While on duty, in the zone I inspect, I caught sight of YELLOW WARBLERS. Whether they bred here or passing thru as this species is reputable as a early migrant, I found 4 birds on the south side of the Lake. In addition, over the lake William Earp reported NORTHERN ROUGH WINGED SWALLOWS.
On the mainland across the strait from West Island, two YELLOW WARBLERS moved thru the birch tree. One was definitely a juvenile male, the other likely a female. Later , as I gaze at Three Sisters Island, two more a very short time later, one Yellow was definitely an adult female. A very nice observation in this slow summer. Some reclusive CEDAR WAXWINGS and a female BALTIMORE ORIOLE also appeared.
I received a report from visiting British birder William Earp of two NORTHERN ROUGH WINGED SWALLOWS hawking insects over the Lake, a sighting that lasted 10 minutes, A very uncommon sighting , likely rare in the past, its very possible this species bred here given the improved lake habitats and new islands in the lake by the rink. It was bound to happen , joining the resident Barn Swallows.
We are in the very early stages of sporadic fall ( YEP) migration so , those migration anxiety levels are rising...
