And the RCKI* (pronounced, rick´e) goes to…Nathan Swick for spotting the first Ruby-crowned Kinglet of the season on 21 September, a day before the first official day of fall. The kinglet was seen by Nathan while he was birding out on the Explore the Wild/Catch the Wind Trail during Senior Day here at the Museum.

Congratulations Nathan!

Who will receive the much coveted “Sapsucker” this year? Not to diminish Nathan’s accomplishment, but the Sapsucker’s arrival is the one that catches me by surprise each year. One day you’re out walking about on your favorite trail, or you look out your back window, and there’s a sapsucker sliding up and down and around on a tree trunk. They usually arrive in early October. Keep you eyes, and ears, open!!

• The RCKI Award is given to the person who sees the first Ruby-crowned Kinglet of the season. The official abbreviation, or four letter alpha code, used by the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory for the bird having the common name of Ruby-crowned Kinglet is RCKI, hence the name RCKI Award.