I wandered out onto the deck around 10 this morning, thinking that I had probably missed most of the backyard activity already.  Happily, I was wrong, as a small mixed-species flock was moving through!  There was a very obliging (and vocal) black-throated green warbler foraging at eye level for nearly an hour, plus an American redstart, two magnolia warblers (one noticeably duller than the other), and, most excitingly, a slow-moving bay-breasted warbler! Got great looks at this little fella. First time I've ever seen one in Maryland!

Also seemingly moving with the flock were two red-eyed vireos and a blue-headed vireo (first sighting of this species in the yard, too!) 

A little bit later a rose-breasted grosbeak passed through. All of the usual backyard birds were extremely active as well. What a great way to celebrate the first day of October!

Claire Nemes
Rockville, MD

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