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Dawn Chorus: F.O.S. [1]
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Date: 2022-10-09
Ferruginous Out Surveying.
FOS. That simple notation on a checklist means so much – First Of Season. Big transitions are happening right now, though the specifics can be quite different from place to place. For someone living in the Bay Area and birding around Northern California, here’s what it means:
Farewell, Our Summerbirds…
“First” is unambiguous; you see the first and that’s that. “Last of Season” is a lot harder to pin down; it’s something you can only identify after the fact, sometimes weeks later. Is this the last flycatcher, or will I see another one next weekend?
No place to go but up and out for this Pacific Slope Flycatcher.
Fewer Ospreys Seen
Some of the birds don’t go away entirely, but a good number of them leave the area. Juveniles are sent packing, birds in marginal territories seek out more reliable food sources for the (northern) winter months. Ospreys always bring a smile, but winter ospreys also earn an exclamation mark.
A faraway glance before leaving for faraway lands.
Formerly Orange Shorebirds
Some birds who are here year-round are joined by their cousins from elsewhere. Some of the earliest arrivals are the shorebirds. They’re here to eat, not show off to potential mates, so their colors are much more muted whether they’re locals or visitors.
American Avocet in winter wardrobe. I have problems identifying some shorebirds when they show up around here in breeding plumage… all those colors are sooooo confusing. Gimme grey!
Flying Over Seas
This is the time of year that we see the large flocks of Sooty Shearwaters moving along the coasts. Our home is a little more than two miles from the ocean so even with a scope, bird ID offshore can be tricky (and often impossible) at that distance. Not when you see these huge swarms of birds – they are F*ing Obviously Shearwaters. (That’s my grey whistling in the background...)
Fattening On Seeds … or maybe Filling Our Stashes
When wintering birds show up here, they are hungry! Many have flown thousands of miles to get here, and they need to refuel. If you set out feeders, you’ll notice the influx of visitors – and their appetites! Driving by fields of grasses and “weeds”, you’ll see birds stripping the plants bare. They’ll gobble some immediately, but many will fly away with seeds to cache in tree bark and under leaf litter.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Pygmy Nuthatches emptied this feeder six times in two day. Most of it was carried away to be cached in redwood bark and other secret stash spots.
Falcons’ Obvious Superiority
Aka Fastest of Season. Yep, Merlin season is upon us, and I couldn’t be happier. I love these lightning quick little predators. Peregrines, Prairies and Kestrels are in NorCal year-round, but Merlins don’t show up until pumpkin spice season and stay ‘til the end of green beer season. (Not all seasons are worth celebrating.)
Feasting on Sparrows. (the not-entirely-adorable F.O.S….)
Forget Outdoor Spinach
The arrival of Golden-crowned Sparrows means no greens are safe in a garden. They love lettuce, cherish chard and power down pea plants. When they show up, my greens grow indoors.
I’ll just chew on the emerging grass while I wait for you to plant the next flat of lettuce starts.
Favorite October Sightings
This is a 17-way tie, give or take a few. My spark bird, Townsend’s Warbler. The minimalist composer, Varied Thrush. The massive waterfowl flocks. Fabulous Ferruginous and fluffy Roughies. Wandering wintering warblers. Daily, there’s a reason to say: I missed you! Welcome Back!
Real Alaskan always had great photos of Varied Thrushes. This is the best I can do for this beautiful winter visitor
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder - the coming weeks will be delightful!
What’s the F.O.S. news from your neck of the woods?
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