Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher at the San Pedro River, April 2026

When I moved to Arizona the first time in 2014, this bird was one of my nemesis. I think it was a good 2-3 months between the first time I saw one down by the river and the first time I was able to capture a nice crisp image.

This shot was pretty indicative of those first couple of months chasing this bird. I could just never get close before it flew away, even if I did sometimes end up with interesting pictures anyway.

I did end up getting more shots of the vermillion flycatcher over the next couple of years, including a few of the male and female together.

Male flycatcher sharing a worm with its mate.

It’s funny, because since I’ve come back to Arizona, it seems like almost every time I’m out with my camera (including yesterday) one of these birds will just fly up and pose almost right in front of me.

Male Vermilion Flycatcher

Female Vermilion Flycatcher

Unless you live in Arizona or south Texas, you may not have seen this bird yet.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Vermilion_Flycatcher/overview

But if you do visit this area, I’m sure you’ll see at least a few. The male’s bright red feathers are kind of hard to miss. And if you’re hoping to capture a picture or two, I hope you have better luck than I did during that first year. 😎

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Til next time,

Todd

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