Eastern Phoebe flipping a bug: Eastern Phoebe flipping a bug. I've seen big birds, like herons, do this to reposition a catch in the way they want it before swallowing, so I guess...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Eastern Phoebe flipping a bug

Jun 1, 2022 22:16:31 #

bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

Eastern Phoebe flipping a bug.

I've seen big birds, like herons, do this to reposition a catch in the way they want it before swallowing, so I guess small birds do the same thing on a much smaller scale.

EasternPhoebe_01Jun2022 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr

Lots of phoebe activity around here today. Found a partial eggshell on our front porch, so there must be hatchlings in the nest right above the front door. They've been nesting in the same place there for years now.

Marshall

Jun 1, 2022 22:27:58 #

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Good catch.

Jun 1, 2022 22:55:26 #

bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

I posted this photo on our KY facebook birder site tonight, and an admin there said he thought it was a fledgling Great Crested Flycatcher.

I don't think he is correct, but would any of you all care to wade in on it, too?

Marshall

Jun 2, 2022 05:28:37 #

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

bluezzzzz wrote:

Eastern Phoebe flipping a bug. br br I've seen b... (show quote)

Nice shot Marshall

Jun 2, 2022 06:28:19 #

Walkabout08

bluezzzzz wrote:

The Eastern Phoebe is considerably smaller, 4-6” and has a habit of bobbing its tail. I can’t tell what size the bird is in the photo, no reference to scale from.
We’ve had a nesting pair here for decades. This summer they decided to nest in the garage, probably because last year their nest was attacked and destroyed by the Barred owls.

Jun 2, 2022 07:03:32 #

bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

Walkabout08 wrote:

The Eastern Phoebe is considerably smaller, 4-6” and has a habit of bobbing its tail. I can’t tell what size the bird is in the photo, no reference to scale from.

Thanks, Walkabout08. I posted another shot, same bird, same sighting, back to the KY facebook group. Admin:

"this one looks completely different. Now I’m not sure. It’s funny how light and angle can make a bird look completely different. If I saw this first I’d saw Eastern Phoebe was the correct call. The bill isn’t big enough."

Marshall