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All: It looked as though there might be a fallout this morning, so I went to Hartlen Pt. Back Cove, where I met Mike King, was almost devoid of birds. A single Yellow-billed Cuckoo and two Ipswich Sparrows near the seaward cliff edge, were the only bird of interest. Inspired by Hans Toom's findings yesterday, and mailings anout "pale" Savannahs, I checked the harbourside beach. There I was astonished to see some 15-20 Ipswich Sparrows - more than I've ever seen there, I think - along with a handful each of Savannahs, Songs, young White-crowneds, and a Bobolink, and a few sparrows that "got away." Clearly there has been a big arrival of Ipswich Sparrows along the coast, somewhat later than during their usual mid-October peak on the Eastern Shore. The breeding population in recent years is about twice as large as it was - for whatever reasons - in the 1970s, but the event may have more to do with a with departure of pent-up birds with the sudden advent of relatively fine weather. Those who are uncertain about pale Savannahs vs dark Ipswiches should note that Ipswiches in fresh plumage, especially Basic I, are somewhat browner and darker than worn birds in spring. Cheerss, Ian McLaren
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