Late Summer Birding

Week of September 13, 2026 – September 19, 2026

by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator

Summer is almost over, and there is a certain magic to this change in atmosphere. Around when August hits, it seems like many birds sense that fall is coming before we humans do. Shorebirds gather, wheeling around in large synchronized flocks over mudflats. High overhead in the cool morning air, I begin to hear the distinctive chirp calls of Bobolinks migrating over the camp tents. At the same time, there are still some young birds around as babies fledge from broods later in the year. In particular, goldfinches are late nesters and are very active in late summer and early fall. As Whitney mentioned a couple weeks ago in the Woods Weekly e-newsletter, they have been busily gathering to bathe in puddles in our parking lot. 

I always enjoy visiting Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge during this time. The overlap in migration and baby birds fledging makes for an interesting setting full of life and changes. One of my favorite spectacles here happens when swallows gather, sometimes packing closely together on wires near Knox Marsellus Marsh. They wait for passing insects, then zoom forward over nearby farm fields and the huge expanse of marsh. 

As August turned to September, migration amped up further, although it happens a bit more quietly than in spring. Warblers pass through in more subdued attire, chirping quietly in the undergrowth rather than singing. If you like a challenge, identifying fall warblers can be fun! Here at Baltimore Woods, the Griffith’s Trail and Phillip’s Pond are prime areas for finding warblers at this time of year. The Meadow and Bluebird Trails are also great for finding sparrows, especially as the season continues.

Many of these birds travel under cover of darkness in order to avoid predators like hawks and falcons. If you step outside on a calm autumn night, you might even hear them chirping overhead. You can help these tiny travelers by turning off unnecessary lights at night so they don’t become disoriented. To learn more about this, check out the Lights Out CNY website: https://onondagaaudubon.com/lights-out-cny/   

See what changes you notice in the birds around you as fall goes along. As changes happen in our own lives, the rhythm of the seasons and migration patterns can be a reassuring chance to connect with nature. As long as the Earth stays healthy enough for them, the birds will always be here. 

We invite our members to enjoy a weekly blog written by our naturalists. Every blog will be uniquely different but always inspired by nature. We may share a memory from a recent hike at The Woods or teach you about an animal or plant that lives on the preserve. No matter the topic, we will be sharing with you our passion for nature and celebrating the connections we all have to the natural world. Each blog will be connected to a weekly set of activities and ideas to help you put nature in your hands, even if you’re at home!