Things were still a bit slow at my place on Cedar Creek in Shenandoah County
over the weekend, but we're starting to see the normal formation of mixed
flocks of small birds that typify this time of year. Although we tallied only
29
species, the buildup to fall migration was unmistakable as the mix began to
shift from our local breeders to species that breed in the larger area but
often
collect in the rich valley bottom in late summer--presumably to fatten up
before heading south. The list did include one really nice bird, a first fall
female "Lawrence's Warbler" (see Dunn and Garrett, page 49). While we have had
a few "Brewster's Warblers" over the years, this is first backcross. Although
it was a pretty and interesting bird, my enthusiasm is tempered of course by
the recognition that these birds may be on the increase at the expense of one
of their progenitors.
Dave Davis
Arlington
