The fall and winter are eagerly anticipated for the vagrants they often bring. Adding the identification challenge of many basic-plumaged and molting adults, and the young-of-the-year, yields a formula for excitement. This autumn we had a good migration of passerines, with many lingering birds. Normal numbers of waterfowl and raptors were noted. Shorebirding was a little dull in most areas; unfortunately, Blakely Island in Mobile County was still poor. Rarities were most prominent among the gulls this winter, though several other groups presented interesting strays.