Snow Bunting by Chris Neri
Passerine migration activity at this time of year really comes down to the winter finches. Thankfully, we’ve had some nice finch flights this week. We documented some significant movements from different species on three consecutive days this past week. We had 1,087 Common Redpolls on Oct. 27, followed by 779 White-winged Crossbills on Oct. 28, and 1,251 American Goldfinch on Oct. 29. The first Pine Grosbeaks and Bohemian Waxwings have arrived in small numbers this week. Red Crossbill numbers have been surprisingly low this fall, but a few have mixed in with the other finches a few days this week. After a long absence, Evening Grosbeaks also returned this week. Pine Siskins and Purple Finch have also continued in moderate numbers recently. The first of the season was observed on Oct. 31.
Aside from the finches, Sharp-tailed Grouse arrived this week, and Ruffed Grouse continue to be seen daily. A Gray Catbird has been coming into the feeders, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has been a regular in the woods around the feeders. Birders are justifiably surprised to see gnatcatchers here this time of the year, but it is not uncommon to see them here into late November. Out on the beach, Snow Buntings are becoming increasingly common among the decreasing numbers of Horned Larks, American Pipits, and Lapland Longspurs.
Chris Neri
2021 Fall Field Ornithologist
Featured photo: White-winged Crossbills by Chris Neri
