Flycatchers and Hike & Bike Trail Progress

I spent about 2 and a half hours birding the neighborhood this morning. There were several Western Kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers where the 2 creeks meet at the end of Meadowheath. This picture of one of the Western Kingbirds shows its characteristic flycatcher shape and black tail with white outer tail feathers. Nearby I also got a picture of 2 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and 1 Western Kingbird on the same bush. (The kingbird is on the lower right.) Notice how similar these species are to each other. Especially since the scissor-tails are young birds whose tails are not very long yet.

I went onto the flood plain property for the first time in weeks. Our wet summer has made that place extremely muddy and overgrown. But it was worth dealing with the tall grass, mud, and mosquitos. I found a tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher -- the first one I've seen in the neighborhood since spring migration. There was also a Ladder-backed Woodpecker and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. I was also pleased to see that the county has started work on the hike-and-bike trail. There is a newly bulldozed path starting from the end of Braes Valley that follows the creek almost to where it meets the tributary. I think it's about 3/4 done. They are following an existing old truck trail so not many trees had to be disturbed. You can see in this picture how it even goes underneath a bit of canopy. I can't wait to see how the development progresses!