Oysters !

(c) 2012 High Virginia Images

I went out early this morning, hoping to find some interesting migrants in the clear-cut. The birds didn't seem to cooperate; as far as the warblers go. There were plenty of robins, cedar waxwings, catbirds and goldfinches; but little else was to be found. Therefore Ralphie and I went to plan B. Search for some Chicken of the Woods.
Well, that didn't go so well, either. But we did come up with enough Oyster mushrooms for a meal. We found several other clumps which were too old and badly insect infested.

Required Reading: Great References

A Field Guide to Warblers of North America (Peterson Field Guide)Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History (Princeton Field Guides)Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central AppalachiansThe Butterflies Of West Virginia and their Caterpillars (Pitt Series in Nature and Natural History)

Good reference books make the joy of discovery. The Summer turns to Autumn and activity picks up in the natural world. Many species are on the move; in preperation for Winter.

Those who are observant can always find new things. Good references are the only way to become satisfied with your new discovery.

There are many books available for identification purposes. These are the four that I have found most useful.

I don't know why I couldn't put the links to these books at the bottom of the page; where I wanted them.

Migratory Visitors

Field Sparrow

The past two weeks have been good for observing birds; during their fall migration. I have seen several species, here in my yard. As of today, I still have Ruby-throated Hummingbirds present. October 12 is the latest date that I have recorded for hummers in the past. Today is the 12th. they will not be present, much longer. Yesterday evening, I had a large flight of Chipping Sparrows, there were more than 50 individuals here feeding on weed seeds. I searched the flock, trying to find something rare. I had hoped to find Clay-colored Sparrows, Lincolns or anything else; but alas there were only a couple of Field Sparrows mixed with the flock. White-throated Sparrows are beginning to show up in the area also. I had an Ovenbird, staying here for a week. It headed further South on Saturday. Several Pine Siskins and Purple Finches made their appearance on October 4th and some have decided to hang around for awhile.

I have had a steady trickle of warblers, over the past two weeks. Black-throated Green, Blackpoll, Black and White, Tennessee, Yellow-rumped and Cape May Warblers have been present. Ruby-crowned Kinglets showed up on Saturday. For some reason, I had several Scarlet Tanagers; which I had not seen all Summer.

It is prime time to get out the binoculars and take a leisurely stroll through the countryside. Enjoy the fall colors and hopefully encounter a bird; which you have never seen before. You never know what may show up. Go out a search out that song you have never heard before; it may be something good.
A Field Guide to Warblers of North America (Peterson Field Guide)
Sparrows of the United States and Canada: The Photographic Guide

Migrating Warblers

Anyone, who is interested in adding birds to checklists should be outside right now. Fall migrations are well underway for many species. Numerous species of warblers can be found at this time. Each morning  brings in the possibility of new birds. I have Tennessee Warblers (Vermivora peregrina) and Black-throated Green Warblers (Dendrocia virens) in my yard this morning. You never know what you will find. I have a Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) outside in a Pokeberry tangle. This is the first Hermit Thrush that I have ever seen, on this property. Do yourself a favor and take your binoculars for a morning stroll and enjoy.