Acadian Flycatcher

 May 13th

          This morning Mike and I scheduled a walk at Secor Park with a mentor for the Volunteer Trail Patrol program.  This was our final step to get qualified to patrol the park.  We were actually hoping to hear an Alder Flycatcher on our walk because we know they are here every year.

          An Acadian Flycatcher is an Empidonax flycatcher.  There are five Empids that are found in eastern North America, the Least, Alder, Willow, Yellow-bellied and Acadian.  These birds are very similar in size, shape, and field marks.  They are best identified by hearing them call.

          The Acadian breeds in mature deciduous forests often in lowlands near rivers, streams, and swamps.  They are usually calling high in the treetops and are more often heard rather than seen.  Their call is an explosive “Piz-za” with a heavy accent on the first syllable.  As we walked along at Secor Park, we heard several Acadian Flycatchers calling.  No pictures today. 
(1 new species, total 255)

Acadian Flycatcher           

Comments

  1. AnnMay 14, 2022 at 5:15 AM

    I remember many, many years ago when Mike first told us that we had to learn some bird songs because we wouldn't be able these Empids by sight only. This was the first we had heard of identifying birds by song and we were very surprised. But we did as we were told, now we can have a long list without even seeing one bird, thanks to Mike.

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