Late Monday afternoon, David Gardner reported a siting of a Western Kingbird in the dunes in front of the chapel at Camp St. Christopher. A Western Kingbird is an eye-catching bird with ashy gray and lemon-yellow plumage, the Western Kingbird is a familiar summertime sight in open habitats across western North America. This large flycatcher sallies out to capture flying insects from conspicuous perches on trees or utility lines, flashing a black tail with white edges.
Note, the description above from Cornell Labs says it habitats western North America. This is not the first time this bird has been seen at Camp St. Christopher as it has been here for a week in several previous falls.
Tuesday morning, Aija and Ed Konrad with Judy Morr visited Camp St. Christopher and were able to see this visitor. David reported he was still there again on Thursday afternoon. The bird has been hanging out in the dunes between the beach and the chapel / cross just down from Pelican Watch Villas.
If you wish to search for the bird, look from the beach or access from the Camp by first registering at the camp’s Welcome Center. The Western Kingbird is not expected to stay on Seabrook all winter but we don’t know how long he will enjoy his vacation in our little paradise.
Submitted by: Judy Morr
Photo by: Ed Konrad
SIB 