Vermilion Flycatcher |
Vagrant Species
A vagrant is a species of bird that simply doesn't belong in your area--it's a bird that has been found well outside it's expected range for breeding, wintering or migrating. Some birds become forced from their normal migration paths by storms, and they land far outside their normal range. Others wander from their normal ranges due to youth or other factors. It's always enjoyable to find these birds, and checking a listerve is a great way to find vagrants in your area. The Vermilion Flycatcher pictured above is normally found in the southwestern U.S. and southward, and it would be unusual much east of Texas. But in February 2012, two males were found at Orlando Wetlands Park just east of Orlando.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher |
Lark Sparrow |
Nemesis Birds
Sometimes it seems like there's a bird that's just avoiding us, as if the entire species had a meeting to conspire together and avoid being seen by one individual. When this happens to you, you need a counter-strategy, and a listerve can be just the strategy to outsmart these nemesis birds.
Gray Kingbird |
Prothonotary Warbler |
Rare/Threatened Birds
While I think we should be careful about broadcasting the location of truly rare and endangered birds, some species are threatened due to habitat loss, but their habitats may be visited without disturbing bird populations.
Bachman's Sparrow |
Recently a friend posted the location of some Bachman's Sparrows.
And when I first moved to Florida, one of my first sightings of a threatened species was a Florida Scrub Jay. Of course, with threatened and endangered species, we must be even more diligent to avoid disturbing the birds or disrupting their habitat. But good and responsible communication between birders can enhance the experience for all of us.
Scott Simmons
Learn Outdoor Photography
Florida Scrub Jay |
Scott Simmons
Learn Outdoor Photography
Buenas capturas sobre todo el Atrapamoscas que es precioso.Saludos
ReplyDeleteNice photos and great post Scott.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post and great photos, Scott. There's a nice essay by Ted Eubanks about hunting for rarities and being a jerk:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.aba.org/2012/02/the-jerk-snowy-owls.html
I am shamefaced to admit I've been there too :-(
That's a great essay. We all can learn from it.
DeleteNice break-down Scott, and lovely photos. There is an added thrill in chasing the vagrant or rare bird. As you say, it must be done carefully, but the rewards are very great.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I think that some birds can tell when I am looking for them - and they morph into leaves or something!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures
Stewart N
I really enjoyed reading this wonderful post, Scott! Outstanding photographs, as always! It's always fun to catch sight of a vagrant bird. I will be heading down to Florida soon and hope to spot a Florida Scrub Jay.
ReplyDelete