SUMMER IS OVER!
Okay, maybe that's a bit sweeping but we are certainly seeing the
early signs.
Yesterday and again today there have been notable numbers of Swallows,
especially TREE SWALLOWS, moving through.
There are increasing observations of fall warblers, mostly YELLOW
WARBLERS but and occasional BLACK & WHITE ect.
MONARCH BUTTERFLIES are daily visitors and several connected pairs
were sighted in the past week.
Several other butterfly species have also been evident, none more so
than the hundreds of very faded and tattered RED ADMIRALS which
arrived on light nor'west breezes mid-week.
Notable by their absence this year are SHORT BILLED DOWITCHERS. We
usually host several flocks on the lawn each July, This summer? Zero!
And there have been very few fly-bys. I've seen less than a dozen in
total.
Other shorebirds are still equally scarce, mostly fly-bys including
WILLETS, YELLOW LEGS & unidentified peeps. Some peeps are seen passing
at night.
A handful of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS have been see scattered around
the island most days.
The last of our resident SPOTTED SANDPIPER chicks are flying now,
albeit still showing tuffs of tail fluff. It seems to have been quite
a good year for this species.
Another species that is doing well this season is the SAVANNAH
SPARROW. They are currently fledging their 2nd and 3rd broods.
Everywhere you look, everywhere you walk, you are seeing and flushing
YOYs. You are constantly assailed by multiple aggitated sparrows no
matter where you go.
At any given moment there are several fledglings begging and being
feed on the patio and more all around the lawns and buildings.
New yesterday were at least 3 RED BREASTED NUTHATCHES. They are still
here, feeding a lot around the house and providing close (2 foot)
views when they glean tiny flie from the windows.
The ALCIDS are well advanced with their rearing. Nearly all of the
RAZORBILLS & MURRES have left although there are a few very late
hatchings. Of course there are a few adults simply hanging around.
The PUFFINS are fledging and appear to be into their peak period.
Around 3 dozen are being caught each night for banding.
Most of the pufflings appear to be in fairly good condition, fully
feathered and decent weights.
Overall, it looks like it could be an early finish to the season.
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