Finally, after combing the neighborhood for several days, I at last got to see the elusive scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) which had been reported near my neighborhood in Encinitas. It was a good thing too, because I was becoming well-known in the neighborhood and getting a little too much information from some of the local residents regarding their dogs’ veterinary appointments, childrens’ promotions at work, etc. The scissor-tailed flycatcher generally is found in the south-central U.S., in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas in the summer, and in Florida and Central America in the winter. Why it manages to stray so far away into Southern California is not clear, but strays have been observed throughout the U.S.
Luckily for me, other fellow bird watchers were also canvasing the area for the flycatcher, and when one of them located it, they called out to us. After pointing it out to us and observing this gorgeous animal for about 10 seconds, these birdwatchers rapidly peeled out for a nearby donut shop. My friend and I stayed to observe the bird and its habits and take blurry photos. (Second from left in above photo. Look at that tail!)