Two Late Migrants Through the Yard

Though both Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Chipping Sparrows breed in our area, neither have been seen in my yard for weeks.  So it was a surprise to have an individual of each of these species pay a visit in mid-October.

First, a single Rose-breasted Grosbeak passed through the yard, glancing against one of the windows and perching on the Adirondack chair to gain his bearings.

I believe this might be a juvenile bird, but correct me if I'm wrong.  Our resident rose-breasteds were gone by September so I knew this guy was running a little late.  Last reported sightings across the state are reported in The Kingbird, the quarterly journal of the New York State Ornithological Association.  Over the past four falls, these were the last reports of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in my region (#8 - Hudson-Mohawk):

Fall 2005    Vischer Ferry Sep 30
Fall 2006    Town of Florida Sep 21
Fall 2007    Fulton Nov 11
Fall 2008    Jenny Lake, Saratoga County Sep 17

So it looks like an October 12th visit was indeed on the late side.  I made sure to report him to eBird and to the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club birdline.  Here he is just before he took off again on his long journey to his winter home in a tropical forest in central or northern South America.

Then just a day later on October 13th, this little Chipping Sparrow stopped by.

The Kingbird shows reports of Chipping Sparrows as late as November in the Hudson-Mohawk region, but in my yard, most chippies are gone by the end of September.

So even though it's been a slow fall at the feeders, it's been an interesting season in the yard with some new birds (Swainson's Thrush) and these two familiar, though late migrating birds.

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

LNMP - White-throateds and white-crowns have been around so keep an eye open. Not in my yard anymore though.
MaineBirder - Thanks. Hope he does ok on his trip.
Julia - thank you and glad you visited and commented!

[Julia @ Easy Eco To Go]

Wonderful photos and a little bird lesson for me, love it! Happy WW!

[MaineBirder]

Definitely looks to be a juvenile. It has a long way to travel before winter sets in. Very nice photos!

[LNMP]

Wow! I'm envious. We haven't even had any of the White-Throated or White-Crowned Sparrows that others in our area have been reporting, let alone these two species.