If you drive along country roads anywhere in our area at present, you are virtually guaranteed to see Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. During the summer they hang out in very considerable numbers on roadside utility wires.
The males are stunningly beautiful, with spectacular tails. (The females' tails average about 30% shorter.)
Juvenile birds lack the long tail and have a yellowish wash on their belly. They look rather like Western Kingbirds.
Some individuals are skittish and will fly off as soon as you stop near them. Others will ignore you, allowing you to watch as they do their preening. It's something that I never tire of watching.
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