The Bashakill this week.

A lot has been happening at the Bashakill and nearby environs this week. I’ve been quite busy, so sorry for the late update, but here’s whats been happening. Migration amped it up a notch this week. Tremendous numbers of the expected species have been moving in and passing through. Blackbirds have been the dominant passerines moving. Common Grackle and Red-winged Blackbirds in big numbers. Among them, lower numbers of Brown-headed Cowbirds can be found. Waterfowl is on the move again and the Bashakill has been drawing good numbers for this time of year. With the warm weather, its tough to remember that it is still February. Ring-neckded Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead and American Wigeon are all joining the already moving mergansers, Mallards and Black Ducks. The massive movement of geese this week has seen Canada’s coming and going. They were joined yesterday by our first Mute Swan of the year. Among other passerines, sparrows have been moving as well. Both Song and Fox Sparrows have come in in good numbers for the date. My highest count for Fox Sparrows so far is 7 (Bash and my feeders) and 9 Song Sparrows. Considering I haven’t covered all areas, there are probably more. At the same time, Juncos and American Tree Sparrows have really been moving out. Numbers have really declined over the week. Though I haven’t had a chance to get them yet, all of my friends have reported Woodcock throughout the Bashakill this week. We’re in for a bit of a cool down this week, but temps will still be above normal for late February and early March. My prediction is that waterfowl will continue to increase and their overall migration will occur earlier than normal. Get out and see them while you can!