31 August 2007

Highlights: Marbled Godwit (1), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (9)

WEATHER: Winds were light out of the southwest, skies were cloudy, and temperatures ranged from 17-23 Celsius. It rained briefly during the early morning.

WATERFOWL: There was decent diversity today including a mix of Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (100+), Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Common Loon, Common Merganser, and White-winged Scoter (15+). A couple Horned Grebes passed by in addition to 230+ Red-necked Grebes.

SHOREBIRDS: Our highlight today was a Marbled Godwit that came and circled over the point during the 6th hour of the count. Nine other species were tallied today including Black-bellied Plover (photo of juvenile below), Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, and a flock of 8 Buff-breasted Sandpipers.

Some of the other birds seen/heard from the waterbird shack included Osprey, Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak, and Pine Siskin.

More tomrorow!

Cory Gregory

arcticory@gmail.com

Waterbird Counter

30 August 2007

Highlights: Jaeger (1)

WEATHER: Clear skies, very light winds out of the NW, and warm temperatures made for a slow day at Whitefish Point. Temperatures ranged from 16-20 Celsius.

WATERFOWL: Low numbers of Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (70+), Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, Horned Grebe, and Common Loon were seen at the point today. About 320 Red-necked Grebes passed by as well.

SHOREBIRDS: Three species were seen in low numbers: Sanderling, Least Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper.

JAEGERS: The highlight today came in the 2nd hour of the count when I spotted a jaeger to the NW. Instead of zipping by or harassing gulls, it hung out near shore and landed on the water several times. It eventually passed the point leisurely heading southeast.

Some other birds seen from the waterbird shack today included Osprey, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Magnolia Warbler, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, and American Robin.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

29 August 2007

Highlights: Jaeger Sp. (3), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (7), Red-necked Grebe (3300+)

WEATHER: Light to moderate winds were out of the NW all day. Fog present during the first couple hours limited visibility but it burned off later in the day. Temperatures were between 18-20 Celsius.

WATERFOWL: Once again, the first recent day with NW winds proved to have good diversity and good numbers of migrants. Over 3,300 Red-necked Grebes were tallied today including two different hours with 1,000 plus. About 20 Horned Grebes passed by as well. We had numbers of Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (100), Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, and Surf Scoter were all seen as well. In addition, both Red-throated and Common Loons (60+) were seen today.

SHOREBIRDS: Nine species of shorebirds were tallied today including Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper (10+), and some yellowlegs. A highlight was a total of 7 Buff-breasted Sandpipers seen today, 6 of which were seen at one time.

JAEGERS: The NW winds brought multiple jaegers by the point. They came in the 4th, 5th, and 7th hours. For the most part, they followed the same line of travel, coming in over the lake from the north or northwest and disappearing to the east or southeast. All three were different in degree of darkness, the first being a very dark individual, the last being a rather lighter shade. Only one jaeger was seen in hot pursuit of a gull but the chase was rather prolonged and quite aerobatic.

Several flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls, tern species, and even our first goose flock of the fall also came by.

Thanks to all of those who were out at the point today helping point out birds.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

28 August 2007

Highlights: Buff-breasted Sandpiper (2)

WEATHER: The day started out with a bang... literally. Some very active lightning storms kept me off the point for the first 40 minutes of the count this morning. Once I was out there though, the skies remained cloudy and the very strong winds out of the south kept the temperatures warm.

WATERFOWL: It was a very slow day for duck migration. I had a handful of Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Common Mergansers, Common Loons, and only 5 Red-necked Grebes. Late in the day, 3 female Common Goldeneyes buzzed the point.

SHOREBIRDS: Eight species were tallied today including Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone (3), Sanderling (35), Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper. The highlight today was a pair of Buff-breasted Sandpipers that came in with a mixed flock and left shortly after.

GULLS: A flock of 30+ Bonaparte's Gulls flew by the point in the last hour of the count.


More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

27 August 2007

Highlights: Whimbrel

WEATHER: The moderate to strong winds out of the south really slowed things down today. The skies were mostly clear and the temperature got up to a very warm 26 Celsius.

WATERFOWL: Numbers were down today overall but I did have a couple small flock of dabblers. Gadwall was the most numerous of the day followed by Blue-winged Teal and Mallard. I saw my first Northern Pintail of the season as well. Also, I had over 50 Red-necked Grebes.

SHOREBIRDS: Six species of shorebirds were seen today including 40 Sanderlings and a smattering of Killdeer, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper. A lone Whimbrel came in and landed briefly at the point during the 3rd hour of the count.

RAPTORS: It was a decent day for diversity. I had Merlin, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and a couple of young Bald Eagles that landed on the ground back near the Jack Pines.

