Hi everyone,
Alistair McGiven and myself set out from Center Island this morning and birded most of the islands. We believe the storm grounded quite a few migrants, as we had excellent results.
First off, we saw Hermit Thrushes, Yellow Rumped Warblers, White Throated Sparrows, Blue Headed Vireos, ruby crowned kinglets, and Northern Flickers constantly. Near the center island dock we encountered house finch, pine warblers, and ring necked duck.
In the grasses near the feeder west of center island (in front of the one story building) we encountered a Grasshopper Sparrow, field sparrows and white throated sparrows. Yellow warblers were also seen in various locations.
Around the lighthouse we had four Nashville Warblers and nearby a lone Fox Sparrow. At Hanlan's Point we found several Eastern Towhees and Brown Thrashers, the Thrashers started to come out on our way back all over the place (singing actively) and we saw at least 12. Near the water on the South Western Corner of the islands we encountered a lone Northern Waterthrush. Upon our return to center island we found a Black Headed Green Warbler, in the trees east of the Center Island bridge. Over on Ward's Island we saw a Great Crested Flycatcher near the ferry dock. Many other species were encountered (the usual suspects for this time of year).
Despite extensive searching, we could not locate Carolina or Winter Wrens and also could not find the reported Yellow Breasted Chat.
The islands were full of birds following the storm, with every tree yielding excellent results!
-Andrew
