These Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) are running a bit behind schedule, and September 30 is now the latest sighting of the species I have had in Connecticut. These photos are of two continuing birds at Stratford Point, the first two shots of the same individual taken against the blue sky on September 28, and the other two being one of each while viewed simultaneously after a cold frontal passage today on September 30. My previous late date was September 19, 2011 at the Boothe Park Hawk Watch. Fortunately for these birds it has been an extremely and historically warm September, but that no doubt helped keep them in our region with plenty of food to eat and poor winds to deter them from flying south during difficult migratory conditions. Flycatchers riding the edge of freezing temperatures are playing a very dangerous game. It would behoove these birds to get a move on before we get far into October. The first frosts are not something they want to greet.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
