Time to say goodbye: This is a Cerulean paradise flycatcher, one of the rarest birds in the world. For more than a century it was believed to be extinct—known only from a single specimen collected in 1873—until one was found in the last fragments of its ruined forest in the 1990s. The few found since live only on the island of Sangihe, Indonesia, where the Baru Gold Corp has finally obtained permission to mine the island. On September 8, 2026, the CEO, Terry Filbert, issued this statement: "Baru’s team of mining and finance professionals boasts extensive experience in starting and operating gold and coal assets. Baru is positioned to become Indonesia’s next gold producer." The locals have fought this for years, fearing for their settlements and water supplies, but they and this beautiful and unique little bird don't matter to the Indonesian government as it continues its large-scale environmental destruction.

Armando is back at his usual bench in the Ramble (adjacent to Oven in Ramble). He looks scruffy and tired - maybe he was in the hospital (but I didn’t ask). He had been missing for three weeks or a bit more. He has been at the bench since about 2016. #birdcp#

Seems like a very good morning in the Ramble this Monday, Labor Day! Many Swainson’s Thrushes again; a very few Veerys; and Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird and Common Yellowthroat on paved paths. Overnight winds from the northwest really help us here in NYC #birdcp#

Keeping our fingers crossed that Sykes’s Nightjar returns to winter at one of the desert oases this year. It’s a mega rare bird with just a few records from the past 3 years. Bring it on! #oman# #omanbirding# #birding# #nikon# #birds#