Highlights:
Summer Tanager
&
Lark Sparrow 
(photo above)

I don’t know how I let so much time pass by, but I did and there’s nothing to do for it now except to jump right in. A Summer Tanager was photographed on September 17 and was surprisingly relocated for the first time on the 25th. It was then seen very sporadically through October 2. Given how elusive this bird has been, it’s possible that it could still be present, but that seems more unlikely with each passing day. A Lark Sparrow was present at the feeders for a short time this afternoon, but may still be present.

As is typical for this time of the year, the early migrant numbers are dwindling and mid-season species  umbers are building. The warblers are dropping off, but there are still decent numbers of Yellow-rumpeds and Palms present most days. A few other warbler species are still being seen mixing in with the flocks, most recently Magnolia, Northern Parula, Nashville and Orange-crowned. The nice flight of Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes we experienced this fall has effectively come to an end, but multiple Hermit Thrushes are still being seen on a daily basis.

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Hermit Thrush

As the warblers and thrushes are tailing off, we are starting to see some different sparrows move in. Lincolns and Swamps are still being seen most days and White-crownedFox and Savannahs  are becoming more numerous.  Additionally, a LeConte’s Sparrow was seen on the 4th and the first American Tree Sparrows have just arrived. Were also seeing increasing numbers of Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Ruby-crowned Kinglets joining in the mixed flocks. Other species on the rise include Horned Lark, American Pipit, Lapland Lonspur and Rusty Blackbird. The winter finches have not really started yet, but there are good numbers of Pine Siskins starting to come in to the feeders along with the occasional Purple Finch. Red Crossbills have started occurring in small numbers and the first Bohemian Waxwing arrived today.

LeConte’s Sparrow

Fox Sparrow.

The below Peregrine Falcon has been terrorizing the beach during recent days.

Peregrine Falcon.

One of Septembers highlights was two American White Pelicans seen on the 11th, possibly the first ever  seen at the Point in the fall.

American White Pelican

American White Pelican

Chris Neri