There were many signs of fall migration throughout August and September. Both months were cooler and wetter than average. This may have contributed to an especially strong shorebird migration. Most of our reservoirs were so full that they had little shore, but flooded fields produced excellent shorebird habitat. Such was the case with the south eastern corner of the intersection between Jay Road and the Diagonal. This one spot produced many Kildeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpipers (last seen in 2002), Short-billed Dowitcher, Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, and 50 Wilson's Snipe. At Sombrero Marsh, the first Ruddy Turnstone since 1996 was reported. Another good spot for shorebirds was found in Erie, where a Sanderling was seen. Baird's Sandpiper was reported for the first time this year in August; it is not unusual for the first sighting to be during fall migration rather than in the spring.

Two Parasitic Jaegers were reported in September after a gap of four years. Gulls were counted in large numbers with populations of Franklin's Gulls and California Gulls changing daily. A Bonaparte'sGull was reported in August and three Sabine's Gulls in September. As well as the more common Forster's Tern, both Black Tern and Common Tern were reported. By the end of September, ducks were beginning to appear; only four duck species were reported in August but this had increased to thirteen duck species for September.

The cool weather seemed to mean that birders were more active than usual in the foothills and plains. Many observers went to Dowdy Draw. At least a dozen Sage Thrashers were reported there, as well as one Northern Mockingbird. The first Townsend's Warbler of the year was seen there, as well as a Nashville Warbler and AmericanRedstart. This was a good spot for finding lingering breeders such as Blue Grosbeak and Gray Catbird, as well as to find migrating warblers and sparrows. In other places, Blackpoll Warbler was new for the year; this is the first time we have had reports of this bird during fall migration. We also had the first report of the year for Cassin's Vireo; it seems to be easier to find this species during fall migration than in the spring. Other birds seen that are worth a mention are three of our less usual flycatchers: Least, Ash-throated and Cassin's Kingbird. A family of Orchard Orioles was found at White Rocks. Calliope Hummingbirds were seen in many places in both the plains and foothills, continuing the trend of the last few years.

Altogether 144 bird species were reported in August, and 175 in September. This is probably average for August, but undoubtedly lower than it might be because of lack of coverage. Surely there are more than four duck species present in the county? September's 175 species was by no means a record, but was higher than average. This was helped by good reporting early in the month of lingering summer birds. TOP