Sparrows of Fall

I went out to Rollins Savanna F.P. today in hopes of Nelson's Sparrow.  Missed on that, but did see some sparrows.  They are picking up in numbers now, including over 100 Savannah Sparrows.  It was a beautiful fall morning and though I missed a lifer, I can't complain at all.

Here's a sparrow compilation from the morning

Swamp Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

Lincoln's Sparrow

and some non-Sparrows...

Common Yellowthroat wishing it was a Connecticut Warbler

distant Northern Shovelers

Good birding and Bear down, Chicago.  BEAR DOWN!


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Fall Migration Bird of the Day

I love fall  migration.  It goes on for so long as birds take their time, enjoying themselves on the way to their wintering grounds.  It is quite different from the mad dash these birds are on in spring to make it breeding grounds to set up territories and rear young.  Also, a lot of the weirder birds show up during the fall.  Chicago has already had Sandwich Tern and Black-throated Gray Warbler!  Michigan is proudly sporting a Magnificent Frigatebird (or Frigginbird) as of yesterday!  Crazy.  But in honor of fall migration, I have chosen one of the more dirt common birds.  His familiar "chip" will stick around later than most and for some in the South, he's a regular to the suet feeder.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Also, as many people continue to tell me how much they hate fall because of the drab warblers, here is a fall warbler quiz.  I took shot this bird this morning around the neighborhood. 

Any takers?

Go eat some apples and drink some cider!

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Photo of the Day: American Goldfinch

A simple bird, yes, but one that holds onto it's bright plumage much later than other species.  This was taken at IBSP North Unit while looking for migrating shorebirds.

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