Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) photos by Larry Jordan
Ash-throated Flycatchers (Myiarchus cinerascens) migrate to Northern California from Mexico and Central America every Spring to nest. They are cavity nesting birds and I one of the species that nest in my birdhouses every year. Every May I look forward to waking up in the morning hearing that sweet gurgling call.
The gathering of nest material and actual nest construction is done probably entirely or mostly by the female Ash-throated Flycatcher seen here (click on photos for full sized images).
How do I know that the bird pictured above is the female? Because I watched her for quite some time as she flew back and forth to a nearby farm and brought back nesting material while the male gave his encouragement from a nearby perch. Here she is at the cavity entrance.
Nearly every time she brought in nesting material (as you will see in the video below) she would hesitate on coming out of the cavity and look around for a bit before taking off for more material.
In one instance a juvenile female Acorn Woodpecker inadvertently perched briefly on the same snag while the female Ash-throated Flycatcher was inside the cavity and the male was perched above in the same snag.
The Ash-throated Flycatcher pair immediately and aggressively attacked the woodpecker, chasing her off in quick order.
They then went back to the business of building their nest. The male Ash-throated Flycatcher following the female around during this nest building activity, apparently guarding his mate and singing to her.
In this short video you will hear the male singing to his mate around the 53 second mark as she flies by him on the way to gathering more nesting material. And she brings back a huge load on the next trip, looking as if she is exhausted.
If you love birds and you want to experience more great bird photos, you have to check out World Bird Wednesday!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Larry, I am now the jealous one. Your photos and video are outstanding!
Jean´s last post ..Male Blue Grosbeak ~ World Bird Wednesday
Great video, Larry! It must have been neat to find the nest and watch the flycatcher at work.
Eileen´s last post ..World Bird…the Rufous Collared Sparrow
Splendid set of pictures – yes it is amazing how our common birds are rarities to so many others – and when you move half way around the world birds that were once common have never been recorded!
Cheers – Stewart M – Australia
Stewart M – Australia´s last post ..Ten Years After
Simply beautiful photos! And thank you for the interesting facts. This is truly a place to learn about birds of the world!
Linda´s last post ..Home, Sweet Home?
Interesting looking flycatcher!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Boom & Gary´s last post ..Back In The Tundra at The Vermilon River. A Post To MWT and WBW.
This is a new flycatcher to me. Great captures!!
fjällripan´s last post ..Snäppa, gulärla och storspov…
What an adorable little bird….and such great shots. So interesting how it provides and the male watches over. Thanks for your WBW!!
Elaine @ Commotion´s last post ..World Bird Wednesday: Cardinal
A great series of action photos.
Mick´s last post ..White-cheeked Honeyeaters
Awesome Larry, How do you find this stuff?
Cheers!
Loved the video Larry!
The Mrs. worked hard while the Mr. sang.
Lovely still shot of the woodpecker!
Carletta´s last post ..Wild Bird Wednesday
Hi Larry and thanks for your comments on my blog. After three weeks away in Menorca I am finally catching up. Re “Pilling Puzzle”, not only is the whole construction unnecessarily complex, but the two signs which stand side by side seem to suggest there may or may not be public access. It’s ther way Pilling folk do things and a bit of an “in joke” but thanks for asking. Your Ash-throated Flycatchers look so like the Spotted Flycatchers we saw in Menorca – hopefully some will make it to the UK where sadly the species is in decline.
Phil (@anotherbirdblog)´s last post ..Home
Those are some beautiful shots. And it is nice to have them nest year after year in your yard. It is great getting to know the birds like that.
cheers,
Bryan
Bryan´s last post ..Red-headed Woodpecker
Larry, great post. That nest is quite far up and you caught some nice sequences there with the female bringing the nesting material.
dreamfalcon´s last post ..Flycatchers – Old World and Tyrant
Great bird shots as always, Larry!! I really have missed blog hopping over the last month as much as I used to. Nice to be back visiting your blog. Have a great weekend
Liz´s last post ..Sunrise skies
What a cool video!
Connie Smiley´s last post ..Mammoth Springs
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