Flycatching Phoebes
Nature journal entry, October 25, 2016...
Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 31167482 - Eastern Phoebe; Walton County, Georgia. October 25, 2016. ©williamwisephoto.com
The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is one bird I have no problem identifying. To me, they look a bit top heavy with their large, dark heads. I frequently hear their calls around my office, up by the ponds, and at home in my backyard.
I’ve often noticed Phoebes on the same perches day after day. Nearly every evening, one sits on the chain link fence on my neighbor’s property line. Another Phoebe near the office retention pond repeatedly takes a crooked branch over the water. They are different individuals, but each have the same modus operandi, as so poetically and accurately described by the Cornell Ornithology Lab: “Eastern Phoebes sit alertly on low perches, often twitching their tails as they look out for flying insects. When they spot one, they abruptly leave their perch on quick wingbeats, and chase down their prey in a quick sally—often returning to the same or a nearby perch.”
It is no wonder why this family of birds were named the Tyrant Flycatchers!
Walton County, Georgia
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