dgraham@kean.ucs.mun.ca (David Graham) (11/21/89)
Bird news from North America's most easterly point: Newfoundland had its first Hermit Warbler ten days ago when one was found about 10 km from St John's and seen by numerous birders (not me, alas) during the three days it was here. At about the same time, a Blue Grosbeak (v. rare fall transient) was seen about 10 km from St John's in the other direction. This has been a record-breaking fall for Indigo Buntings, which have been turning up at feeders all over the city. The province's second Black-tailed Godwit (first was about fifteen years ago) was much in evidence for just about the whole month of October. Warblers are still going through: not only the Hermit Warbler, but Pine Warbler and Black-throated Blue Warbler have both been seen recently, along with Townsend's Warbler (all are rare fall visitors here). Weather has been exceptionally mild for this time of year: no snow yet, and temperatures in the mid teens (Celsius) on a couple of occasions in the last two weeks. We did have snow today, though. Snow Buntings are arriving, but no sign of Dovekies yet! *************************************************************************** David Graham dgraham@kean.ucs.mun.ca ***************************************************************************