This morning I was fortunate to see and later hear the GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER
at Darrell’s farm. After arriving at dawn and seeing the bird with the early
risers I waited around and at almost 10 AM it began to call. It called many
times but remained hidden from view. Glad others got to see and hear it later
in the day. Thanks Darrell!
Next I drove out to Newport and saw the BROWN BOOBY sitting on its favorite
post west of the bridge.
Dave Irons called just prior to that and told me about the Mike Patterson’s
flycatcher and as long as I was driving around looking at rare birds I figured
I would head north. Along the way I stopped at Nestucca Bay NWR and found two
Brant out with the Dusky Canada Geese and Cackler’s. They were far away and it
was quite windy but I did manage to digiscope (badly) a GRAY-BELLIED BRANT, the
subspecies that typically winter in Puget Sound. It was incredibly distinct
with light white and brownish sides contrasting with very distinct black breast.
At 4:00 PM, after Mike Patterson and David Bailey departed from Little Beach, I
found the Myarchius flycatcher, which called and sat well for photos. I did
video tape it calling but cannot get my computer to download the videos. The
photos download, but not the videos. Go figure. The bird called multiple times
and sounded just fine for an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER.
Quite the crazy day.
Shawneen Finnegan
Portland, OR
