It is finally here, that glorious time of year, when our northern birding friends all say good bye to the beautiful bird species that have spent the summer with them. Our doldrums are over, and all the migrants are coming back to the warm summer climes for the winter. Just in the last few days, I have seen large numbers of arrivals, shorebirds and waders like Marbled Godwits, Greater Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitchers and the White-faced Ibis, as seen in the feature photo. There have been several flights like this that flew over La Paz on Sunday.

Out on the tidal flats, the new migrants gather in nice numbers.

lr-results-3

 

lr-results

If you look carefully below, you can see the Blue-winged Teal, exiting stage right, just out of sight of my camera lens.

untitled-8

 

untitled-12

 

We also have seen major increases in the tern numbers, with Royal, Elegant, Forster’s and a few Least Terns all gathering on the sand bars and rocky points.

10-10-2016-17

 

terns-group-shot

forrester-terns-2

 

Many of the new arrivals are now joining the locals out near the mangroves.

10-10-2016-16

With my last few trips all being based on the waders and peeps, I have not had a chance to see if any of the dry land birds, sparrow and the like, have started to show up yet. I will try to get out to a few of my favorite spots alone before the weekend.

This time of year, all of our year round species, as well as the returning migrants, are now in their dull, drab winter colors. Even our resident birds are, well, looking a little worn, as you can see by this Northern Cardinal.

10-10-2016-15

Bland and worn, or bright and beautiful, it is very nice to get out and see who the next new arrival is this week!

10-10-2016-2

Written by Tom Brown
Tom Brown grew up in the high desert area of central Oregon. His love for birds and photography started at a young age. Thru the course of time, travel, and a lot of different occupations, he ended up living in Seattle, and met a girl with a sailboat. When he is not scouring whatever area they are in, looking for the next great bird photo, he can be found trying to earn enough money for the next adventure, and of course, a new lens or camera body! Having been nick-named “The Bird Nerd” by his last remaining friends and family, Tom continues search for that next lifer, and the accompanying photo that goes with it. Find his continuing adventures, photographs, and guiding opportunities at Focus on Feathers.