Cold-season Arrivals

As if someone threw a switch, the humidity departed, the air got colder, and two winter residents made their first appearance.

In the shrubs by the pier I encountered a number of Yellow-rumped Warblers. While the leaves are still on the trees, it’s quite hard to get a picture, because they move around so quickly. This female paused for just long enough.

On the same day, by the settling pond behind the town homes, I found a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Here’s the female (there’s a trend here).

At this time of year, there are still a few summer stragglers. This female Ruby-throated Hummingbird also appeared beside the pier.

My bird books say we’re right on the cusp between summer and year-round residency for Common Yellowthroats, which might explain why I mostly see them in the spring and fall, but still do seem them around the calendar. I love this female’s jaunty, defiant pose.

There are also a few of this season’s juveniles around. Here’s an immature Cooper’s Hawk (can’t distinguish the sex).

And, of course, the year-round residents appear regularly. Staying with the raptor theme, I had a close encounter with a Red-shouldered Hawk the other day.

Eastern Phoebes seem to be everywhere right now. Perhaps it was a good year for nestlings.

Pine Warblers are with us all year around, but have only started to become more visible.

Finally, the Pileated Woodpeckers pop up every once in a while. I have yet to get a good full image of one using my new lens, but I was happy I could take some advantage of the strong silhouetting on this one (yet another female).

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