This morning a Yellow-rumped Warbler appeared briefly on my deck.
Unfortunately it missed the mealworms (already consumed by the bluebird
flock).

Recent Sykesville bird trends (9/26-9/30)

Raptors: Black Vultures more frequently seen now. Cooper's & Sharp-shinned
most days.
Barred Owls: Very vocal most nights and even some late afternoons.

Chimney Swifts: Groups of 3-6 birds seen most mornings.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (last one?) left last night: it appeared here on
Friday and fed on the patch of Tropical Blue Sage throughout the weekend.

Woodpeckers: Northern Flickers groups of 3-6 now seen on pasture fences
daily.

Eastern Phoebes: Very visible 3-4 birds hunting from fences most days. One
phoebe has learned to nab bugs from the kitchen window screens.
Other Flycatchers: No longer calling, a few unknown flycatchers still seen,
but numbers declining.

Vireos, Crows & Jays: No vireos since 9/19. Many jays, flocks of 50+ Fish
Crows moving through.

Chickadees-Wrens: Generally more visible & vocal. A few House Wrens still
here.

Thrushes-Mimics: Eastern Bluebirds forming winter flocks. Last immatures
have lost spots. Catbird numbers rapidly declining.  

Warblers: Very scarce recently except for COYE. I hope the YRWA invites some
friends!

Sparrows: Fall sparrows have not yet arrived here (any day now). The
Chipping Sparrows held a big party (22) in the horse pasture on Saturday.
Eastern Towhees are more vocal ("dweeting") and visible. Five towhees
flushed from a single Autumn Olive on Sunday.

Felicia Lovelett
Sykesville, MD