Dear All, 

I saw the flycatcher again today (9 out of the last 10 days!!) at 1:15, so 
let's hope it hangs around for the weekend.

For those that will venture out in the next few days, I have the following 
suggestion: 

the bird seems to be more skittish with each day. I have not seen anyone be 
successful in tramping into the uphill laurel patch behind the house, or down 
into the swampy area to the north of the house. THE BEST way to see this bird 
is to stand along the trail just to the south of the green vine with the 
berries (i.e with the light behind you) and WAIT. Patience is a virtue, but the way 
to see the bird is to stand and await the bird's  visit to feed on the 
berries. These visits seem to occur every two hours or so, and seem to be related to 
passing "bird parties" of chickadees, kinglets, juncos, sparrows, etc. The 
activity seems to stimulate the flycatcher to move up into sight. The bird is 
very difficult to see once it moves away.

The modus operandi of the bird in the past few days is to fly up into the top 
of leafless trees alongside the berry vine tree, to sit for a few seconds 
actively flicking its wings; then a sally into the vines for a berry or two, then 
a quick flight downward and away. I've seen it fly down to along the river; 
down into the swampy area, or back behind the stone house. Once it has made its 
move, it is difficult, if not impossible, to find again.

The best bet by far is to be patient along the trail, and wait for the bird 
to make its appearance. I have seen several birders that had wandered off to 
the north, south or east, and missed seeing the bird once it was noticed, 
because it doesn't stay long at the berry vine once it appears.

The tripod has seen it every time it has looked for it, and he is thinking of 
starting a guide service for anxious birders!

Good luck and BE PATIENT!!!
Best

Hank Kaestner
Monkton, Maryland