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Subject:

Oak Grove Oct 8

From:

"Lovelace Glen (DelDOT)"

Reply-To:

Lovelace Glen (DelDOT)

Date:

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:44:09 -0400

Hello All,
	First an update on a couple of points from earlier postings:

10/2 - I did look for again for the Lark Sparrow after work, but no bird.  Sorry, I did post the update I promised but it did not seem that anyone else was clamoring to come look for it.  I did find Swamp Sp., Towhee and Great Horned Owl where there had been none over the weekend.

Mississippi Kite (10/1) - I invited comment on this sighting and got exactly none.  I was surprised that this report did not receive more scrutiny given the very late date in the season for this species.  I have to admit that I did not know anything about Kite distribution at this time of year, but I did a little research (but by no means comprehensive of regional reports).  The vast majority should be out of the U.S. in mid-September, but there are a few reports from the past few years in late Sep. or early Oct. from Cape May; one from New York and one from Mass. if memory serves from what I looked at last week.  There was also a report from Cape May on 9/30/06, a day with SW winds.  The bird I observed was heading directly into the wind (WSW or W) which is about a straight line from Cape May to Oak Grove.  I know, flimsy circumstantial evidence.  Anyway, I am counting the bird on my local list.

10/8 - A very birdy day.  The day began cloudy and dreary, but then cleared from the NE around 8:15 AM.  Then it cleared with a NE/E wind and puffy cumulus clouds after 10 AM.  It seemed to be one of those changeover days with the possible last appearance for the year of several summer residents (2 Pewee, 3 RE Vireo, 3 Indigo Bunting, 1 Blue Grosbeak, 1 male Scarlet Tanager) and the arrival of several winter residents (1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 Brown Creeper, GC Kinglet, 1 imm. White Crowned Sp.).  Warblers are getting much scarcer with singles of Magnolia (a sharp adult), Parula, Black & White; 2 Redstarts, 3 Pine, 4 Yellowthroat, ~15 Yellow-Rumps.  Other interesting birds were 4 DC Cormorant (flyover), a Green Heron (local late date by almost a month), and a migrant Blue-headed Vireo.  Scanning the skies, there were 3 Black Vulture, 1 Osprey, 2 adult Bald Eagle, at least 4 Sharpies and Merlin perched on a snag that stayed long enough for a scope view.  In all, 60 species to set an October single day best.

Good Birding,
Glen Lovelace III
Seaford, DE