Every summer my property and the surrounding Gothe State Forest area play host to one of my favorite migratory birds, the great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitis). Not only are these birds quite pretty, but they are very interesting to watch. They don’t really frequent the feeding stations since they are strict insectivores, but they do like to come around and watch the goings on. They have a loud, single note call that’s very distinctive, but most of the time I never hear them. I just look up and happen to see one. Like most flycatchers, they usually catch prey on the wing, so they will find a perch with a good view and just watch for something to fly by. Then off they will go, sometimes doing some amazing turns and loops to keep up with the insect. This one was perched on a small tree branch just patiently awaiting bugs. It was near on of the feeding stations, too, so it seemed to be an ideal spot where it could hunt and watch the other birds while it waited.