Finally! On my 4th visit to this location to find some Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, I found one. Or rather, another birder saw one a couple days ago, left notes on where it was sighted, and then I was able to return and re-locate the bird myself.

I waited at the location for a few minutes before hearing, barely, a soft Gnatcatcher song or call. A few minutes later a male started singing and flying around from perch to perch. He was easier to spot. I only got around three minutes where I was able to see him and take photos. He was about the size and shape of a Bewick's Wren, but had coloring more like a White-breasted Nuthatch. A very cool bird! I'll have to try to find these birds again next year, a few weeks earlier in the spring, when they're out in the open singing more often.

I'm now 4-for-4 in my visits at this location for new lifers!

These photos are © 2023 Phil Thompson, all rights reserved.

My "birds in review" collages can be found here.