Date: 9/1/26 4:57 pm From: Denise Hamilton via groups.io <2napabirders...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Backyard migrants in Napa
Hi all,
I was planning on writing to you about backyard migrants in August - particularly on Aug 27th when a Black-throated Gray Warbler showed up - our 3rd ever for our yard. We've constantly have had numerous Warbling Vireos for 'dip baths' in our pond, and after missing out on them last year, we've had quite a few Willow Flycatchers, sometimes seeing two at a time. I'm thinking that some of them may actually stay for days at a time, since 2 years ago had one that showed up in the exact same spots, with the exact same behaviors day after day, but this year not seeing anything to prove my theory. Here is our check list if you'd like to see a few pictures: eBird Checklist - 27 Aug 2026 - Backyard in Browns Valley, Napa - 22 species <https://ebird.org/checklist/S387475282>
Other migrants include Wilson's and Yellow Warblers and Western Tanagers.
Today, Sept 1 is the actual reason I wanted to write - we had our FIRST-Of-SEASON, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW show up!! Looked back in the records I have handy, and the earliest date of them arriving is Sept. 11. What a surprise! It stayed around all morning, so will be interested to see if it will be here again tomorrow. Also today, numerous Warbling Vireos & 1 Willow Flycatcher, among the usual neighborhood birds. If you'd like to see pics of the sparrow: eBird Checklist - 1 Sep 2026 - Backyard in Browns Valley, Napa - 23 species <https://ebird.org/checklist/S388982733>
I'm truly amazed at what we get in our tiny backyard sometimes! My ongoing advice to attract birds in your yard - have water features. Especially this time of the year when it is so dry.
Happy migrant chasing to you all! Denise Hamilton Napa
