Peak rarity season is upon us

My research indicates that the Sept 23-25 period is the beginning of peak fall rarity season for fall birders. It tends to go until (roughly) Nov 7-10... Obviously the whole fall can turn up spectacular birds, but this is really the period when numerous rarities are found..

I actually noticed it was happening recently when surfing for rarity photos from nearby states/provinces:


Purple Gallinule in Quebec:

http://www.quebecoiseaux.org/components/com_oiseauxrares/images/or_pictures/1316570550.jpg

Says' Phoebe in Quebec (#1 of three I think!? If only I paid attention in french class!)

http://www.quebecoiseaux.org/components/com_oiseauxrares/images/or_pictures/1315788821.jpg


Quebec Says (2 of 3?)

http://www.quebecoiseaux.org/components/com_oiseauxrares/images/or_pictures/1315695999.jpg

(also a Say's Phoebe in NJ)

Smith's Longspur on Lake MI (IL)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/86416619@N00/6169739822/in/pool-ebird

Another Smith's Longspur at Whitefish Point, MI

http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20110909094810.jpg


Black-headed Gull in Ohio (Lake Erie) - Laughing gull seen the same time/spot

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11806338@N03/6164509933/in/pool-437129@N20/


Franklin's Gull on Lake Superior

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cochon/6164507093/in/pool-437129@N20/



A little out of range, but very exciting: Violet Green Swallow in NJ

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonxie88/6163903923/in/pool-437129@N20/




Oh and quebec has now had breeding Eurasian Collared Doves before us!:

http://www.quebecoiseaux.org/components/com_oiseauxrares/images/or_pictures/1316311419.jpg




--- And these are just the photos! Lots of other good birds are showing up (including Ontario - Presqu'ile has been on fire!)

With each violent weather system that passes, more rarities will show up! Keep on lookin!