September Bird Walk at Hubbard Lodge Fahnestock State Park

By Sean Camillieri

On September 17th, our third Saturday walk at Hubbard Lodge enjoyed 39 species of migratory birds as they made their way back south for the winter. We had 10 species of warbler including nice looks at Tennessee and Magnolia Warbler. Other highlights include Philadelphia Vireo and 3 Swainson's Thrushes feeding on bittersweet berries in the same tree.

Some harbingers of winter were also present such as Dark-eyed Junco, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Purple Finch. The last two are irruptive species and the intensity and range of their migratory movement is solely based on food availability in the forms of cones and fruit to our north. This fall the region experienced a massive Purple Finch flight. Our hopes are that some of the other nomadic winter species such as Evening Grosbeak and the crossbills make their way through our area. Full species list here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S118888478