Fall's Flame, Finch Fails

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus

Winter Wren Troglodytes hiemalis

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

Merlin Falco columbarius

Mount-Royal Cemetery and Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery, October 24-25, 2020

  In order to conform with the Halloweeny mood of the season, cemeterial birding sessions were in order for the weekend. On the 24th, the sweet fresh Canadian air was a treat as always, and autumn’s foliage flame was in full blaze, which made for a spectacular setting for some cem birding.
  In an affirmation of that age-old mantra of birder surrender — “That’s birding!” — species of particular interest such as Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, and American Pipit were all heard, but not seen.
  While 28 species were logged in four hours of late afternoon birding, somehow it felt like less. There were loads (6) of Winter Wrens about in all the expected areas, which is always nice to see — nothing beats an encounter with a feisty wren.

  Cems again the following day, because why not? The weather was fresher, with gloves and neck tubes being a necessity. The species count was down to 18, and it was evident that a big clear-out had occurred overnight...there were several long stretches of eerie birdlessness. Species with huge one-day drop in numbers included American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden- and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Hermit Thrush.
  Two Merlins perched on station in the tallest available conifers at opposite corners ensured that most passerines that remained were sticking to low cover, and were relatively silent.
  Finch sightings were confined to a quick flyover of a half-squadron of Pine Siskins near the feeders.