Julian Hough and I birded Hammonasset this morning, spending most of our time in the under-birded west end of the park. It was quantity over quality today, but there were still some nice birds to be found. Sunny skies and calm winds were very welcome, making the cool temps rather comfortable. Regarding the bright Nelson's Sparrow described below, Julian and I will likely post our photos and thoughts to our respective blogs in the near future. Below is a list of highlights: Hammonasset Beach SP, New Haven, US-CT Oct 31, 2011 Comments: most of time with Julian Hough 67 species (+2 other taxa) Surf Scoter 2 Common Goldeneye 1 FOS; a hen on Swan Pond Northern Gannet 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 singing Hermit Thrush 1 Brown Thrasher 1 American Pipit 40 Snow Bunting 7 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 130 American Tree Sparrow 1 FOS Field Sparrow 2 Vesper Sparrow 1 campground Nelson's Sparrow 2 West end. One of the two seen well and photographed. A rather bright individual with bright orange, high-contrast face; apparently clean orangey supercilium; bold flank streaking on bright background; white back streaking. Further analysis by photos. Certainly NOT classic subvirgatus. ?likely alterus? Can nelsoni be ruled out? White-crowned Sparrow 1 imm Eastern Meadowlark 1 flying west around 0830 Nick Bonomo Orange, CT www.shorebirder.com