11 Comments
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Lori Conrad's avatar

Hi Dan. Just a small correction. BC Flycatchers are not only found in AZ & TX. They nest all over the southern California desert. We used to see them all the time up in Morongo Valley, above Palm Springs & all along the Colorado River Valley. Even up by the Kern River, near Lake Isabella. They will also use other nesting sources besides saguaros, well, because there aren't any in California! In Morongo Valley once, we saw a pair using the metal upright pole of a swing set! On our property here in Portal, they use a couple of the nest boxes we have put out on our fence line and attached to the bottom of our deck, and I have even seen them use a metal gate pole out back! In the mountain canyons, like here above Portal, they nest in Sycamore cavities, like the Trogons and Sulphur-Bellied Flycatchers do. :-)

Dan Weisz's avatar

Yes, Brown-crested Flycatchers are seen spottily across southern California. They are cavity nesters so will choose cavities available in their range and in their habitat. Here in the Tucson Valley and this part of the Sonoran Desert, Saguaro cavities are the prominent cavities and so that's where you find them locally.

Lori Conrad's avatar

Not so spottily, just localized. I had to correct you because you said they’re only in AZ & TX. 😊

Janine's avatar

I appreciate that you don’t just take photos, you watch behavior and tell stories about the birds.

Dan Weisz's avatar

Thank you Janine

Pete Guerrero's avatar

Dan,

Elusive little thing seems like his survival instincts are extra honed!

Dan Weisz's avatar

They sure are built to survive!

Patricia Knower's avatar

Excellent pictures! Loved this story, thanks Dan!

Dan Weisz's avatar

Thank you very much

Calvin Kunin's avatar

Sensational finding and display!

Dan Weisz's avatar

Thanks Calvin!