I am convinced that being a Rutgers football fan takes a significant amount of time of the end of ones’ life. Yup, another 2 days lost to this game! But, they came away with a “W” against the #2-ranked team in the country, beating the Bulls of South Florida 30-27 late Thursday night. Heisman Trophy Candidate Ray Rice once again led the way, but some trickeration (something Coach Schiano is not known for) – a first down throw by kicker Jeremy Ito on a fake punt in the first quarter and a touchdown throw by the 3rd-string quarterback on a fake field goal in the 3rd quarter – were critical. Meanwhile, half-time adjustment on the RU “D” really clamped down on a very good Bulls offense. But, I think it was the Rutgers Offensive Line that really won the game – paving the way for Rice and neutralizing the excellent George Selvie, who came into the game leading the nation in sacks. Meanwhile, the 7 sacks by the defense held talented Matt Grothe in check. Hmm, all of the sudden dreams of a BCS Bowl are once again fluttering through our minds! (Do I smell oranges?)

OK, back to the birds. Little if anything moved on Thursday night – except for Rutgers fans flooding the field in Piscataway - with an east-northeast breeze, mist, and fog. But, I was out and about anyway on Friday morning (a bit tired, but still pumped up from the game) scouting for my Merrymeeting Audubon Sparrow Big Day Field Trip that I am leading on Sunday. Handfuls of sparrows were at Old Town House Park (but no new additions to the potential patch list) and 2 American Pipits were in the soccer field. Although not as amazing as the volume of White-crowned Sparrows that have been around, American Pipits have also been much more common this fall than is normal.

Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland produced more of the same, but some Chipping Sparrows were still there, which may come in handy on Sunday. I won’t need to stop at Fels-Groves Farm Preserve, however, as the field has now been entirely mowed. My final stop of the morning was not for sparrow, but simply to check in on the Thornhurst Farm Cackling Geese. All three were present and accounted for - among the flock of over 1000 Canadas - along with 11 Snow Geese (5 adults and 6 immatures) that arrived there earlier this week.

Light rain developed by Friday afternoon, with heavier rain overnight. Combined with an onshore wind, migrants were once again on hold. A cold front pushed through Saturday morning, clearing things out. However, a gusty southwesterly wind produced downright balmy temperatures, with the high in Portland predicted to reach the low 70’s. Clear and calm conditions tonight – following two days of little to no migration – will produce a big flight tonight and potentially excellent birding for tomorrow. It may just be a perfect day for my Merrymeeting Audubon Sparrow Big Day!