Bird observations can be a sign of the changing seasons. Depending on what bird species you are seeing in your yard, you can know not only what time of year it is, but potentially even what month it is.
Many people like to mark on a calendar when species show up in their yard in the spring. Serious birders use codes to indicate when they see a bird for the first time in a given year. The code “FOS” indicates “first of season”.
For example, in April, when you see a Bullock’s oriole for the first time, you might record the date with the annotation “FOS”. And, as different species continue to arrive during spring migration you record the date of each of your observations. As you consistently keep track, year after year, you develop a historical record of when different species arrive. Remarkably, it is not uncommon for some species to show up on the same day, each year. It’s incredible.
This same practice can be applied to fall migration—but instead of recording when bird species are arriving, you document when they are leaving. The last date you observed a species would be annotated as “LOS” or “last of season”.
For example, maybe you have black-headed grosbeaks frequenting your yard daily, but over time, their numbers start to drop off, eventually dwindling to the point that maybe you are only seeing one. Finally, one day, you don’t see anymore, so the previous day would be your “LOS” observation for that species.
Many varieties of birds pass through Prescott during migration. Species that do not summer or winter here are referred to as “transients”. An example of this would be lazuli buntings. They show up in the spring, stopping briefly to refuel before continuing their northward journey. Then, in the fall, they show up again as they head south. Their time here is generally brief, but their presence always brings joy to those watching birds at their feeders.
This past Friday, I led a free birding field trip for The Lookout to Aspen Springs, out Copper Basin Road. We certainly witnessed examples of species that were already on the move, headed south.
Two days prior to our bird walk, that area had had a torrential downpour, and there were still remnants of standing water with a few small puddles scattered throughout the dirt parking lot. When we first arrived, I heard red crossbills high up in the pine trees. Before long, several crossbills flew down to the parking lot and started drinking out of some of the puddles.
We also visited Dispersed Campground #6, and hiked in that area. We certainly heard more than we saw, but we still ended up with a respectable list for the day. Some of the birds we saw included painted redstart, a male Wilson’s warbler, hepatic tanager, and violet-green swallows.
The free weekly bird walks that we host have become so popular that all of the remaining bird walks scheduled through the end of September are filled. Sometime in September we will schedule bird walks for the final quarter of the year, opening up about thirteen more bird walks.
Another quick reminder—our 15th annual wild bird photography contest starts tomorrow, Friday September 1st. The submission period runs the entire month of September, so you have plenty of time in which to submit your entries. I hope you will consider participating.
We will announce the winners of the photo contest, as well as the Birding Challenge, at our 20th anniversary celebration event on Saturday, October 28th. Put it on your calendar, as you won’t want to miss it!
Until next week, Happy Birding!
Eric Moore is the owner of The Lookout, in Prescott, where you will find a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, wild bird products, and Vortex and Swarovski optics. Eric has been an avid birder for over 55 years. Eric can be contacted at eric@thelookoutaz.com.
