FRNC – apparent Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, & Least Flycatcher, 05 October 2022

By – 9:00 pm
Late this afternoon 05 October 2022 I ventured out to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, far Point Loma, to look for migrants.  Nice cool and cloudy afternoon, perfect for bird activity.Started off in the northeast section where I quickly initially heard and then soon photographed a confiding LEAST FLYCATCHER.  It was giving out bursts of “whit” vocalizations which are quite easy to pick out.  Brownish colored, a bit vested on the chest, and with striking black and white wings, and an even width pale eye ring.I then went to the southwest corner of the cemetery, actually just a little north along the west fence line I think you can call it the “second” corner from the real southwest corner, where I was working along the west fence line and came upon what appears to be a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.  It immediately struck me as having more strong contrast blackish wings, with bolder yellowish-white markings, wing bars and tertial, secondary edgings, than a Pacific-slope Flycatcher.  Also very noticeable a wide dark margin between the lower wing bar, the pale tips of greater secondary coverts, and the greenish-white edge markings of the secondaries.  This field mark a rather good pointer to Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.  I also believe it shows a yellow eye ring, a little swollen to the rear but not so tear dropped shape as Pacific-slope Flycatcher.  The tail looks a bit shorter to me than Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and other features too such as head shape, bill length, seem off track for Pacific-slope Flycatcher and better for Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.I possibly heard it call once, a sort of burry double “wheep” or “pweep”, as another bird surprised it with a close pass by.  But overall it was stubbornly silent.I did obtain many photos which I will post in an eBird checklist later tonight.  Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a California Bird Records Committee review species.  I will submit a report and photos for consideration by the committee.Please restrict birding activities at the cemetery to previous guidelines put forward by the management–that is before 8 am and after 5 pm only.  If asked to leave the cemetery please respect the wishes of the management there and follow all their instructions.– Gary NunnPacific Beach