Happy Encounter

   It has long been my habit to rise before the sun, go to the pier, then, after the sun rises, take a hike about the place.  During the warmer months, I dare not wander too much in the dark since most snakes are nocturnal and I might find one the hard way.  The eyesight is not what it used to be in my younger years.  I now use my other senses more.  I can smell a snake, hear soft footsteps or just generally "sense" when danger is near.  It does not happen often but occasionally a venomous snake, bobcat or coyote is on the path and I would rather just avoid confrontation if possible.  So, like I said, in the warmer months, I do not traipse the hillside before dawn.

  This morning, the hike began as usual with the sun just peeping over the pines.  There was enough light for me to see what was underfoot but not necessarily what was hiding in the bushes.  I heard a strange rustling and thought perhaps the cardinals were following me but, then, I heard the familiar call and knew the Great Crested Flycatcher was nearby.  I started searching the treetops but found the bird not twenty feet from me!  I never expected this shy bird to be so near.  I was elated with my find and started photographing the silhouetted bird.  This must have been a male as it was doing the typical "predawn song" that is definitely a "male thing".  Somewhere, his ladylove was on a nest and he was letting her know that all was well.

  The bird stayed on the low limb for about ten minutes as I stood just beneath him.  Then when the sky lightened, he took flight to the highest limb and started the hunt for breakfast.  Mr. Flycatcher, I assure you there are plenty of mosquitoes and deer flies for you to catch!  Please...help yourself!

Acrobatic Bird

   Early this morning, I did my usual...take the mug of coffee to the Small Gardens, feed the birds and then sit and enjoy their company.  Heavy cloud cover kept the darkness lingering a bit longer than normal.  As I watched the   "feeder crew", I could hear a bird calling in the treetops.  It had a single, clear call that rang through the stillness of the morn.  Ahh, this friend would not be visiting the feeders and, if I wanted to see it, my sights would have to be lifted.  A Great Crested Flycatcher was somewhere above!

  I scanned the grayness and soon found the bird.  In the top of a tall, water oak, my friend sat precariously on a twig.  The bird continued its calling for a good ten minutes.  Then, suddenly, it did what appeared to almost be a "backflip" off the branch and swooped down through the clearing.  It was off to catch breakfast!  After just a few moments, the bird was back.  It did this several times while I watched.  

  The Great Crested Flycatcher is a patient bird that sits and waits on a treetop perch.  When it spies an insect, it swoops down after it only to immediately return to the high limb.  It prefers this method of hunting over the scratch and peck like other birds.  The bird was doing a quite nice job of entertaining me while I sipped my coffee.  Its acrobatic stunts were pretty impressive! Then, both the bird and I decided it was time for other things.  It flew to the back of the property and I headed to the vegetable garden to plant cucumbers and radishes.

High In The Treetops

  Late this afternoon, the old dog and I went for a nice hike about the back part of the property.  It has been a long time since he has felt well enough to meander the hillside with me so this time was special.  He needed a number of rest stops but that was fine by me.  Just having him along for the hike was perfect.  It was on one of these rests that I was delighted to observe a small bird out catching supper for its brood.  Mama Flycatcher could be seen high in the old black gum tree as she snatched insects from the branches.  She would land on a branch and scan the limbs until she spied a potential treat.  Then, she would hover near the branch and take her insect while on the wing.  A quick flight back to the nest assured that her little ones would have a full belly for the night.  She repeated this action time and time again.  

  This is a Great Crested Flycatcher and she has nested in a tall white oak tree behind the canebrake.  This type of flycatcher nests in cavities in the tree and line their nests with soft grasses but also make sure to weave in a snakeskin or long, slender piece of plastic that could be mistaken for a skin.  This action is believed to be a deterrent for potential predators.  If some other bird or squirrel tries to raid the nest, the skin might just scare them and make them abandon the idea thinking a real snake is present.  With the number of flycatchers we have around the area, I would venture to say their tactic is working!  

  Little Mama worked hard to feed her little ones and I almost came to the conclusion that she was a "single mom" until I noticed yet another flycatcher working in the canebrake, itself.  The dad was busy finding supper, as well.  The brood would be well fed tonight and we will have a great many less bugs on the loose!  It is often hard to photograph these birds since usually stay high in the treetops as to not compete for food with other insect-eating  birds.