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.

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.

Clay-colored Sparrow Photo by Jim Heflich