Date: 9/22/25 1:02 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Visible migration in Albany - out of place meadowlark, warblers, hummers
It's happening! Today there was a visible movement of migrants during my morning yard and sky watch in front of the house, in central Albany, near the Albany Library. Along with a notable diversity of species for mid-September. Most notable was a very out of place *Western Meadowlark *that was perched at the tip of the 60 foot tall redwood tree in my backyard! When I glanced up, there it was, glowing in the morning sun (see photos below). Amazingly (given the dense residential-urban setting), this is actually my second yard sighting, with the other from November last year (that one was a low northbound flyby).
In addition, there was a nice morning flight of warblers, with at least *6 Townsend's Warblers* (one singing), at least 2* Orange-crowned Warblers*, and one first-for-the-yard *Myrtle race Yellow-rumped Warbler *(also my FOS for this species), along with an influx of *Anna's Hummingbirds* (estimated with some uncertainty: at least 10 total, 5 seen at once, others zipping past far overhead or seen more distantly). My first of season *Western Bluebirds* made an appearance, along with a yard-notable *2 woodpecker species*, and appearances by 2 species that are less regular for the yard at this time of year: *Black Phoebe* and *Red-breasted Nuthatch*. A *Red-shouldered Hawk* sounded off, and a juvenile *Cooper's Hawk* was being hotly pursued by an irate *crow*. One mostly white mystery bird with limited dark markings on the upper wing was left as Bird sp due to distant receding views.
*Eyes up for tomorrow!* Based on past experience of increased sightings from my house, plus the continuing warming trend, I expect tomorrow (Tuesday) could have pretty decent potential for migrant flights until around 9am, especially from peaks, ridges and hilltops. Bay/ocean-side promontories might also collect some goodies tomorrow. Every time I've seen visible migration from my neighborhood, the following day has been productive from these locations, especially when there's a warming trend (as well as offshore/Easterly winds, though those don't apply now). This informal migration barometer of mine is purely anecdotal, but so far it's been a decent predictor. So keep eyes to the hilltops, ridges and skies tomorrow!
