A BIRD IN THE LENS

Listen carefully to soft song of Say’s Phoebe

- Bruce Mccammon

Of the birds that visit north central Washington during the spring nesting season and early summer, the Say’s Phoebe is one of my favorites.

This longtailed flycatcher prefers dry, open areas and is found in prairies and ranch land as well as on the edges of urban areas.

Say’s Phoebeseat insects and will perch on low rocks, shrubs or wires to hunt by flying out to snatch a flying insect. They will also hop down to the ground to pick up food.

Being about 6.5 inches in length, they are smaller than an American Robin.