Gusty winds and rough surf -- predicted for later this week -- arrived in these parts Sunday. The winds were blowing hard from southeast (or east southeast). This weather system, due to unusual offshore water and air temperatures, might have been responsible for pushing numbers of Laughing Gulls into Shinnecock Bay and Weesuck Creek this weekend (Laughing Gulls are primarily southern gull but, like other southern birds, it is pushing its way north). Another southern larid that appeared Sunday was Forster's Tern, with a half a dozen or more at a time actively fishing at the mouth of Weesuck Creek and even coming a way up the creek. These terns, possibly young birds of the year, have short tails and a compact outline that is quite different from the Common Terns (which have mostly left the premises).
One bird that really loves the wind is the American crow. Our local crows took advantage of yesterday's breezes for some spectacular play. It is an amazing sight to watch them in mock aerial combat with chases, loop and swoops.
Yesterday morning, by contrast, was calm with only a gradual increase in light winds. The most interesting new bird by far was a dark and roly-poly little bird which I believe was an early WINTER WREN. I had several quick but fairly clear looks at this skulking creature which had a thin bill, a distinct eye stripe and a short cocked tail. Both mantle and underparts were dark and stripy; only the breast was lighter in color. Our local House Wrens -- indeed most of the House Wrens that I see -- are much lighter overall with a distinct contrast between upper and lower parts; they are also slimmer with longer tails, heavier beaks and a much less distinct eye stripe. September 7 is an early date for Winter Wren but not outrageously so as they might easily be expected by the second half of September.
Still lots of Gray Catbirds around plus several Common Yellowthroats (including at least one male with a full mask), Northern Waterthrush, several American Redstarts in all three flavors (adult male, first year male, female), and a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird posing prettily.

Eric Salzman