The gusty cold winds of late October always bring a few late species to Big Bald Banding Station.  Hermit Thrush and Brown Creeper both arrived this past week blending their rusty hues with the blowing brown and gold leaves of autumn on the mountain.  The cold north winds also provide a surprise or two each year, and yesterday we enjoyed banding our first ever Fox Sparrow!  This handsome sparrow breeds in northern forests then migrates to the southern states for the winter months.  We are fortunate to have been able to see one up close.  We look forward to other surprise species that may arrive during this final week of BBBS operation.