We saw a nice variety of tyrant flycatchers at Malheur and environs. There was a Gray Flycatcher on Steens Mountain, above 5000’. There were Eastern and Westerns Kingbirds, the latter more widespread and at home both in marshy areas and among the sagebrush. There is a pair of Western Kingbirds nesting in Dorm F at the Field Station. Willow and Western were at headquarters, Central Patrol Road and Page Springs. We missed the Olive-sided that was seen at HQ. On our trip up Devine Canyon, US 395 north of Burns, we found Ash-throated and Dusky both of which breed in their respective habitats. The Dusky prefers tall, shading conifers, nicely space. The Ash-throated actually was on a cliff face in the canyon but near a mixed stand of cottonwoods and conifers where there was more sunlight than the Dusky finds comfortable.
Below: Eastern Kingbird near Benson Pond; Willow Flycatcher at Page Springs. They were also seen regularly at headquarters and along Central Patrol Road…in willows.
Say’s Phoebe, spurning the camera:
Here is Say’s Phoebe nest built on last year’s model which used more mud. Both Say’s pics were taken at Sage Hen Rest Area:
Ash-throated Flycatcher in Devine Canyon, north of Burns.
That’s likely a Barn swallow nest under the active Say’s Phoebe nest.
By: David Bailey on June 20, 2019
at 12:31 am
I suspect you are correct, the phoebes had nested there early last spring, to be replaced by swallows in summer, overhang doing duty for two species
By: atowhee on June 20, 2019
at 7:02 am