Chirps and Cheeps

As we head into the second half of the month, we notice the faces changing on the parade of migrants flowing through Western New York.  It's always a joy to see these travelers a second time on their southward journey as they make their way to their wintering grounds.

A favorite migrant, a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, gave me some great views the other day and I thought I'd share some photos that s/he allowed as well as a few others.

On a side note, I'm really enjoying the increased numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches I've been encountering.  While we have the fun of hosting them year-round at home, many other folks in Western New York are without their little toy horn sounds as they "yank yank yank" at feeders.  This is supposed to be a big irruption year for them and already, I've spotted many in parks and preserves where I don't usually see them.  I hope this bodes well for other winter wanderers as well!