From the September newsletter, here are some great tips from Isaac Nelson on where to see birds.

Spruce Grouse photo by Isaac Nelson

While most birds have stopped singing and displaying by September, the unpredictability that comes with fall migration has an excitement of its own. Sparrows and warblers are passing through in large numbers everywhere, and one particularly productive location is the TRU horticulture gardens. White- throated Sparrows and many other migrant passerines can be expected there at this time of year, and a large group of Evening Grosbeaks has been hanging out in the Birch trees. The past few weeks have also seen a sharp increase in Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills around Kamloops. These species are both highly dependent on conifer seed crops and as a result can be absent one month yet abundant the next. Mid-September to early October is the prime time to witness raptor and crane migration. The hills of Kenna Cartwright Park can be excellent vantage points to watch as dozens of hawks use the thermals to gain altitude before continuing south. Broad-winged Hawks, which used to be considered very rare here, are being spotted more and more frequently as they pass over Kamloops. Separation Lake is another fantastic spot to be during migration and is known for attracting a lot of uncommon birds, like the Black-bellied Plover that was seen there earlier this month.

Happy Birding!