Each fall, the end of warbler migration is marked by groups of Yellow-rumped Warblers moving through the area. This year it seemed like there were more of them than usual, and there were several days when the cedar trees were jumping with flocks of them feeding on berries. Some of this species stay the winter and can be seen at Caven Point flitting through the bayberries.
Occasionally other warblers can be seen in the colder months, and this year several Orange-crowned Warblers showed up and stayed through November.
There are two things that really make it feel like winter for me: the arrival of Horned Larks and the moment I realize I’m seeing raptors everywhere. The raptors have been hit or miss, but a few Cooper’s Hawks are regulars, though they don’t tend to stick around for photos.
Purple Finches and Black-capped Chickadees were fairly plentiful for a while, then the finches moved on and more chickadees showed up and stayed. This winter has also been good for American Tree Sparrows–small (and sometimes not so small) flocks of them have been hanging around at Caven Point and along Freedom Way.
