Fall migration update continues, with raptors, songbirds and shorebirds grabbing the headlines
- Michelle Wood: SWCD
- September 17, 2012
- 597
By the time you read this column, several birding events will have taken place. On Saturday, September 15, Ohio hawk-watchers are headed up to Erie Metropark, south of Detroit, hoping to see a big flight of Broad-winged Hawks. Meanwhile, some of us will be out on Lake Erie looking for Long-tailed Jaegers and other interesting birds that might not be seen from shore. Jen Brumfield, a well-known Cleveland birder, is offering four pelagic trips this fall. Response has been strong for this relatively new venture here in Ohio.
Birders near Kidron found a Connecticut Warbler last week. As is often the case, others who looked for the bird later in the day couldn't find it. This rare warbler is definitely a skulker, but when one is located, it is a memorable experience. Other warblers are moving through the area as well.
Shorebirds continue to show up anywhere that has suitable habitat. Several Red-necked Phalaropes were seen briefly in Wayne County. Stilt Sandpipers and most of the expected common shorebirds showed up at either Funk Bottoms or Prairie Lane, both locations near Wooster. The 12 American Avocets that stopped at Funk Sept. 6 were definitely a September highlight.
A probable Rufous Hummingbird spent a week visiting feeders at a home south of Kidron. The bird was not an adult male but the rufous in the tail and underparts which is typical for a Selasphorus hummingbird. Unfortunately, the bird was last seen on the day that I found out about it, so we didn't get any photos or a chance to band the bird. Keep those hummingbird feeders up this fall since we are getting to the time when the Ruby-throateds will be gone and any hummingbirds could be rare birds from the west and southwest.
I checked the website called Hawkcount, to see what has been seen at Erie Metropark since the full-time count started on the first of September. They have had small numbers of Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks almost every day this month. By Sept. 12, a total of 1,078 Broadwings and 423 Sharpies had passed over the count site. Other early migrants included 171 American Kestrels, 41 Northern Harriers, 35 Ospreys and 38 Bald Eagles. The best day was the 10th, when 666 raptors were counted. This coming week should be near the peak for the Broadwing migration. Counters at Erie Metropark also keep track of migrant songbirds and waterbirds, since they need something to keep them busy when there are few raptors early in the season.
Good birding!