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Bird Watching in
September
Early cold fronts trigger
migrating waterfowl to continue their southbound journey
into the region. Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal are
the first to arrive and local Wood Ducks start to gather
after dealing with their ordeal of molting into eclipse
plumage. As September progresses, Gadwalls, American
Wigeons, Northern Shovelers and Northern Pintails can be
found in good numbers at inland preserves, such as Sandy
Ridge Reservation or Herrick Nature Preserve. Hurricanes
along the Atlantic Coast may drive errant southern
herons into the region for brief periods and the
watchful birder needs to be on the alert during these
windows of opportunity. The first half of the month is a
good time to look for Buff-breasted Sandpipers at local
airfields and mudflats.
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Wilson's Phalarope
Photo by Larry Rosche |
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Photo by Tom LePage |
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Photo by Larry Rosche |
Tern migration along Lake
Erie can be impressive. Common Tern counts can reach
above 1000 when weather conditions are conducive to mass
migration. The last half can bring an influx of
southbound vireos, thrushes, warblers and sparrows.
Places along the Lake Erie shoreline, such as Headlands
Beach or the Cleveland Lakefront State Parks, can teem
with migrants. It is not unusual to find 20 or more of
an individual species on a given day. Inland migration
is more subdued, but many areas still produce an
excellent variety of southbound migrants.
Be sure to check the Cleveland Rare Bird Alert for updates
at 216 556-0700 or join us at the September meeting or on
a September field trip. All are welcome.
Click Here for meeting and trip times and locations.
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Clay-colored Sparrow
Photo by Jim Heflich |
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