Refresh and de-stress with a Restless Flycatcher – Capertee Valley
29This Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta) was filmed in June 2019 in the Capertee Valley, NSW. The footage was obtained just before sunset on a cool, mostly sunny afternoon. Even when the air temperature is in the low teens (Celsius) Restless Flycatchers and other birds readily drink and bathe. Late afternoon is prime time for observing this behaviour. And we can’t forget the stunning escarpments coloured by the last golden rays and an orchestra of bird song that gradually fades. (That said, the soundscape for the photos was recorded in late summer and early autumn 2019, when the Restless Flycatchers were particularly vocal.) After an exceptionally wet January, birds and other wildlife have several dams or waterholes to choose from. The second photo shows the actual location of the current flycatcher footage. (Photo taken in May 2019 in brighter conditions.) Both at the time of walking around and filming, and later when reviewing the video files, we were soothed, refreshed and somehow de-stressed by this glorious scene.
The individual shown here is probably an adult male Restless Flycatcher. Note the black-looking lores (area between the bill and eyes). Females have dusky grey lores. It’s probable we filmed the same bird last year as the main dam of that production - https://youtu.be/x9zSJ1gQ5PM - is a short distance from this small reedy waterhole. (On that occasion, he was searching for insects and other invertebrates rather than bathing.) Moreover, they seem to be well-dispersed in the valley, making the same bird more likely. We usually only see a single bird or pair, or occasionally an adult with recent offspring (e.g. go to 5.24 mark of this summer bird compilation - https://youtu.be/T5LI5HpVRTc).
Restless Flycatchers are aptly named, although flies are just part of the menu. Maybe “Restless Eyecatcher” would be an even better description for this very active and handsome bird! They grab our attention in nearly every part of the filming site, from the fields of native grasses (with shrubs and posts for perching), natural and restored woodland to open forests on the back slopes; they also use very high vantage points and the leafy canopy, much of the mid-strata, and down to ground level (when they pounce on certain prey). Often they are seen hovering not far from the ground while making a very distinct grinding sound (one of several calls). The only levels of their habitat(s) they don’t frequent are the skies above the tall trees and underground. For more information on this fascinating species visit http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Myiagra-inquieta