LeConte’s Sparrow (left) & Harris’s Sparrow (right)
Highlights:
Sedge Wren, Harris’s Sparrow, LeConte’s Sparrow, & Black-backed Woodpecker
Songbird activity in the woods has been particularly good the last few days. Warbler migration may be winding down, but we’ve continued to see good numbers, along with decent diversity this week. The sparrow migration has kicked in, with good numbers of White-throated, Swamp, and Lincoln’s Sparrows in recent days. White-crowned Sparrow numbers have started to build, and the first Fox Sparrows have arrived. Highlighting the recent sparrow sightings were a very cooperative LeConte’s Sparrow on Sept. 25 and two Harris’s Sparrows on Sept. 26. A Sedge Wren on Sept. 26 was an unexpected find. Although Sedge Wrens breed in the area, they are surprisingly uncommon at the Point, and this appears to be the first documentation here outside of May. Although we see them most years, Black-backed Woodpecker sightings always create some excitement, and the first one of the season was observed on Sept. 24. Other mid-season migrants increasing in numbers include Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, and Rusty Blackbird.
As a random nature note, one of the most common questions visitors ask this time of year is about a vocalization that is prevalent right now. It doesn’t matter if you are in the woods or on the beach, you are going to hear these calls, and birds do not produce them. These vocalizations drove me nuts for several years as I tried to figure it out. Starting in July and often lasting into October, spring peepers disperse away from the ponds and spread out all over the Point. Their vocalizations are incredibly variable at this time of year and are understandably regularly mistaken for bird calls. They have even been reported as Northern Saw-whet Owl calls. Be prepared to have these calls confuse you if you visit in the coming weeks.
Chris Neri
2021 Fall Field Ornithologist
