One of our later arriving neotropical migrants, the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) seen here was belting out its song on top of a pine. One of the Empidonax flycatchers, they are basically indistinguishable from the Alder Flycatcher by sight, though the other “Empid” species usually have brighter eyerings. Regardless, you should always use your ears first when it comes to these birds! Far too many people attempt to pin down an identification just by staring at photos later on when birds besides the Empidonax flycatchers, like the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Eastern Phoebe add to the confusion of new birders.
