Vermilion Flycatcher - Wallaceburg

This past Friday another incredibly rare bird showed up in Ontario, a Vermilion Flycatcher!  This is a species that is typically found much further south in the southwestern U.S and into Mexico.  At this time of year, most Vermilion Flycatchers would be wintering along the Gulf Coast or into South America!  But for some reason, a young 1st year male bird showed up north of Wallaceburg, Ontario.  Because this bird is a young male, it does not show all the vibrancy of an adult male, but you can still see patches.  As the bird matures it will transform into a striking red colour covering the chest and head.  This is only the 6th record for Ontario ever!

This guy was very active, flying around constantly to catch small insects and then returning to its perch to feed.  Being a flycatcher, it is very lucky to have found itself in Ontario during one of the most mild winters.  A prolonged cold snap would be hard on this bird!

Vermilion Flycatcher