I too will jump on the Red-breasted Nuthatches bandwagon. This morning the
first one was seen in the yard. Hopefully more will follow. Our two remaining
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds appear to have left for warmer regions, but a late
Scarlet Tanager is still around. This morning he was seen sitting between two
Swainson's Thrushes on a branch. Warbler continue to migrate through including
Cape May, Black and White, American Redstart, Blackpoll and Black-throated Blue
Warbler. The latter has been around since Sept 24 or so. A single Blue-headed
Vireo was seen, but no Red-eyed Vireos. They too have left.
For the past days we have seen strong early morning migrations from Blue Jays
and American Robins. Interestingly the Jay's were all flying North to South and
the Robins all Northwest to Southeast. Virtually no other flying directions we
noticed.
Elsewhere in Loudoun, Alder Lake, I saw a single Ruddy Duck and a Eastern
Phoebe as well. It was a nice 5 minute stop after some much needed dinner
shopping.
Yesterday, on my way home I saw 3 Common Nighthawks, a Common raven, late
Chimney Swift and female Wood Duck.
After a prolonged absence a pair of Barred Owl are once again in the
neighborhood. The other night they startled me with their crazy monkey calls.
Happy birding
Gerco
Leesburg, VA
