12 Apr This Branch Is My Branch | April 2016

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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