Morning all.
We've been away since last Thursday, and got home last evening almost at dark. I opened the back door to get some air in the house and noticed a RT Hummmingbird at the back feeder. Nice to see there's still a few around (and I just filled the feeders before we went away).
This morning I did a slow walk around the yard to check if any changes had occurred (limbs down, etc.) and had a great morning of migrants. Best bird was a new yard bird (#147), SWAINSON'S THRUSH, giving excellent views as it stood in the open, then fed on Virginia Creeper berries, while it slowly moved in and out of view. I also saw 2-3 Blue-headed Vireos (2 singing), a first year male Rose-brested Grosbeak (also in VA creeper), Scarlet Tanager,a female RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (which flew in, perched, called, then flew over the yard. Also saw 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS as they flew over leading a group of Blue Jays in migration.
We were in the Shenandoah Mtns this weekend (since Thursday) and my best sighting there was also a Red-headed Woodpecker, flying across the side of a mountain (perhaps 3200 ft or a bit higher) as we searched for hawks at an overlook (Crescent Rocks). I don't think I've ever had one there before and was sort of surprised by it. Didn't know they migrated along ridges. Also had Red-breasted nuts a few times at Big Meadows (in the trees in front of the Wayside, and a Palm Warbler on a ridge. Didn't really see many raptors though, but lots of Common Ravens (always fun to watch).
A nice start to October!
Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
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