As we move forward into spring, more and more birds are returning to my local area after spending the winter in warmer spots. This past week I was happy to welcome the return of some Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) to Occoquan Bay National WIldlife Refuge.
Two things always stand out to me when I see these little flycatchers—their heads seem unusually large and their tails are constantly flicking. Heads or tails? In either case I know it is an Eastern Phoebe. 🙂
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
I didn’t realize they migrated. I don’t know why but assumed they were year round. I guess that means we may be losing ours soon.
It looks like Northern Virginia, where I live, is on the line between places from which phoebes migrate and places where they are present all year round. I talked to an experienced birder today who told me that this species is considered “hardy” and a few members may overwinter with us.
I had thought they were always around down in the South Carolina coast but wasn’t sure. The smaller birds I don’t know very well. Hanks for the update 😀😀
They are cute!