You may enlarge any image in this blog by clicking on it. Click again for a detailed view.
The great transition from spring/summer migrants to fall/winter migrants is now at its peak in southern Arizona. Within a few weeks all of our summer residents will have left for their winter habitats and all of our winter sojourners will be in place. It’s pretty amazing to go to a specific location and to notice that the trees, which were filled with summering birds just a couple of weeks ago, are now devoid of those birds, but are filling up with totally different species.
Tropical Kingbirds are among the departing species. These flycatchers head south in late summer for winter residences in places as far away as Central America. Their departure is very noticeable. One day, they are a common sight in the pecan trees of the Santa Cruz Flats and then, seemingly, all of them leave overnight.
I photographed this individual just a couple of weeks ago.
As of today, it and its brethren are nowhere to be seen. The pecans, which had been home to Tropical Kingbirds during the summer, are now playing host to flocks of mixed blackbird species, grackles, starlings, and several sparrow species. There are a few of the Tropical Kingbird’s cousin, the Western Kingbird, still hanging around, but they’ll be gone soon as well.
This last image is symbolic as, I caught the kingbird crouching before taking off. I almost wanted to wish it bon voyage.
Images made with a Canon r5, 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 RF IS L lens, M setting (auto ISO), ISO 1600, f7.1 @ 1/2000, +1 stop exposure compensation.
Sonoran Images 