Great Fall Migration Showing

Steven McDonald and I both coincidentally arrived at the Braes Valley parking lot of Lake Creek Trail at about 9:00 this morning. We then spent over three hours on the trail and enjoyed a cool overcast morning full of fall migrating birds. Baltimore Orioles were nearly ubiquitous between the parking lot and the footbridge. We estimated there were at least 50 of these black and orange birds in the woods along the trail. We found 5 species of flycatchers, including brief appearances by both a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Olive-sided Flycatcher. Vireos included White-eyed, Bell's, my first Blue-headed of the season, and this Warbling Vireo:

Other south-bound songbirds we found included Yellow Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, a single Black-throated Green Warbler, and at least one Blue Grosbeak. Tightly grouped starlings helped me notice a juvenile Cooper's Hawk perched on a light post in the Town and Country playing fields. And a migrating Northern Harrier flew over the footbridge while we made our way back to the trail head. Here's our complete bird list. What a morning!