Purple Patch in the Yard - 29 Sep 2022

Today was a work-at-home day. I was without a car while it was at the dealer, so I stuck without a chance for doing any birding. But, things soon changed quickly for the better.

While snuggling Yara on the couch I spotted movement in the field immediately behind the feeders. A Nashville Warbler popped into view! I grabbed the camera (and jacket; it was 51F) and ran into the yard where I was able to get a quick pic before it disappeared. Back to the house.

Just a few minutes later a Gray Catbird appeared by the feeders, the first since early summer.  Then, the first White-crowned Sparrow of the fall appeared. A handsome adult male. I decided to head back out for a few minutes. Luckily, it reappeared from the shadows and posed nicely in the morning Sun.

A pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds continue to visit the feeders so I took a few pics of them as they fed and preened on nearby branches. 

While photographing the hummers a pair of Chipmunks appeared, followed by a pair of White-throated Sparrows.

While following them I spotted a Blackpoll Warbler bouncing around the hedges. I managed to catch it using the Sony a1 and 600mm f/4.

Once back in the house I spotted a Red-breasted Nuthatch, followed by a White-breasted Nuthatch. Dozens of Blue Jays were migrating westward overhead while Black-capped Chickadees, House Finches, Mourning Doves, and a House Wren made an appearance. 

I would refind the Nashville Warbler the following morning, along with a Red-eyed Vireo, the White-crowned Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and both Ruby-throats.

Quite the Purple Patch the past few days! This was a term I picked up from a trip to Costa Rica when a birding friend related that it means "a very productive patch".

Brownton Abbey, 26340 Higgins Way, Wayne, Michigan, US
Sep 29, 2022 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments:     Yard Birds
16 species

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  2
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  36
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  1
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  6
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)  1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  2
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)  1
Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla)  1
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  4

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S159161229

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)