Fall Field Ornithologist Update: Week 4

Consistent sunshine and calm southeast winds were the norm for this first week September. These conditions are suboptimal for major fall movements. Warm temperatures largely put a hold on migration, particularly waterbirds. In the fall, cool northwest winds are the driving force of impressive migration events.

Waterbird Station pre-dawn. Photo by Oliver Kew

The morning flight count still recorded notable movements of certain songbirds. A large influx of American Robin and Cedar Waxwing provided the bulk of migrants. Early flocks of Red-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned Kinglets have shown in strong numbers.

Red Crossbill flights were slightly reduced this week. A slowdown in daily movements is likely the result of poor conditions. Flight are still primarily Type 2 (Ponderosa Pine). Type 4 are also still moving. The new month has added another Red Crossbill type to the mix! Counts tallied numerous sightings of Type 12s (Northeastern). This is the expected type for Whitefish Point. Identifying Red Crossbill types is difficult on the fly! Make sure to try for some audio recordings as flock pass overhead.

Yellow-rumped Warblers numbers become progressively more dominant in early fall. The woods have shown an increase in Northern Parula and Tennessee Warblers. Palm and Blackpoll Warblers are becoming more consistent. Sadly, no new warbler species were added to the count this week.

Palm Warbler. Photo by Oliver Kew.

American Pipits are on the move! Sizable groups were already present on the beach within 24 hours of our first sightings on 09/03. Although impressively drab, pipits never provide a dull moment! Groups are enjoyable to observe chicken walk and tail bob in the short vegetation along the lakeshore.

American Pipit. Photo by Oliver Kew

As warbler activity declines throughout September, sparrow diversity notably increases. A strong influx of White-throated and Chipping Sparrows was a highlight this week. The first Vesper Sparrow of the season was spotted foraging the dunes near the hawkwatch platform on 09/07.

Vesper Sparrow. Photo by Oliver Kew

LeConte’s Sparrows are notorious for skulking low in dense cover, however, an early arrival was briefly encountered near the point on 09/02. The bird briefly popped up onto a pine branch before quickly vanishing back into the short grass.

LeConte’s Sparrow. Photo by Oliver Kew

American Robin migration is common during daylight hours. Other species of thrushes prefer to migrate exclusively at night. At dawn break, the morning flight has tallied first of season Swainsons Thrushes (11) and Veery (1). An Eastern Bluebird was recorded on 09/03 and 09/05. Hermit Thrushes have already been present in the woods as local breeders.

The first Philadelphia Vireos of the fall season were found this week! This species is an uncommon spring and fall migrant on the Great Lakes. The white eyebrows and yellow wash to belly are striking features.

Philadelphia Vireo. Photo by Oliver Kew

Blue-grey Gnatcatchers are a late fall specialty at Whitefish Point. Regular breeding does not take place north of the lower peninsula. Migrants make their presence known with constant nasal calls. A pair was observed together near the point on 08/28.

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. Photo by Oliver Kew

Mourning Doves are the only native dove species on the Great Lakes. A single migrant was found in the woods this week. Late fall counts at Whitefish Point in October and November will hopefully turn up some more rare dove species. Not well known for migration, a single Rock Pigeon was a surprise on 08/31, flying in off the big lake from Canada.

Mourning Dove. Photo by Oliver Kew

Oliver Kew, 2026 Fall Field Ornithologist

Featured Photo: Eastern Red Bat by O. Kew