Now that spring is finally in full swing with no more chilly weather, many of our breeding birds have begun to return from further south. It was very exciting to see this great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitis) perched in the trees in the Gothe State Forest. They winter in Central America, northern South America and the Carribean islands and return to most of the eastern United States and Canada to breed. Its loud calls were the first sign that the bird was there, directly over my head. As a general rule I don’t take photos of birds directly over head, but I actually liked the way this point of view showed off that pretty golden breast. Since this sighting, I’ve seen quite a few more of these guys in Gothe, on my property, and out in Cedar Key. It’s always nice to see them, and I look forward to having the youngsters around when they fledge.