A slice of September migrants

Migration is going by quickly.  A few laggards not withstanding, many birds such as kingbirds, wood-pewees and orioles are gone for the year, not to be seen again until next spring.  Every week, and often on the heels of each cold front, we have the opportunity to enjoy a different assemblage of migrant birds.  Some migrants only appear in our area for brief periods each spring and fall as they travel between wintering and breeding areas and then back.  What is nice about these migrants is you typically do not have to go far to find them.  A few  can often be seen along country roads, hike/bike trails and backyards.   This includes small nondescript songbirds that all appear superficially similar to one another, particularly in fall.   Since these birds, sometime referred to as little brown birds, move quickly through trees and thickets, it can be challenging to get a descent look and observe the subtle, albeit distinctive, features that makes each one unique.  I captured a few photos of a few of these species recently and below I introduce you to a few of these birds that can be seen in our state right now.

Take a few moments and enjoy some of these birds over the next week or two.