A Great Crested Flycatcher Series ...4 images

[Gary Fairhead]

I took some these last Saturday and on Tuesday. This beautiful bird and its mate evicted a pair of Tree Swallows from their nest. The Swallows were no match for the Flycatchers. On Tuesday when I returned to the area, 3 Swallows were there and one was on a branch on the adjacent tree. I thought perhaps the cavity was not to the Flycatchers' liking but one showed up minutes later and entered its new home.

Canon 30D and 400 F5.6 First 2 shots were taken Tuesday at ISO 320, 1/1250 sec at F 8 and 7.1 and -1/3 exposure comp.

The 3rd shot was at ISO 250 1/1250 sec at F8 and the 4th shot was ISO 640 at 1/640 sec F 5.6. The last 2 shots also had fill flash at -1 F stop ( Canon 580 EX)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/GCFC2.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/newcatcher.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/Flycatcher1print.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/GGFlycatcher.jpg

[ngannet]

Very nice shots of a very vocal and pretty bird. I've been hoping to get some shots of them this spring but no luck yet.

[ZipDude66]

Nice set Gary! I can see a double catch light in a couple of these. I get this quite often when using lights, must be from the flash. 3rd one is my pick, has a curious or flustered look I think. Well done.

Zip

[Anthony J Howe]

Excellent series of shots of this flycatcher Gary.
You have captivated the good details of this bird. All of the shots are very good but the first one draws my attention the most.

[Phreddie]

Another good series Gary.

Number 3 stands out for me, but I'd be only too pleased to have captured any.

[busbyea]

Great looking series Gary. Nice colorations. Particularly like the pose of #3.

[GyRob]

some nice shots i like No2 best just seems to have that bit extra .
Rob.

[canondslruser]

I usually hear this bird before I see it. Its call is very loud and distinct. Saw one the other day smashing a just caught bug against a tree. Last year I saw one "playing" with a bug....literally tossing it up and then catching it with its bill over and over again before swallowing it.

[dancad]

Gary, the Flycatchers and the Sapsuckers, although now being neighbors are still feuding quite ferociously...should prove quite interesting in the next few weeks. BTW nice series.

[Blue Deuce]

I always look forward to seeing your posts which includes birds I am not usually familiar with presented in a top notch manner.

Nicely done with the fill. Can't even tell you used it which is of course what you want.

[ClareH]

Hi Gary,
all shots are sharp and great colors.
I'm with # 3 because of the angle, very good use of fill flash.
All the best,
Clare

[Gary Fairhead]

Gary, the Flycatchers and the Sapsuckers, although now being neighbors are still feuding quite ferociously...should prove quite interesting in the next few weeks. BTW nice series.

Thanks for the comment Dan and I noticed earlier in the week that there always seems to be at least 1 Sapsucker in the hole at any given moment. I think they are very aware of their new neighbours and see them as a threat and are guarding their home. Here is a shot taken the same day and you can see the male Sapsucker has turned his head sideways to very carefully look up at the Flycatcher who is one one of the higher branches.

And tahnks to Nganet, Zip, Tony, Phreddie, Ted, Rob, canondslruser, Blue and Clare for taking the time to look and comment:D

Sideways glance from the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker....:cool:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/saphole.jpg

[luckyart60]

Nice captures, enjoyed viewing

[alpha788]

Great set Gary - very well done indeed!

[kr88]

Nice series Gary. Can't pick a favorite as they are all great captures. Great job with this set!

[tupe]

Oh man!
Wow!
Nice!
Very nice!

[Gary Fairhead]

Thank you John, Stan, Keith and Joe for taking the time to look and comment.

[dancinec]

Great flycatcher shots, they resemble the Western Kingbird. The first three are outstanding captures.

[Stephen Stephen]

Nice shots Gary. The sapsuckers and flycathers were still feuding yesterday afternoon. The tree swallows dropped by once to scold the flycather as well.

[Acc]

Wow, excellent series of great photos ! Congrats !

Alb

[CyberDyneSystems]

Nice ones Gary.. love the third shot especially!

[Gary Fairhead]

I thought this thread was history but I guessed wrong. Thanks to Dennis, Stephen. Alb and CDS for looking and commenting...your great comments are much appreciated :D

Hi Stephen...I guess I missed you as I was there in the morning and then early evening. A Flycatcher perched , appeared to be on the defensive and flew off when the male YBSS moved closer. It should prove interesting if this type of behaviour continues.


And thanks to anyone else who looks and comments.:D ....this thread is history :)

[JohnnyG]

Very nice series! I love them...

[Dimitri_V]

superb captures Gary,especially that 1st one,singing away his head off it looks like.