This is a Golden-crowned Flycatcher, from NW Ecuador. There is a yard light that comes on each night and goes off at dawn at one of the houses near Santa Rosa Wildlife Reserve. On dark nights literally 100’s of moths congregate. Many of them are still there at dawn. This provides a breakfast feast for many of the birds that live in the cloud forest near by. As you sit quietly you can hear their beaks snap shut as they capture breakfast. Some of the moths attempt to hide under vegetation or litter. The ground birds look under any and all hiding places. When the moths attempt to fly to freedom they are fair game for the aerial hunters, among which the Flycatchers are supreme. About 30 minutes after first light it is over. Tough photographing as it is dark and the birds are moving quickly.
- Created Timestamp09/18/2019 08:03:45
- CameraCanon EOS 7D Mark II
- Aperture5.6
- CreditMatthew Porter
- Copyrightall rights reserved
- Focal Length700
- Iso1600
- Shutter Speed1/160
Very interesting! Is the light left on for the purpose of attracting birds or is it a security light?
I am sure originally as security, but now the owner charges photographers to come to the property before dawn. He provides coffee and a chair to watch the show.
Fascinating, there is an unusual aircraft made by Fairey of England during WWII named for this bird.
Really? I will look that up.