toddy flycatcher

[Martin Brazil]

Finally got my camera back so here are a couple from last weekend. Sadly I have missed the breeding season so I'm a bit limited on subjects now but its all good practice for next year.

[OldClicker]

Beautiful bird - nice catch. In North America, what we call 'fly catchers' often sit on a branch waiting for a bug, fly out and catch it, and land to wait for another. Does this one feed like that? That beak looks more like a woodpecker or something that works the ground or even a fish eater. - TF

[Martin Brazil]

Hi Oldclicker, no its definitely a fly catcher and yes it does exactly that, sits on a branch and then shoots out to catch a bug. I spent several hours trying to shoot it in action but it was just too fast for me. I have included a shot which shows it just after it landed with a catch, unfortunately its a bit dark. I did find its nest which is a hole in the river bank and so this weekend I intend to return to see if I have any more luck.

[Martin Brazil]

P.S. Loupey, big potential for that elusive flight capture shot here and no problems sitting waiting as its a gorgeous spot.

[paulnj]

Very nice species , images and HABITAT!