May 7, 2010 - Saugerties I was surprised to see (and hear) a Blackpoll Warbler at the Saugerties Lighthouse this evening. This is the earliest date I have seen one around here in the past "many" years. One bird does not make a trend but it seems birds are arriving earlier as the years go by. It has also been said that Blackpolls signal the end of the migration, as they are the last to come through, so the migration might come to a close sooner than usual this year.
Anyhow today was a good day for immigrants, probably the best of the season. A fairly good wave came through Saugerties early this morning with mostly Yellow-rumps, and Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Parula, and a few other UFOs. Also my FOS Veery at the lighthouse. Wood Thrushes are in at last - which seems late in contrast - Ovenbird; Red-eyed Vireo; Scarlet Tanager; RB Grosbeak; GC Flycatcher; Baltimore Oriole; Pileated Woodpecker; and nesting Barred Owls. Doesn't get much better. Frank Murphy South Saugerties, NY Ulster County [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
