Rare pine flycatcher visits Texas, draws birders from far and wide
What’s with all of the people gazing at treetops in whispered hushes at Choke Canyon State Park in southern Texas? They’re likely birdwatchers, flocking to the park from around the state and beyond, hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare lone bird, a pine flycatcher, who has entered the U.S. for the very first time.
See the article posted this morning on the subject of this unexpected visitor, whose species hails from Mexico and Guatemala: “South-of-the-Border Chirper Has Bird-Watchers Migrating to Catch a Glimpse.”
The above photo of the bird was released by Bruce Sherman of Rockport, Texas, and was taken on Jan. 4, 2009, at the state park, according to the Associated Press. Photos by others who have spotted the renegade bird can be found online, including on the American Birding Assn.’s PEEPS blog.
- Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times
[Photo: Pine flycatcher. Credit: Bruce Sherman / Associated Press photo]
3 Comments on “Rare pine flycatcher visits Texas, draws birders from far and wide”
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January 15th, 2009 at 3:23 am
I’m not a birdwatcher but I pay attention to what birds fly into my yard. I think I actually saw a Pine Flycatcher up close and real I think one day before the Choke Canyon article was published. My bird was tiny with a grayish blue tinted body, yellow underside and wings that had black stripes running diagnally across the wing. And, I might add a very cute little bird. I initially thought it was hummingbird.
The bird was busy foraging in my bushes and paid scant attention to me and I was able to get within 3-4 feet of it. It was a memorable experience
for me.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I was outside on a warmer November day here in Alpine, Texas and a bird fell at my feet out of no where. I scooped it up because my dog saw it too. I held the little fellow in my hands and he didn’t stir, but just looked up at me. I held on to him for several minutes because he seemed out of it. Of course I got a really good look at him after holding him for a while and I could see that he was full-grown. When I figured he was ready, I let him go on a branch and he made his way up the tree and out of sight. Later, I got my mother’s Texas bird book and tried to identify him, but I didn’t get a perfect match. But then today, over a year later, I saw a pic of this rare bird everyone is talking about and I know that is exactly what I saw! I haven’t seen one since, but of course one hasn’t fallen from the sky at my feet recently! Though I’d share.
February 13th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I have seen this bird in my yard here in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. I was excited to see a new bird so I looked through every Texas bird book I could find to no avail. Then I saw this article…..wow. I have had 2 sightings.