Juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher at Mile Square Park on May 24, 2015

The juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher recently seen at Mile Square Park was again present on May 24, 2015 at approximately 2:45 p.m.  As Mike Sanders and I approached the NE section of the park just outside the outskirts of the nature center, I had glanced over at the golf course and noted a flycatcher on the fence that was somewhat similar to a Say’s Phoebe minus the rufous belly.  As Mike and I approached the fence line, further details revealed this being a juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher.  The streaked underside and yellowish wash were visible.  It was most cooperative and also unaffected by multiple golfers at close range.  For those unfamiliar with the Vermilion Flycatcher, it’s typical fly catching habits of perching in the open and nabbing its prey were easily viewed. It would infrequently return to adjacent low tree branches (vs. the fence) as the larger Western Bluebirds or American Robins arrived within the same immediate area.

It was interesting to note its periods of rest as it sat on the fence as illustrated in the second photo below.

A juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher determines its next move on the golf course fence at Mile Square Park.

A juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher rests in between fly catching at Mile Square Park.

A juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher pauses momentarily on a fence post at Mile Square Park.

A juvenile Vermilion Flycatcher selecting its next observation point at Mile Square Park.