A cold front passed through the Northeast late Friday, as was evident to everyone who lives there, with temperatures dropping quite a bit thanks to the first blast of truly autumn air. This morning I got out early to complete some surveys at Stratford Point knowing the previous night’s migration was terrific on the continuing chilly north winds. It was the first day of “fall” birds as well with the species distribution shifting to the October autumn classics. My highlights included a Lincoln’s Sparrow, a rare for the site Ovenbird, and a quick look at what was likely the continuing Clay-colored Sparrow where it was previous days. The more “October” migrants I mentioned included 26 Eastern Phoebe, 16 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 American Pipit, 2 Blackpoll Warbler, 13 Palm Warbler, 1 Eastern Towhee, and a couple classics – my first of season Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-throated Sparrows.
All of those kinglets provided some tremendous views, and I finally was able to shoot some Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus satrapa) between their frantic feeding and constant calling.
I also enjoyed 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, groups of Tree Swallow, 4 House Wren, 5 Gray Catbird, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, 29 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Yellow Warbler, 26 Savannah Sparrow, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 1 Eastern Towhee, 2 Bobolink as migrants. I saw several Northern Harrier, a couple American Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk. I noted some of our common residents (uncommon or absent at Stratford Point) moving through as well including Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Autumn has arrived, and I hope you had a sensational Sunday outdoors as well!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
