Vermilion Flycatcher, Male, Juvenile, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye

This Branch Is My Branch | April 2016

This Branch Is My Branch


Vermilion Flycatcher, Male, Juvenile, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye, in Post: This Branch Is My Branch

Vermilion Flycatcher, Male, Juvenile


“This Branch Is My Branch” was the key to taking this photo.

I noticed this juvenile male Vermilion Flycatcher from a distance.

Since this is a special bird, I really wanted a photo.

As I moved closer, the bird flew to another tree.

I followed the bird. And each time I moved, it flew away.

This went on, back and forth, for about ten minutes – with no photo.

So I stopped to study what the bird was doing.

From this, I noticed that the bird was moving randomly about in the trees with one exception.

It always returned to one branch.

By the way, this is typical flycatcher behavior. They will dart off to catch a bug, and then return to a favorite perch.

It’s as if this bird had decided, “This branch is my branch.”

I set my camera to focus on the branch with the light behind me. Then I waited.

Soon the bird returned. Then it flew off. Then it returned. And then it flew off.

Each time it returned I had a few seconds to take photos. After about 20 minutes I had taken the above photo, with an attractive head angle.

There’s a point here.

Sometimes the result we want can be gained by letting it come to us.

So we pause, study what’s happening, and then wait.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

See more special photos that I took at the Casa de San Pedro B&B:

Incredible Customer Service

Life Lesson from a Quail


Help Birds Tip

Flycatchers eat bugs.

So we can help these birds by leaving bugs alone.

Here’s an article (with two great photos) that tells more: Pest Control Chemicals


Birding Resources

This photo was taken at the Casa de San Pedro B&B. It’s an outstanding place to stay in Southeastern Arizona – featuring gourmet breakfasts, wonderful staff, and beautiful birds.

Visit their web site for more info: Casa de San Pedro B&B


Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation


You can help – Please share this blog with others.
Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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8 Comments
  • Kirk Stitt
    Posted at 18:42h, 12 April

    You are to be commended on your patience. That is a wonderful spot. I once had a picture of a mature male Vermilion on the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area sign. Casa de San Pedro is a wonderful B & B.

  • Tice Supplee
    Posted at 14:47h, 15 April

    I really like your help birds tip.

  • Penny Schafer
    Posted at 16:47h, 15 April

    Beautiful, and another great lesson. Stop chasing what you want, breathe, enjoy the moment – and perhaps what you desire will come to you. Lovely.

  • Tracie Lynne Hall
    Posted at 18:53h, 15 April

    And isn’t he a pretty bird?! Congratulations, great shot (and advice)!!!

  • Mary
    Posted at 08:19h, 16 April

    Beautiful photograph.

  • Susan Bulger
    Posted at 22:18h, 16 April

    Last year I had a few chances to observe a Vermillion Flycatcher snagging his food in the air from his favorite perch. He is a terrific bug killing machine and fantastic flyer. Congratulations on snagging this great photo.

  • Kristin Risley
    Posted at 19:44h, 26 May

    Lovely picture and wonderful story and tips. As always, thanks for sharing!

  • Kathryn
    Posted at 15:16h, 29 June

    Wise words, Steve. Thank you. Your wisdom ever buoys me, as do your photos.

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