Island 22 Sept 25-28

[Gord]

Things are certainly changing. Yellow-rumped Warblers now dominate in numbers. Also in high numbers are Ruby-crowned Kinglets. I saw the first Doube-crested Cormorant on the 28th. A juvenile in the pond. There was also a large flock of American Wigeon and about 13 Ring-necked Ducks that indicate the waterfowl are starting to move.

Again was lucky with a Great Horned Owl. Looks like he's sleeping, but Im sure he's got his eyes open a crack keeping an eye on me to make sure I behave. I like the bold little Brown Creeper sneaking by behind him!



Still a few other warbler species around. Surprisingly, Black-throated Gray Warblers are as high in numbers as Orange-crowned Warblers. Ive never seen more than five in a walk though but Id expect more Orange-crowns. This Black-throated Gray looks itchy with all the moulting!





I looked twice when this guy trotted by.



I know there was a field dog tournament last weekend. This guy escaped! Im not sure if I approve of bringing non-native species around. Sure, they wont survive in the wet too well, but maybe another reason not to do it?

A couple days the sparrows were very good. One large flock had a winter adult Chipping Sparrow. A dog scared it before I got a picture but after I got good views happily. Also where three Pileated Woodpeckers feeding together which was fun to see.

There, Im caught up now!

[Wetlander]

In past years, I would only see the odd Black throat grey warbler...
But this year I've seen them almost daily. Good year for them?

[Dave]

If you would have not mentioned the dog tournament, I would have been knocking down your credibility with that Chukar picture. Must of caused you to blink a couple of times though...... ;D

Thanks for sharing...Great Black-throated Gray pictures as well. I like the creeper creeping past snoozing Great-horned....I could think of several appropriate captions!

Dave

[Gord]

Wetlander, I think it's been a good year too for them. I seem to be seeing more too.

Dave, actually at first I groaned thinking it was a Ruffed Grouse