Therefore, we were pleasantly surprised to find that a fair number of passerines were engaged in morning flight behavior today. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Orchard Oriole both staged unexpectedly strong movements. The gnatcatcher flight was particularly impressive, as very high groups of 2-9 individuals (eventually adding up to 51) made their way south over the dike throughout the count period. There were occasional pulses of both northbound and southbound warblers, several sky-high groups of southbound Bobolinks, and a building southbound stream of Barn Swallows. Bird of the Day award easily went to the Willow Flycatcher that snaked its way north through the phragmites toward the end of the count period. Empidonax flycatchers are notoriously difficult and present unique challenges in flight; this one paused long enough to vocalize and provide some convincing views.
Count totals from today can be found at Trektellen; a full list of birds encountered can be found at eBird.
Conditions look similar for tomorrow but, as always, it's certain that something notable will happen and I'm sure you'll be able to read about here. Better yet, consider heading out to see morning flight for yourself! For now, we'll leave you with a selection of photos from this morning.
[Top to bottom: Green Heron, Bobolink, Common Sootywing butterfly, Northern Mockingbird, White-rumped Sandpiper, Prothonotary Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Cedar Waxwings.
All photos © Tom Reed.]
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