Focus is on Migrants!
Slowly but surely, they're trickling in to forage, drink and bathe.
8-27-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler 8-27-24 Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal and Chestnut-sided Warbler
8-30-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warblers first arrived on 8-27-24. The small size of warblers is best understood when seen near common birds, like the Tufted Titmouse and Northern Cardinal. Most warblers, like the Chestnut-sided, average 4.75"-5.5" in length.
8-28-24 Swallow-tailed Kite-2 by Dan 8-28-24 Swallow-tailed Kite by Dan
Photos by Dan Terpstra
On Wednesday morning, 8-28-24, we drove up to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Three Swallow-tailed Kites had been observed there for several days and we wanted to look for them. We did see three, flying with Mississippi Kites. Striking in contrast and the largest of the kites, they are so graceful to watch in flight. The last time we saw this species was on a trip to Costa Rica in 2012. We felt so lucky to see them. A fourth kite was confirmed a few days later. Three have also been seen at Eagle Bluff CA in Boone County.
This species is certainly a rare transient and summer visitant now, though it was a former summer resident statewide. "The disappearance of this species from the state as a breeder and regular migrant coincided with the virtually complete elimination of forest in those regions." From The Status and Distribution of Birds of Missouri by Mark B. Robbins.
Perhaps this species will have a chance to reclaim some of the breeding range it once had and nest in Missouri again.
To read more about this bird: Swallow-tailed Kite
8-28-24 First Fall Male Mourning Warbler
8-28-24 First Fall Male Mourning Warbler
8-28-24 First Fall Male Mourning Warbler
8-28-24 Mourning Warbler Composite
We got back home before noon and saw some of the usual suspects here. Then, right about 4:00 pm, a small bird flew into the hydrangeas behind the bubbler from the west. A chipmunk was chasing titmice out of the basin. I continued to watch. I knew that little bird was still hiding. "Inquiring minds need to know!"
So, the chipmunk skittered to the gooseberry patch and the bird popped out and went right to the bubbler! It was a rare first fall male Mourning Warbler. As I studied it, it ticked all the ID boxes for a young Mourning Warbler. Split white eye ring, dark bluish gray hood with black speckling on the breast, yellow under tail coverts. This species has always been a difficult one for me to see here, so I was a happy camper! Was it related to the male that I photographed last year? Did that male pass along the migration map in its genes so the young bird found its way here? It's entirely possible.
8-31-24 Northern Waterthrush 8-31-24 Northern Waterthrush 8-31-24 Northern Waterthrush
A Northern Waterthrush has been around for several days, first checking in on 8-31-24. It walked through the bubbler area and went to the lower wetland where it found tiny larvae to eat. You have to look closely, but one is wrapped around its bill in the first photo.
9-2-24 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 9-2-24 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 9-2-24 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Flycatchers are often in the woodland, chasing tiny gnats and flies. This Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is another rarity in both spring and fall. This one was here on 9-2-24.
9-3-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-3-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-3-24 Bay-breasted Warbler
9-4-24 Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warblers are uncommon in spring and fall. Our habitat provides concealment, sheltered places to rest, find food and water. So, we do typically see them in both seasons.
9-4-24 Black-throated Green Warbler
9-4-24 Black-throated Green Warbler
Lovely Black-throated Green Warblers are a bit more common in both seasons, and like old friends, they're always welcome here!
9-4-24 Red-eyed Vireo immature
This is an immature Red-eyed Vireo. Why? Because its eyes are still brown! By spring, they will turn more obviously red in color.
9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstarts
American Redstarts are also warblers. The male is black with orange markings, the gray one is a female. Young males look a lot like the females, but have some black feathers showing and more orangey yellow patches.
9-6-24 Golden-winged Warbler 9-6-24 Golden-winged Warbler
This species was seen in spring, and a female had stopped in briefly last week. Finally, on 9-6-24, this male Golden-winged Warbler was observed in time to document it.
For many years now, I've tried to see the pattern of when these birds will come down to the water. Each bird has different needs, It may have dropped in at 5 a.m. as it flew over our yard. It needs to rest from its flight, but it's hungry and starts feeding upon caterpillars at first light. So, some will come to the water before 7:00 a.m., or maybe take a quick look and come back later. It's really not possible to predict but there are days when a lot more birds are here which increases the chances! It's a hopeful obsession!
We have had a few nights with very high numbers of birds crossing our county. There are many more birds to come!
We've lost over 2 hours of daylight and are heading towards the Fall Equinox on September 22, 2024.
Enjoy the fall weather!