I usually like to think of one word that describes migration in my yard – this fall it is “Blackpoll.” I had days where I lost count at 20 individuals in only one small section of my yard. There were a ton of them.
Blackpoll Warbler
Inbetween all of the Blackpoll Warblers, I would see other birds – usually only once or twice. Many of them came up to my windows or deck and posed nicely for me. The following are some photos of the warblers who cooperated for me.
This Chestnut-sided Warbler photo-bombed the American Redstart
Black-and-white Warblers were early migrants
Another Blackpoll Warbler
Tennessee Warblers showed up often
Black-throated Green Warbler
And another Blackpoll Warbler
Ovenbird near my feeders
I also had plenty of visits from Blue-headed Vireos. One stayed in my yard until the end of October. These birds were very cooperative!
Blue-headed Vireos like to pose nicely
My resident Hummingbirds stocked up at my flowers and feeders before they left and other migrants also stopped by.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird gearing up for migration
My biggest surprise was a bird who would often visit my garden. I was hoping that it would stick around, but I have not seen it in a couple of weeks.
A new yard bird, the Winter Wren
While Common Nighthawks were migrating through the area, I saw some flying around my house as I was driving home. I safely hurried home in time to get the yard bird from my driveway!
A Common Nighthawk during migration (not my yard bird)
I also kept my eyes in the sky for raptors and gained another new yard bird soaring with a Red-tail. This is another bird I did not have in New York.
Black Vultures migrating over my house
It was another great migration season. With the new added birds, my yard list now stands at 93. I was hoping that I could have hit 100 by the end of the year, but I guess it will have to wait until next season. Still, not bad for a very small yard!
Blackpoll Warbler