Ruby-crowned Kinglets are such wonderful little creatures, hover-gleaning under leaves or foraging on plants
AT CAPE MAY'S MORNING FLIGHT, A BIG PUSH OF RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS joined the Sharpies and Yellow-rumpeds . Although both of the latter were still on the move there was a noticeable spike in kinglet numbers today, of both species but particularly Ruby-crowned. They even flew between the birders gathered on Higbee Dyke, landing everywhere. ‘Counter’ Sam has even had them land on him previously here. Brown Creepers were also more in evidence today, although flicker numbers were markedly down on a couple of days before. Cape May resident Glen Davis commented that he had never seen so many kinglets migrating as this autumn…so it is little wonder that kinglets made it to the Azores and Ireland this autumn. This is a totally incredible phenomenon but we tend to forget that even smaller creatures complete this journey routinely – Monarch butterflies for instance. I have often wondered why both continents only have two kinglet species each (there are two island species as well – Flamecrest in Taiwan and Madeira Firecrest). So when 26 forms make up the Goldcrest/Kinglet family there must surely be some future splits on the cards?