Ash-throated flycatcher?

[Luci Timblin]

Three of us were at Merrymeeting Bay WMA in Bowdoinham Sunday morning and saw an unusual flycatcher. I noticesd a pale fronted bird across field in a bush behind the marsh pond, exhibiting characteristic flycatcher behavior, as we walked. First thought was pheobe but once we got binoculars and scope on it, we saw a largish flycatcher w/ brown back and head, pale breast and belly (not yellow like gcfl), light wing bar and distinct rust feathers on outer wing. A couple brief looks and then it flew off and we couldn't relocate.

We studied the rust-winged flycatchers and ATFL seemed the most likely. I've seen plenty of GCFL and it did not look like one.

Our other thought was La Sagra's, which would be even cooler. It did seem a bit smaller so closer to that size.

Travis returned and saw it again this afternoon, but unfortunately an even briefer look. He didn't see the yellow of a gcfl but says it was a poor angle.

If anyone w/ a mega-lens camera and/or more experience w/ flycatchers wants to look for it, we can provide more precise locations of sightings.

Luci, Travis and Michelle

[andrew...@gmail.com]

Sure sounds like an Ash-throated and would be the expected Myiarchus now.  There are many western/southwestern flycatchers in the northeast now.  Great find.