April 4, 2022: Eastern Phoebe
A rainy, chilly and damp spring did not stop one of our early migrators. I listened carefully and heard the quiet, lovely sound FEE – BEE, FEE – BEE repeated again and again. A quick look, up into the maple tree outside my window and sure enough, an Eastern Phoebe, a member of the flycatcher family.
According to Audubon, despite its plain appearance, this flycatcher is a favorite among eastern birdwatchers. Seemingly quite tame, it often nests around buildings and bridges where it is easily observed. Best of all, its gentle tail-wagging habit and soft fee-bee song make the Eastern Phoebe easy to identify, unlike many flycatchers.
Later the Eastern Kingbird will be seen around our lagoon. It’s also a flycatcher, but that’s a story for another Spotlight.
Happy Birding!!