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Posted by Robin Diaz on 11:23:51 12/30/11
Liz joined me today for my survey and we came across the La Sagra's Flycatcher at 8:50 AM. It's the bird on the left and offered a great comparison with the Great Crested Flycatcher on the right. The slightly smaller and more slender size is evident, as well as the black bill. The very light breast blends into a pale yellowish wash, unlike the defined breast and belly of the Great Crested.
The La Sagra's is using a large territory and calling infrequently, though it gave 3 sequences of 7-8 calls at 9:25. We first saw it ~485 yards (.16 mile) south of the white gate and ~30 yards west of the Nature Trail. It moved slightly south and east as we continued along the Nature Trail. At 9:50 AM it showed up much farther east, in a restriced area. It stayed in this area, eating and preening. When a Great Crested began calling, it became alert and gradually moved farther east and south, presumably to investigate the other flycatcher. Patience is needed when trying for this bird, due to its large territory. There's always the "Puschock Procedure," or trying along the shady paved bike path in the afternoon.
The Great Cormorant was regally ensconced on the lighthouse jetty at 9:40 AM.
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