merry berry-eating flocks

A flock of Cedar Waxwings appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, to join the merry berry-eating flocks of Robins, Catbirds, Goldfinches feeding around the head of the marsh. These handsome, strong, silent creatures are known as fruit specialists and will often wander many miles looking for fresh fruit. Well they found some. Waxwings have been present as breeders in past years but, oddly enough, this year -- perhaps the best berry year I can remember -- they didn't show until now.

I looked in vain for the Golden-winged Warbler seen on Thursday but I did find a Parula as well as the more familiar Common Yellowthroats, American Redstart and Black-and-white Warblers. Today's Empid was a "Traill's Flycatcher" with a very weak eye ring (and so, probably a Willow).

As the morning progressed, large numbers of birds moved from the marsh and through the woods, ending up encircling the house where they were joined by woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, flocks of titmice and chickadees, some Common Grackles and a handful of warblers.

On a different note, the creek Ospreys -- possibly the young of the year -- have been extremely active, calling all morning; at least one bird, was flying with a fish in its talons and calling attention to itself quite loudly. Is this autumn romance among the young birds?

Eric Salzman