The third time was the charm…I finally photographed the Least Flycatcher at Lust Road! Thanks to Sam for posting the bird’s location on eBird. He was a challenge to find. While I knew that Least Flycatcher is a small flycatcher, he was smaller than I expected, and he stayed tucked back into the vegetation. He also startled easily as bikers and hikers talked on the trail. So I was super-excited to get a few quick images of him…

The Cedar Waxwings were active again on this visit. This time they were perching in lower treetops closer to the trail. When the sun finally peaked out for a few seconds, the bird’s feather just glistened!

As I photographed the waxwings, I heard a familiar potato chip call, so I began looking around for the American Goldfinch. I found him perched in some weeds, eating seeds for breakfast. Later I saw a flock of 10 of them in the treetops. I love their sweet calls!

After getting the Least Flycatcher, I walked around looking for the Ash-throated Flycatcher. He was very easy to find, darting in and out of the trees near the parking area. This bird is a bit of a celebrity. I wish I could ask him why he chooses to return to this patch of Florida instead of hanging out in the western US with the rest of his buddies!

The grassy fields behind the parking lot area are good for sparrows. I saw several Savannah Sparrows. I heard that there was a Grasshopper Sparrow, but I got there too late to see him. Sparrows are best found early in the morning. I liked how this Savannah sparrow’s coloring blends in with the brown background…

Other than the sparrows, the most common bird in the field was the Yellow-rumped Warbler. I though this one was pretty perched in the vegetation.

I quite enjoyed wandering near the Lust Road entrance, and I suspect I’ll be back soon. I could always use an unobstructed photo of the Least Flycatcher! :)