Pitz- aa! The sound explodes in the air and you look up just in time to glimpse a tiny bird darting through dense branches and (alas!) diving out of sight.
What was that? You probably didn't catch enough of the diminutive body to identify him, but that loud, splintery call gave him away. That was the Acadian Flycatcher which visited Sudbury for a few weeks, seemingly following the Otter Creek's flooding of Route 73 this past month and attracting birders from all over the state.
The ACFL is a relative of Vermont's more common flycatchers, such as the Willow, Alder, and Least, all members of the Tyrannidae or Tyrant Flycatcher family known for their fierce insect-catching prowess.
Acadian Flycatcher. Photo by Sue Wetmore.
The Acadian breeds in the Eastern US and Southern Canada in dense deciduous forests located near rivers, brooks, or other wetlands. He winters in sunnier climes, as far away as South America.
If seen up close, he has olive green uppers, a white breast, a distinct eye ring, and bold wing bars. Like a Hummingbird, he can hover and even fly backwards, making it easier for him to surprise his prey.
The ACFL's stay in Rutland County was too short, but long enough for many birders to now recognize that explosive call. If you should hear it, grab your binocs as fast as you can or you may not get a chance to go eyeball to eye ring with this amazing bird.
Kathleen Guinness, author
Photo by Sue Wetmore