Seabird migration is in full swing and observers from coastal promontories such as Wedding Rock or the North Jetty or those in boats at sea are nearly certain to report a phalanx of loons, shearwaters, and gulls. During October , the fall silly season cares not that we ve turned the calendar page, as wayward migrants continue to be discovered. The first rains of fall settle the dust and mushrooms emerge from roadsides, pasture, and forest duff. Raptors and sparrows join the ranks of those heading south. November brings legions of waterfowl and rocky shoreline specialists such as Rock Sandpiper and Harlequin Duck.
Copious rains fill the rivers and their tributaries, drawing the salmon home.
As natural food sources dwindle, passerine action shifts to feeders, orchards, garden stubble, and landscape plants, as the birds seek mast, nectar, or sap. December s bad weather begins to push the bulk of waterfowl south from their breeding grounds to our area. Grebes, ducks, geese, and swans are in season. Later in the month, and on into January, Christmas Bird Counts engender the most thorough, one-day coverage by birders within several different count areas, with a smattering of rarities the result. And, OIBM, a Rustic Bunting, King Eider, or Snowy Owl is discovered.