Other random birds seen from the Waterbird Shack included Pileated Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm Warbler, etc.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

26 August 2007

Highlights: Jaeger Sp.



WEATHER: Clear skies, light winds out of the S, and very warm temperatures made for a slow day on the lake.

WATERFOWL: It was overall a very slow day with waterbirds. I did see a couple American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, and Green-winged Teal. I also tallied 10+ Common Loons and 100+ Red-necked Grebes.

SHOREBIRDS: Seven species of shorebirds were seen today although overall numbers were down. They included Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper.

RAPTORS: Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Broad-winged Hawk were all seen.

For the third day in a row, one of the highlights was a very dark fly-by jaeger. It actually came from the south, flew over the point, and kept going straight north until it was out of sight. Although it was probably a Parasitic, I didn't get the look I would have liked.

Other random birds seen today from the waterbird shack included White-winged Crossbill, Savannah Sparrow, Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm Warbler, and Nashville Warbler.

Pictured below was the sunrise this morning.





More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

25 August 2007

Highlights: Jaeger Sp., Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Whimbrel

WEATHER: Winds were light out of the west and temperatures varied between 16-21 Celsius. Skies were cloudy.

WATERFOWL: Although not in fabulous numbers, a decent variety of ducks were tallied today. Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and White-winged Scoter were counted in addition to Horned and Red-necked Grebe. No Red-throated Loons were seen today.

SHOREBIRDS: It was a good day for shorebird diversity with 11 species. Highlights included a Whimbrel the 1st hour and then a pair of Buff-breasted Sandpipers (first of the season) seen in the 5th hour. Interestingly, a single Whimbrel came and landed back within the Jack Pines just a couple minutes after the count. Other shorebird species seen today include Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper.

Another highlight of today was a distant jaeger in the 3rd hour. Like yesterday, this was a dark bird that just passed by without chasing much. It did stoop a couple times, dropping to the level of the water and rocketing forward.

Lastly, the Magnolia Warbler pictured below is lucky to be alive. It was being chased by the local Merlin for several minutes before, finally, the warbler collapsed to the ground mere feet from where I was standing. The Merlin wouldn't come any closer. After a breather, the warbler got up and flew safely to the Jack Pines.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

24 August 2007

Highlights: Jaeger sp., Red Knot, Black Tern

WEATHER: For the first time in several days, the winds were out of the northwest! Visibility was nonexistent for the first hour but it slowly cleared. Temperatures were comfortable at around 20 Celsius.

WATERBIRDS: The winds out of the northwest really uncorked the Red-necked Grebes today. The 8 hour total was over 1500 birds! The last hour of the count alone had over 400. Other waterbird species seen included: American Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoter (first of the season), White-winged Scoter, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon (5), Common Loon (38), and Horned Grebe.

SHOREBIRDS: It was another decent day for shorebirds with 9 species seen. A flock of 7+ Black-bellied Plovers zipped overhead as did a flock of nearly 10 Semipalmated Plovers. Then a flock of "peeps" landed with a gargantuan Red Knot amongst them. The knot was seen a couple times throughout the day but I don't believe it was present at the end of the count. Other shorebirds today included a Ruddy Turnstone, several Sanderlings, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper (10).

GULLS/TERNS/JAEGERS: The first Jaeger of the fall was seen during the third hour of the count. It was a high-flying, distant bird that seemed more interested in migrating than chasing other birds. Due to the distance, this bird will be left as a "Jaeger species". Another highlight was a group of 5 Black Terns that came by amidst nearly 100 Common Terns. Several small flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls were also present today.

Overall, it was a great day for birding here. Although I was unable to bird back in the pines, it sounds like the warbler activity was decent. I did hear a Mourning Warbler on my way out to the waterbird shack this morning though. Always a treat here.

Good Birding!
More tomorrow,

Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

23 August 2007

WEATHER: The Dense Fog Warning this morning wasn't lying, the fog was pervasive and it severely limited visibility most of the day. Winds were light-moderate out of the southeast. Temperatures were very warm with a range of 20-25 Celsius.

WATERBIRDS: Today was an ok day for dabblers though with American Wigeon (30+), Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (220+), Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler being seen. Red-throated Loons have startled to trickle in as well, I had 3 today.

SHOREBIRDS: The numbers were down from yesterday but I still managed to stir up a couple Semipalmated Plovers, Lesser Yellowlegs, several Solitary Sandpipers, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and a Least Sandpiper.

RAPTORS: The usual were seen: American Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Bald Eagle. This adult eagle has been putting on a show nearly every day, swooping down and snatching fish from the lake in front of me.

