Golden-crowned Kinglets invade Belle Isle

Morning visits to Belle Isle the past two Sundays were remarkably different.  On 09/26 I was hoping for migrant warblers, and there were a few, but otherwise it was very quiet.  I did see Orange-crowned and female Black-throated Blue warblers.  Otherwise, thrushes call notes were heard but the birds generally remained well hidden.  The arrival of White-throated Sparrows was apparent.  Three Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were seen.  One, Rose-breasted Grosbeak was still around.

Otherwise, this Eastern Phoebe was flycatching near the east red bridge and swallows were working the pond just beyond this area.

Two Brown Thrashers were on the south side of the nature trail - momentarily I had a nice profile pose of one.  Just as I was about to click the shutter the bird shifted to fly into the bushes and all I could get was this rear end view.

On Sunday, 10/03, the invasion of Golden-crowned Kinglets was in full swing.  Species diversity was low, but it was very birdy.

There were so many kinglets that I had many opportunities to try for photographs.  These are a couple of the best.  Amongst them were also several Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

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Otherwise, White-throated Sparrows had really increased in number and amongst them was a single White-crowned Sparrow.  All three of Michigan's Catharus sp. were present and easier to see as they fed on abundant red berries. 

Feeding on the trail, a quick look revealed robins, two juncos, White-throated Sparrows and ... this Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  This was sweet.  I slowly crept closer and closer trying to improve my photographs.  The other birds flew into the bushes at my approach, but the grosbeak remained.  I was not as close as I would have liked, but finally it too become aware of my presence and also flew into the bushes.  

Typical fall departure date for Rose-breasted Grosbeak is September 28th, but this 10/03 bird was well within the record late date of November 17, 1980 in Wayne County, Michigan.

Finally, this distant Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is well camouflaged as it peaks around the back end of an oak tree.