(Reprinted from the Fall 2023 issue of New Hampshire Bird Records)

Migration continues into October as the leaves turn and the landscape is awash with color. Look for migrating sparrows and the arrival of waterfowl wintering on the coast. Here are some October birding highlights to watch for:

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  Sparrow migration peaks. Good places to check are weedy fields or community gardens such as the Birch Street Community Gardens in Concord.

• Chipping Sparrows depart and American Tree Sparrows arrive from the north, with their rusty cap giving them the nickname of “Winter Chippy.”
• Waterfowl that winters on the ocean begin to arrive. Watch for inland fallouts of grebes, scoters, and other sea ducks anytime there is a rain storm.
• Most thrushes are gone by early October, but a few Hermit Thrush linger into November.
• Large blackbird flocks gather at the end of October and early November sometimes numbering in the thousands. Flocks may be single species or comprised of a mixture of Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, and European Starlings. They are often seen in the evening coming in to roost (Great Bog in Portsmouth has had spectacular concentrations of grackles) or feeding in corn fields.

New Hampshire Bird Records is now available in digital format free to all NH Audubon members. (Not a member yet? Join here!) All members receive an email with a link to the current issue. Printed copies are available to members for an additional fee that covers the cost of printing and postage. Details are on the New Hampshire Bird Records website.