In The Woods On A Brisk Fall Morning

I took a two-hour walk through the woods this morning to see how many winter migrants had come in. I wasn't disappointed! The Yellow-rumped Warblers are here in really good numbers. I also saw three Brown Thrashers, one Hermit Thrush, several Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and an Eastern Phoebe. As much as I hate to admit it, the road that leads to the drilling site has provided some excellent habitat for brush-loving birds. I counted twelve Gray Catbirds, one House Wren and several White-throated Sparrows. It's excellent habitat for White-crowned Sparrows, so I'm going to keep my eyes open for them. I was also hoping to hear a Red-breasted Nuthatch with the irruption this year, but didn't hear or see one. Maybe one will make his way over this way during the winter.

Here's my complete list (25 species): Red-shouldered Hawk, Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle