chris runk
07-27-2007, 02:19 PM
Our fall migration starts early in July and lasts through October, so birding is surprisingly good in August. With low water levels a dozen or so shorebird species are possible on the spillway, spread out through the month (see shorebird listings on the August Hot Spots posting). Migrants are joined by wandering juveniles both in the old fish hatchery’s ponds and on the spillway. Young Roseate Spoonbills, Little Blue Herons and White Ibises are present from time to time. An adult Neotropic Cormorant seems to arrive regularly in mid-summer at Sunset Bay on the E side of the lake.
Migration in the hatchery begins slowly in early August. Post breeding wanderers (see July forecast) are joined by the arriving migrants. Least and Alder Flycatchers are usually present by the first of August and remain throughout the month. Gradually more species arrive: Eastern Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Grosbeak and fall migrant warblers. In some years by the very end of August a dozen or so warbler species can be moving through. Since fall migration spreads out over several months however, large numbers are usually not present together- patience is required! Interestingly enough, one of our last regular spring migrants, the Mourning Warbler, is also one of the first to arrive in “fall” and is most common in late August and early September.
Migration in the hatchery begins slowly in early August. Post breeding wanderers (see July forecast) are joined by the arriving migrants. Least and Alder Flycatchers are usually present by the first of August and remain throughout the month. Gradually more species arrive: Eastern Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Grosbeak and fall migrant warblers. In some years by the very end of August a dozen or so warbler species can be moving through. Since fall migration spreads out over several months however, large numbers are usually not present together- patience is required! Interestingly enough, one of our last regular spring migrants, the Mourning Warbler, is also one of the first to arrive in “fall” and is most common in late August and early September.