Prothonotary Warbler

This is the immature male Prothonotary that has apparently been in Bryant Park outside the NY Public Library for 2-3 weeks. Almost certainly a "wrong way" fall migrant, given that NYC is north of the traditional known breeding range. Prothonotary is very rare as a fall migrant through NYC for precisely this reason - there's no population north of us.

Eastern Bluebird

One of a roving flock of Eastern Bluebirds that were milling around the parking lot at Griggstown Preserve. Most of them had no intention of getting anywhere near me, but after standing still and quiet for a while they started to worry about me less. This male came in relatively close while foraging, albeit for a short period of time. It's vocalizing quietly here - the flock itself was quite vocal.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

First fall immature, Central Park, Oct 8th.
These birds are hyperactive, so most of my images of Ruby-crowned have a dubious level of blur about them. It's a borderline nemesis bird for that reason, especially for a relatively common species. Golden-crowned Kinglet and Wilson's Warbler have the same challenges - they never pause, especially in migration when they are looking for food after flying all night. The odds were enhanced in this case by it being a sunny day, so a higher shutter speed helped. And also a large amount of luck.

Immature White-crowned Sparrow

Sometimes aging a bird is as easy as identifying it - this first fall immature White-crowned Sparrow being a case in point. This was found on an otherwise relatively quiet Saturday morning in Central Park. With the park the usual challenge is snatching opportunities between dog walkers, tourists and joggers - in this instance I gave up photographing at this spot when two tour groups turned up, although the two White-crowned Sparrows that were here actually were relatively tame.

Palm Warbler

First fall immature Palm Warbler, of the "Yellow" Palm subspecies hyphochrysea, at Griggstown Preserve in NJ in October 2008 (before they mowed the Hell out of the place).

Hermit Thrush

Probably a first fall immature based on the buff edges to the coverts.

Swainson's Thrush