skip to main content

Great Crested Flycatcher

14 years ago

A great crested flycatcher has taken over one of my bluebird boxes. I have no experience with this bird, in fact this is the first time I have even seen one. Can anyone tell me if they are as tolerant as bluebirds about having someone check the box? They seem a bit skiddish, and I don't want to scare them with checking the box like I do the bluebird box if they don't like having this done. I'm excited about having this new tenant. By the way, after being "kicked out" of their original box by the flycatchers, my bluebird pair has taken up residence in the other box in my backyard.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

kendra2003
14 years ago
That is so awesome. I always hoped to be in your situation. Yes, they are much more timid. I have read that it is best not to disturb them. Keep an eye out from a distance, perhaps with a good pair of binoculars. Did you know they like to place an old snake skin in their nest? You will probably find it once the babies fledge. I think it is so cool. Please keep us informed as to how they do.
tuduloo
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Kendra2 - that was what I thought. I'll leave their nest box alone for now. I did read about the snake skin and will be looking for it after the babies fledge and I clean out the box. I did check the box earlier today and there is one egg. The female bluebird is almost finished with her nest for her second brood. This is going to be an interesting nesting season!
Related Discussions
Great Crested Flycatcher, Butterfly catcher.
Q
Comments (11)
Squirrels. Ugh. Don't get me started... But I'd give any butterfly in the garden for a Crested Flycatcher... What a cool bird!! Still, it's sad seeing one of your favorite butterflies being nabbed. I once watched a Chickadee grab for an American Lady and miss. I was glad she got away, even though I love Chickadees. Last Summer I saw a huge Praying Mantis giving a Monarch the hairy eyeball. I didn't kill it (I think they're too cool) but I did move to relocate him. He quickly flew off and I never saw him again.
...See More
A Few Recent Pics
Q
Comments (14)
connietn - They aren't completely safe, by any means. The hawks can still get them...and the snakes...and cats...and who knows what all. They are so vulnerable at this stage. But at least they have lots of brush and places to hide and the dogs, coyotes, bears and fox can't get them in the back yard. Chris - I have cut an orange in half and nailed it to a tree for the birds. The woodpeckers and bluejays love it. That's all I know to do. How do you take care of the baby Robins? Do you feed them worms? What about water? I'm worried about these Mockingbird babies...but the parents are still feeding them and are keeping an eye on them most of the time. One of the chicks has managed to flutter up into my Confederate Rose bush and I hope he stays there until he's full grown! Sharon - I think my Rain Lilies are blooming better now because the soil stays constantly moist in the pot. A plastic pot might work, too. I like the purple liatris. But I bought some white liatris this spring and they are too tall and floppy. I'll give them one more year to shape up. Kathy
...See More
Great Crested Flycatchers are back!
Q
Comments (7)
rachel - the flycatchers here always select screech owl boxes to nest in. They did in my previous home as well. So do the titmice for that matter...I have titmice in another screech owl box right now. I have a dozen bluebird-titmice size homes but they select larger. bbcathy - I dunno what sort of host I am but I do grow great bugs. American style bugs! When I first moved in two years ago, I had non-native plants and swarms of Japanese beetles, no birds. Now I have native plants and crickets and grasshoppers, zero Japanese beetles. Huge, huge difference in the bird species that show up these days and more will come as shrubs fill out. I had native garden for so long in my previous home I had taken the variety of birds in my yard for granted. Here, they never came down from the tree tops. If you build it, they will come. Then they'll start making demands and SCREAM at you as you wander your own property. I really love the flycatchers. I'm so goofy, I know.
...See More
Flycatchers are back & playing games again!
Q
Comments (2)
Well -- not much happening. Have hardly seen or heard our Flycatchers but last night one paid a visit to the fence near the bird house. Didn't appear to go in. Saw only one again this morning -- 2 x (or two different birds at two different times???) -- it didn't appear to go in -- just sat there calling and calling, but they're sneaky so who knows. May have to try the piece of grass across the entrance trick... We heard a couple calling to each other across the trees but we just keep seeing one on its own -- hope that something hasn't happened to one of the 'pair'. Meanwhile ----- back at the Bluebird Ranch, Mama blue is incubating her 2nd clutch of 4.... with "baby girl" from clutch 1 looking on....
...See More
tuduloo
Original Author
14 years ago
Ok, so I couldn't help myself. I waited until late this afternoon when I knew that neither of the flycatchers were in the box and just had to take a peek. There are two eggs and a SNAKE SKIN! I guess they were able to find one somewhere! Just love their housekeeping!
kendra2003
14 years ago
Cool. This should be a great adventure for you. Glad you were able to peek when there were no parent birds around. Hopefully you'll end up with a five egg clutch.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Lakes Gardener's May Checklist

By Barbara Pintozzi

Let's talk about brilliant flowering trees. About blooms to light up a shade garden. And, of course, about everyday garden tasks

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Chrysogonum Virginianum

By Curtis Adams

This tough ground cover brightens partly shady Eastern gardens with a carpet of golden flowers in midspring

DECORATING GUIDES Great New Looks for an Accessory You Already Own

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Give handrails and walls the same warmth as your toes by using blankets as decor

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD The Great Escape: Family Rebuilds After a Devastating Wildfire

Tim and Tammy Holmes survived the 2013 Tasmanian bushfires but lost their home. See how they’ve started over

MIDCENTURY HOMES 5 Inspiring Midcentury Modern Homes

By Becky Harris

Gorgeous updates honor the original spirit of 5 great midcentury homes from California to Cape Cod

DECORATING GUIDES Rooster Decorating Worth Crowing About

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Put the kibosh on kitsch with these ideas for strutting your rooster-motif stuff in moderation

CABINS Houzz Tour: Fly-Fishing Heaven on a Colorado River

By Becky Harris

Modest and rugged yet entirely comfortable, this vacation cabin hosts 3 generations of outdoor enthusiasts

GARDENING GUIDES 3 Ways to Revel in Summer Garden Sweetness

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Patiently observe what works and doesn’t work in your landscape

BATHROOM DESIGN Dreaming of a Fireside Soak

By Shawn Gauthier

You could relax by the fire while taking a bath in one of these cozy spaces

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 7 Out-of-the-Box Retaining Wall Ideas

Go Beyond Railroad Ties With Stylish Rock, Metal, Blocks, and Poured Concrete

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting