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Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

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Black phoebe voices are sweet and high, but you might notice the phoebe itself before you hear it. These black-and-white flycatchers are often perched on poles or fences in open areas, flying away and back to their perches to catch insects. They are encountered particularly frequently around Winter Hall and the Prayer Chapel (as shown here) and the tennis courts.

MARGARET TAYLOR

Black Phebe 

 

On back of a blue folding chair the 

Phoebe tsips! and waits, unaware 

of the surprised eyes that stare 

at the flare of its crest 

at the flick of its tail 

snap of its wings 

in a blink 

there, 

back. 

Photo Credit: Alan Sparkman

Audio Credit: Amanda Sparkman

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