Searching for LaSagra’s Flycatcher

It has probably been 15 years since I last saw a LaSagra’s Flycatcher. That one happened to be my first, one that I found on Key Largo. For some reason, in spite of coming to southern Florida almost every spring for the last two decades, other than that bird, this species has not been around at the time that I was. However, springtime in this sub-tropical region can be excellent for rarities and I have had the fortune of seeing other caribbean strays such as Key West Quail Dove, Zenaida Dove, Loggerhead Kingbird, Crescent-eyed Pewee, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Western Spindalis, Bahama Mockingbird and Yellow-faced Grassquit.

To my delight a LaSagra’s has been hanging around the southern tip of Key Biscayne for the better part of this year, so my quest to see this bird once again was looking good. My entrance into Bill Baggs State Park was delayed an hour due to a 5 km run/walk but that was not really a problem as the LaSagra’s was being seen on and off throughout the mornings. On the other hand, strong winds and steady rain certainly did not help, and neither did the events loud speakers blaring out AC/DC and Van Halen as they were cleaning up. That all makes it tough when one is listening out for a thin high-pitched whit!

In spite of these conditions, I was one of about ten people that spent the morning walking around the hardwood hammocks in search of this vagrant myiarchus. Common Ground Doves (above) alighted and fed along the paths, taking off at high speed as soon anyone approached. Pairs of ubiquitous courting Cardinals chased each other around. I came across a gathering of five Gray Catbirds hanging out together, oddly enough the only ones I saw.  Overhead a Peregrine gave fleeting views even as it sped into the wind.

Overall, considering the weather, the tally in the park was not too bad especially as I had two Black-whiskered Vireos, a female Painted Bunting and warblers that included Palms (above),  Cape Mays, Common Yellowthroats, Black-and-white, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush and Ovenbird.  Maybe tomorrow I’ll find that LaSagra’s!