May 5, 2006 [LINK]

Least but not last flycatcher

The warm, humid air really felt like summer this morning as I trudged along the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad trail. The dearth of warblers (in this neighborhood) continues, but I did at least see two Least flycatchers for the first time this season. The various species of flycatchers are hard to tell apart*, as most of them have the same dull color, wing bars, and rings around their eyes. Voice, and in some cases size, are the best clues. This one was perched on a sumac berry cluster. I also heard two Indigo buntings and a Scarlet tanager off in the distance. Today's list of highlights:

• Common yellowthroat (M)
• Least flycatcher (FOS)
• Ruby-crowned kinglet (late lingering)
• White-breasted nuthatch
• Catbirds
• Brown thrasher
• White-throated sparrows (late lingering)

* not counting Phoebes, Pewees, and Kingbirds, which are all related to flycatchers.