This past weekend, despite intense heat and humidity, we were treated
to the first, if limited, bird movement signaling the fall to come.
As is frequently the case this time of year in our little mountain
valley (upper Cedar Creek), we were visited by a couple of species
that don't breed on or very near to our property in the valley
bottom. As in many previous years, a Black-and-White Warbler appeared
in our yard, followed by a much less common Prairie Warbler (this one
apparently a first-fall female). Appearance of such species, among
others, suggests local movement into the richer valley bottom after
breeding in more suitable habitats higher up. The Prairie Warbler,
however, is a bit more puzzling as the species has declined, if not
disappeared, as a local breeder since the 1980s and early 1990s when
they were common breeders in the many regenerating clear-cuts in the
surrounding national forest. There are a few disused pastures,
undergoing succession, in the valley, so one of them may still have a
breeding population of these lovely little warblers. The overall
species list for the weekend was only 22, a fairly typical count for
this time of year when some of our breeders (Tree Swallows) are gone
and others (Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Great Crested Flycatchers, House
Wrens, etc.) tend to fall silent. At least the spunky Indigo Buntings
continue to proclaim their territories. Good birding.
Dave Davis
Arlington and Cedar Creek
