Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Great crested flycatcher 5-23-10

Today is world bird Wed.I have chosen pictures of the great crested flycatcher.This bird migrates from south of the US border to here in Pa in the spring,in May.I first started seeing one single bird,but now I have a pair.They usually show up ,I`ve noticed, when I start putting out Spalding`s Fly Predators.We had biting flies after getting the goats & I decided to try these insects,I get them in the mail starting in April or May & put them out during spring & summer months here.They eat the biting fly larva.The birds like them also,they eat their casings too.The bugs are very tiny,but there is a shell-like casing that`s left in the bag when they emerge.I really believe that they attracted the flycatchers.
The great crested flycatchers will nest in bluebird boxes or cavities in trees,mine make nests in the pine trees.They are described as bullies,but I have not found them to be that way.On the other hand,the robins & thrashers have driven them out of the pine tree they had wanted to nest in last year,but they did make nests in another pine tree.Alot of times they will use snake skins to line their nests.I have not seen their nests,I read that info in books.The coloring & their call is what drew me.The call sounds like a police whistle police use in cities sometimes to direct traffic.It sounds exactly like that.The coloring of them is gray with a yellow body with some olive/green feathers too.Their head is a little flat.
Go to the springman`s blog to check out the fun of seeing alot of different birds from all parts of the world.http://thepineriverreview.blogspot.com/

14 comments:

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com said...

I should have placed this in my post about the great crested flycatcher.They are also known as the Genus Myiarchus Crinitus.phyllis

theconstantwalker said...

A lovely little bird to see thanks for sharing...I have only just seen the post about Savannah. Can I wish her all the best and I hope she has a great recovery. She is a lovely looking little girl you must be so proud.

mick said...

Great photos and interesting observations of a beautiful little bird.

Unknown said...

Great looking bird. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com said...

Andrew,thanks for wishing Savannah well,her first check-up since her surgery was yesterday,so far,so good.We have to travel an hour & half each way & we count the hawks we see along the interstate.
The pictures I took aren`t the best of this bird,but they are shy birds & to just get 1 was great for me,thanks for everyone`s comments,phyllis

Arija said...

What a cute little fellow. Bully for you having them nest in your pines.

I love the owl in your header.

Empty Nester said...

Very sweet and interesting little bird! Nice job on the photos!

Springman said...

Fascinating post. It is amazing how one thing influences another. Now you have a Great Crested Flycatcher. Great pictures too Phyllis! ;-)WBW

Stewart M said...

Great pictures - looks like a good bird as well.

Stewart M

Sally in WA said...

Excellent info on their nesting habits to go with the very nice pictures. :)

Larry said...

I love flycatchers. I have the Ash-throated Flycatchers nesting here. They are very similar to the Great Crested and nest in the regular bluebird nest boxes.

Thanks for sharing the photos and info.

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com said...

I believe I got to everyones sites.Thanks for sharing all the good info.This is so much fun,isn`t it? Bird behavior is not only interesting to try to understand what they are doing & why,but viewing colorful birds from all over the world,birds I may never get to see...,looking forward to next week already!phylliso

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous fellow, lucky you to catch him!

Baggaraggs: said...

WOW Phyllis he is a pretty little thing. Love your photos. Hugs, Robin