October Nature Happenings - Great Lakes Area

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have mostly left the area. You may still see an occasional straggler.

  • Migration numbers swell for Yellow-rumped Warblers, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens and Kinglets.

  • Migrating Hermit, Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes can be seen feeding on wild grapes, crab apples, and other fall fruits.

  • Pine Siskins return early this month (and in late-September).

  • First migrating owls, including the Saw-whet and Short-eared Owls, appear.

  • Juncos and White-throated Sparrows become common at feeders.

  • Chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and jays are caching seeds and nuts for the winter.

  • This is the month to install and repair nest boxes for use next year.

  • Most Wood Ducks migrate south this month. A few stay over winter.

  • Raptor migration peaks.

  • Orionids meteor shower is late-October.