Last year I went to see a reported Acadian Flycatcher at Heckscher State Park, Long Island, NY. I happened to find the Feustel’s there, a very well known couple of birders of this area, and after some time we were able to hear an Acadian singing. That day I wasn’t able to see the bird but I went home happy of at least have heard it.
Exactly one year later I went again to the same spot, as the bird had been seen again, and, lo and behold, I not only saw two of them, but also the nest. I didn’t see any chicks and, for the movements of the female, I believe eggs were still there.
Acadian Flycatchers aren’t common on Long Island. Yes, they are in the theoretical breeding range but we don’t get as many as Willow, Least or even Yellow-bellied Flycatchers.
I have added a page to these flycatchers and I have included several old texts about them. The last one is a fascinating discussion in the 1880’s about the difficulty of identify this bird and how easy is to mix it up with other flycatchers, specially the Traill’s (Willow/Alder).
Check it out at hipogrito.com/acadian_flycatcher
Fran
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