Vagrant Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Connecticut...

Finally, today I made it out to Stamford Connecticut for the now well seen Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana). This handsome bird, breeds in Central and South America but there are quite a number of records of it occurring as a vagrant in North America.  This species is primarily an insectivore, but will switch to berries and small fruits during winter if insects become scarce.  Many of us observed this bird taking berries today in between insect hunting. 

I may have missed the opportunity to get those close up shots that others were able to get before they put down all the barriers/tape that were there today, but I was happy and satisfied with my looks. There were many birders in attendance and last I heard from the folks keeping numbers was that they had a tally nearing 200 people in attendance for the day. Today, I shared my views and time with Steve Walter, birder, photographer and excellent all round naturalist. Coincidentally, it so happens, that Steve was the founder of the only accepted Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Queens NY and this goes back to 6/1/2000. So, there is hope for New York, maybe this guy will show up in my backyard or at Jamaica Bay. In the meantime, I have a few photos to remind me of my life Fork-tailed Flycatcher.

If you look closely you might see the yellow crown stripe indicating that this bird is a male.

Tags: Birding, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Connecticut

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