warbler wave

There was a mini warbler wave this morning with the appearance of American Redstart, Blue-winged Warbler, two or three Northern Waterthrushes, several Yellow Warblers, and Common Yellowthroat. Does this represent local breeders starting to move around or is it the actual beginning of migration?

In contrast, Purple Martins and other swallows have become scarce with only a few stragglers (late nesters?) hanging around the gourd colony near the Town Dock. One Chimney Swift (not a swallow but with a similar mode of life) was working the edges of the marsh.

Eric Salzman