The smallest bird in NJ outside of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a joy to watch. Loaded with energy and efficiency they hop quickly through the bushes usually without even noticing they are being watched. This one may have as he flashed his “Ruby crown” which most often isn’t seen. They “display” when excited as I understand it. This morning closed the trip in style landing us all three of our target birds within a two hour period. Three Rusty Blackbirds, five Pine Siskins and calling American Pipits ended the weekend on a high. The Cape May Fall Festival was a great time even with the inclement weather. We totaled 13 new Life Birds with the highlight being the Red Crossbill.
The most plentiful bird of the weekend we saw hundreds of these guys. The chip call becomes old hat and you become accustomed to seeing them at every birding location. Pete Dunne said on our birding walk with him at the Meadows, “Everyone gets to be an expert today…Look up call Yellow-rumped Warbler and 98% of the time you will be right…” We really liked this little guy who stood and looked at Jeanette as curiously as we at him.