chris runk
09-03-2007, 04:36 PM
Sunset Bay, on the E side of the lake is one of the few locations where September migrants commonly appear on the open water. Large numbers of Forster’s Terns can be present, one or two Neotropic Cormorants are regulars, and a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is sometimes spotted. Early returning winter resident ducks and White Pelicans can be present here by the end of the month. Least, Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers occur throughout the month on the lake’s spillway. Careful study will reveal juveniles along with the adults (most molting) of these three “peep” species.
In the old fish hatchery, as summer residents leave, migrants will be moving in and out. An Olive-sided Flycatcher usually arrives by mid-September, joining those flycatcher species (migrants and summer residents) still present. Marsh, Sedge, and House Wrens will arrive by the end of the month and stay well into October or later (depending on habitat availability). Other September migrant species include Whip-poor-will (2 records), Mississippi Kite, Upland Sandpiper (flyovers), Swainson’s Thrush (very rare fall migrant), Red-eyed, Bell’s (rare), and Blue-headed Vireos, Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel (mostly flyovers in fall) and Clay-colored Sparrow (some years can be common for a week or so). In addition, over a dozen warbler species have been seen here in September over the last several years – more on fall warblers in this month’s “hot spots” posting.
In the old fish hatchery, as summer residents leave, migrants will be moving in and out. An Olive-sided Flycatcher usually arrives by mid-September, joining those flycatcher species (migrants and summer residents) still present. Marsh, Sedge, and House Wrens will arrive by the end of the month and stay well into October or later (depending on habitat availability). Other September migrant species include Whip-poor-will (2 records), Mississippi Kite, Upland Sandpiper (flyovers), Swainson’s Thrush (very rare fall migrant), Red-eyed, Bell’s (rare), and Blue-headed Vireos, Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel (mostly flyovers in fall) and Clay-colored Sparrow (some years can be common for a week or so). In addition, over a dozen warbler species have been seen here in September over the last several years – more on fall warblers in this month’s “hot spots” posting.