I've been busy setting up our feeders for the winter and spending my time going through sooooooo many pics I took this past summer up until now.
I took this pic back on September 12th...another "lifer" for me...


Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5

Susan, this isn't a Great Crested Flycatcher. The youngsters have the same color pattern as the adults, only duller, but your bird doesn't have gray on the head or yellow on the belly. Also, this bird has an eye ring, which Great Cresteds lack. Judging by the size of the flower, it's also too small a bird (GCFCs are 8" long, which would make that a mighty big zinnia).

I think this is actually an Empidonax flycatcher species, but pinpointing which is likely to be impossible. They are very difficult to tell apart visually, with their calls being much more helpful. It's probably either Acadian, Willow or Alder - the yellow-seeming eye ring would make me lean towards Acadian.

Jill

Benton, ME
Canon Digital Rebel XT
Canon EF70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM

I am with Jill, it's one of those tricky Empidonax flycatchers, unless you heard it call or have access to DNA testing...

Ruth
Everett, WA
Zone 8

Hello Jill and Ruth,

So sorry for the very late response...just been very busy lately!
I appreciate you clarifying, correcting me, and narrowing it down as to which flycatcher it really is.
After reading all of your input/info, I found this...most of which you mentioned on how difficult it is to ID these birds...fastinating!
http://10000birds.com/what-is-an-empidonax-flycatcher.htm

Thanks again!!!

Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5