Hi everyone,

It seems awfully early for a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, but while
birding in my yard early Saturday morning (9/6), I very distinctly heard a
kinglet singing up in a couple of tall pines. There was definitely a small
hyperactive bird flitting about, and I wasn’t able to get a clear view before
the bird stopped singing, moved on, and disappeared. Based on song, size, and
behavior, I’m certain it was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

 

The other highlight of my weekend (Sunday morning, 9/7) – also in my yard – was an
Olive-sided Flycatcher! This was a life bird for me, and luckily the bird
stayed around long enough for me to confirm the field marks – in particular,
the two white patches on the rump which were visible only once during the
fifteen minutes or so that I watched the bird. No vocalizations, though – I’m
still waiting to hear one. He/she definitely preferred flycatching from the top
branches of an old dead pine, the very tops of nearby trees and ocasionally the
powerline running along the side of the yard. There was no sign of the
Olive-sided Flycatcher this morning, but I’ll keep an eye out to see if he or
she returns.

 

Other nice birds included a Magnolia Warbler, a Pine
Warbler, and two Brown Thrashers (all new yard birds!) along with Scarlet
Tanagers and a Pileated Woodpecker. I also had the pleasure of watching young
juvenile-plumaged Chipping Sparrows foraging rather close to the house, and a
couple of juvenile mockingbirds in our backyard.

 

My husband and I recently moved out of my in-laws’ house
into our own first home, and although I’m done some scattered birding
throughout the spring and summer as we worked on the house (a lot of
renovation), this weekend was definitely the highlight. I’m excited to see what
else this fall brings!

 

Jessica Bruland

Monrovia,
 MD

aderynyreira –at– yahoo.com