Here is an update from the NYS list on some irruptive species that are
making news.
 
Al Merritt
W. Brattleboro, VT
 

Hello all,

As many already know PINE SISKINS are waging a very large irruption from
Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Ontario, and from Maine south to Georgia already.
Certainly an invasion of this size has not been seen in many years. An
impressive and widespread WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL invasion has also
materialized with modest numbers reported at many of the same NE areas as
the siskins with a few RED CROSSBILLS mixed in here and there as well.
PURPLE FINCHES and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES are also moving in these same areas
in good numbers. 
 
COMMON REDPOLLS also appear to be starting to move in large numbers as
reported from Quebec and in lesser numbers at Whitefish Pt. in Michigan.
PINE GROSBEAKS and EVENING GROSBEAKS are showing signs of making at least a
small push too. Redpolls, E. Grosbeaks and Pine Grosbeaks are moving just a
year after they invaded south thus giving credence to my "echo" flight
concept put forth weeks ago --lets hope it continues to materialize.
 
Additionally, a BOREAL CHICKADEE was seen in S. New Hampshire well away from
nesting areas (remember Ron Pittaway's email 2 weeks ago about large numbers
of Boreal Chickadees moving in Quebec). BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES numbers have
been noted moving along various lakeshores in the last week or so. BLUE JAYS
certainly moved in larger numbers than expected as well and modest numbers
of RB NUTHATCHES have been noted region wide. Couple all of this with the
fact that several early SNOWY OWLS are showing up across much of the NE,
BOREAL OWLS are moving too, early ROUGH-LEGS, SHRIKES and ICELAND GULLS
reported already as well, and this is looking more and more like it's going
to be a very interesting winter for IRRUPTIVES across much of the east!!
Bohemian Waxwing is the only species not really noted yet, but that could
still happen too since it's still only Oct 25th!

cheers,
Matt Young