Chirps and Cheeps

A Photo Journal of My Birding Experiences & Observations

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  Late Migrants or Overwintering Birds?

Published: December 22, 2023
Tags: General Observations, dunlin, gray catbird, hermit thrush

Some birds seem later than usual to migrate through Western New York.  The Dunlin pictured below was a big surprise to find at this late date!  Prior to this, my latest Dunlin was found after a storm in the beginning of November.

Another late bird was a Gray Catbird.  They've usually migrated by the end of October so this guy was another surprise.  He or she could be planning to overwinter, I suppose.  That's always a gamble - but maybe this bird knows we're going to have a mild winter.  I hope so!

I'm guessing the same story goes for the Hermit Thrush I found yesterday at another local park.  Maybe another overwintering bird.  It's hard to know why these birds are lingering here in the area.

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Dunlin - a surprise find on the beach

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Hope he moves on!

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A lingering Gray Catbird - or an overwintering bird?

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Hermit Thrush - late migrant or overwintering bird?

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A very small Sharp-shinned Hawk - most probably a male




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