Fall Field Ornithologist Update: Week 10

Winter finch activity was a major highlight during morning flights. Pine Siskin remains the most numerous migrant. Over 2.5k were tallied in a two hour push on 10/15. Strong movements of Purple Finch have also continued. Purple Finches are finally visiting the feeders and water feature! A recent uptick in Red Crossbill activity has also been noted, including 79 on 10/19. This could be a sign of a second wave of migrants.

As we cross the halfway point of October, sparrow diversity is starting to drop off. Many species have decreased in abundance, including White-crowned, White-throated, and Lincoln’s Sparrows. However, a recent influx of Dark-eyed Junco and American Tree Sparrows is obvious along walking trails in the woods.

American Tree Sparrow. Photo by Oliver Kew

A Grasshopper Sparrow was an excellent find by James Lankford on 10/18. This shy grassland species was a delight for visitors as it foraged like a mouse on the dunes. Grasshopper Sparrows are uncommon this far north and difficult to locate during migration. This is the 9th record for Whitefish Point.

Grasshopper Sparrow. Photo by Oliver Kew

Late warblers are now an unexpected treat. Palm Warblers have become quite scarce. Lately, only a handful of Yellow-rumped Warblers have been present in the woods. A significantly late Blackburnian Warbler caused some excitement on 10/13. A Northern Parula was found along the boardwalk on 10/14.

Blackburnian Warbler. Photo by Oliver Kew

Snow Buntings are back! Our first sighting was a single bird on the beach on 10/14. Multiple flocks of 20+ were present on 10/19. The return of this high arctic songbird is a sure sign that winter is fast approaching.

Snow Bunting. Photo by Oliver Kew

Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos are still lingering just south of the parking lot. The pair don’t seem to be bothered at all by people while happily foraging for dragonflies and grasshoppers.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Photo by Oliver Kew

Our second Townsends Solitaire of the season was found along walking trails by Issac Smith on 10/17. This individual was happily feeding the berries of wild raisin (Viburnum nudum). This shrub also seems to be a favorite of staging Hermit Thrushes.

Townsend’s Solitaire. Photo by Oliver Kew

American Woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe are highly cryptic ground-dwelling shorebirds. Two separate sightings of American Woodcock this week added to a season total of 5. Wilson’s Snipes reports have recently taken a sharp uptick. The bogs at the point finally got rain last week after being dry for the majority of the season.

American Woodcock. Photo by Oliver Kew

Recurring sightings of a single Sharp-tailed Grouse continued into this week. By the end of the season, Sharp-tailed Grouse are a fun surprise while taking short flights over the Jack Pines. A single bird flew past the hawk deck during morning flight on 10/19.

Sharp-tailed Grouse in-flight. Photo by Oliver Kew

Oliver Kew, Fall Field Ornithologist

Featured Photo: Rusty Blackbird by O. Kew