ReplyDeleteYessir that seems to be the trick. It was nice to get some good, unencumbered views. Thanks for stopping by Seagull
DeleteLaurence, you ROCK!!! Excellent shots! I would have no clue as to whether it was Hammond's or Dusky. What is "BiF"?
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks Peggy. I was lucky to have plenty of help on the Hammonds. BiF is the Birding is Fun acronym. It's a multi-author blog to which I contribute an article once a month. A few of us contributors did a trip through Tucson last weekedn and saw some great birds
DeleteI'm looking to this Spring as my Empids 101 course. I still have yet to see any, but Acadian's apparently breed in these parts. You're excellent photos are making me want to take the whole genus on!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Nicholas! I'm looking forward to your photos and rectellings, I'll be hoping to learn as you share your findings!
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