What a dramatic switch! The last day of Summer was…..just that, Summer: 32 humid degrees and branch-breaking wind. And the first day of Fall: cool and almost crisp with light northerly winds generated by a high pressure system that followed the winds. I was hoping that the change would bring in a surge of migrants but was sadly disappointed. But I think they’re on their way and not far behind this change.
Discriminating between Philadelphia and Warbling Vireos in the hand can sometimes be difficult, especially in the Fall when juvenile Warbling Vireos can have a yellowish tinge to their underparts. Both birds sport a greatly reduced 10th primary feather but that of the Philadelphia is much shorter than that of the Warbling:
September 21st; Banded 16:
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 Blue Jays
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 House Wren
1 Swainson’s Thrush
1 American Robin
1 Gray Catbird
1 Blue-headed Vireo
1 Philadelphia Vireo
2 Red-eyed Vireos
2 Magnolia Warblers
1 Wilson’s Warbler
1 White-throated Sparrow
ET’s: 35 spp. (including a Great Egret)
September 22nd; Banded 15:
3 Northern Flickers
1 Eastern Wood-pewees
1 House Wren
1 Winter Wren
1 Northern Parula
1 Black-throated Green Warbler
3 Bay-breasted Warbler
2 Blackpoll Warbler
1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
1 White-throated Sparrow
ET’s: 50 spp.
Fern Hill Oakville – September 21st:
Banded 18:
2 Blue Jays
5 Black-capped Chickadees
1 Swainson’s Thrush
1 Gray Catbird
5 Magnolia Warblers
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Song Sparrow
1 Lincoln’s Sparrow
1 House Finch
ET’s: 25 spp.
Rick
Lots of different varieties of birds right now, love reading your blog, thanks for taking the time to write it.