Olive-sided Flycatcher - Strange Behaviour

It took me a while to photograph an Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), actually this is the first photo I have taken of them. On this day I saw three. This particular one was flying in the air catching insects. At one point it captured what appeared to be a Cicada. It came on to land on a tree branch to consume the insect. However, the flycatcher gently put the insect down on the branch and let it go. In the inset one can see the flycatcher watching it go. Not sure why the insect was spared - but it was fascinating to watch for sure. Mind you Cicadas spend 16 years underground before emerging to mate. May be an insect that stayed underground for so long didn't taste that good. West Deane Park, Toronto

8,180 views
37 faves
17 comments
Uploaded on December 27, 2022
Taken on August 27, 2022