Kingbird Taking Flight!

We returned to the Rail Trail at Station Road this morning. It had been clear over much of the weekend, and it seemed that that may have encouraged most migrants to fly on--in any case it was definitely quiet, to the point that as we headed back to the car I despaired of getting a bird blip.

Then this Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (a largish flycatcher) appeared not too far over the water, skipping from perch to perch. I have superimposed two images, combining takeoff with his flight up to the left. Both positions are exactly as captured. Notice how the head is already turning as he takes off. Try a large view for more vivid action :)