More tomorrow,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

22 August 2007

Highlights: Hudsonian Godwit, Red Knot, Black Tern

WEATHER: Today was dominated by rain, drizzle, and more rain. The visibility suffered due to the frequent downpours but temperatures were warm throughout. The winds were moderate out of the SE all day.

WATERBIRDS: Compared to yesterday, we had a lot of diversity this morning. Gadwall, American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, and Green-winged Teal were all seen. The usual Common Loons, Common Mergansers along with a couple Red-breasted Mergansers were also present. I saw no Red-necked or Horned Grebes.

SHOREBIRDS: The shorebirds were simply exciting today! I first found a flock of 4 Red Knots along with a Black-bellied Plover during the second hour of the count. (As it turns out, the knots & plover stayed in the vicinity all day). Then in the 5th hour of the count between showers (around 11 am), I was shocked to have a flock of 27 Hudsonian Godwits zipping past the point. Without hesitation, they continued their flight into the wind over the bay. Not more than 10 minutes later a second flock of Hudsonian Godwits came zipping by, this flock double the size of the first; 52 birds. A total of 79 (!) Hudsonian Godwits. I don't have the materials with me, but could this be a Michigan high count?

Other shorebirds seen today included Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper.

Today was also a good day for Terns. Over a hundred Common Terns spent much of the day meandering around the point, the bay, and the lake. Mixed in were at least two Black Terns, one of them a juvenile.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

21 August 2007

WEATHER: The gusty SE winds were back today along with mostly clear skies and warm temperatures.

WATERFOWL: The only migrants seen today were 2 White-winged Scoters. No Red-necked Grebes were seen but the local Common Loon and Common Mergansers were around as usual.

SHOREBIRDS: A mixed flock of Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Baird's Sandpipers flew in early in the day but departed not too long after. It was a rather quiet day for shorebirds.

RAPTORS: A quiet day in this area as well. Merlin, American Kestrel, and Sharp-shinned Hawk were the only birds seen.

Overall, it was a slow day for migration due to the winds with the easterly and southerly components. Some other birds seen today included: Chimney Swifts, Palm Warbler, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and an Eastern Kingbird.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

20 August 2007

WEATHER: Gusty winds out of the east all day made for another slow day of waterfowl. The skies ranged from mostly cloudy to clear and the temperatures were warm (17-23 Celsius).

WATERFOWL: Besides the local Common Loons and Common Mergansers, the only migrating ducks today were two Green-winged Teal!

SHOREBIRDS: A definite highlight of my morning was a pair of Whimbrel that flew overhead during the first hour of the count. They were last seen heading SE into the wind over the bay. Other shorebirds seen today included several Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and nearly 10 Baird's Sandpipers.

RAPTORS: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Bald Eagle all passed within view. Also, it was interesting watching a Merlin chasing an American Kestrel around.

Other random birds seen from the waterbird shack included: Belted Kingfisher, Chimney Swift, Barn and Cliff Swallows, American Goldfinches, Common Ravens and American Crows.

More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

19 August 2007

WEATHER: Most people would have loved the weather today; blue skies, very light winds out of the SE, and of course, warm temperatures. As you can see below though, the weather wasn't conducive to much migration.

WATERBIRDS: Today managed to even be slower than yesterday! -groan- I had under 20 Red-necked Grebes, an American Wigeon, a couple Red-breasted Mergansers, a Greater Scaup, and a White-winged Scoter. All but 2 of those birds were seen in the first 2 hours of the count.

SHOREBIRDS: It was a decent day for Baird's Sandpipers again, I had at least 10 at the point most of the day. Other various shorebirds seen included a Semipalmated Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, several Sanderling, several Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Least Sandpiper.

Other various birds I had at the Waterbird Shack included a couple Northern Harriers, Evening Grosbeaks, Cedar Waxwings, Crossbills (prob. Red), and a Bald Eagle.

More tomorrow,

Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

18 August 2007

WEATHER: Light winds were variable out of the south. Temperature ranged from 13 to 20 Celsius. Overall, very warm and calm! The heat made visibility tough in the late morning and early afternoon.

WATERBIRDS: Things were very slow today! The Red-necked Grebe numbers didn't even make it to 30. Besides the resident Common Loons and Common Mergansers, the only other waterfowl I saw moving was a Horned Grebe and White-winged Scoter.

SHOREBIRDS: The bay side of the point was active throughout the day with a variety of shorebirds. Most numerous were Semipalmated Sandpipers but Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, Sanderlings, and Baird's Sandpipers (see photo) were all seen. Also, the first Ruddy Turnstone of the season spent an hour or two in the area.

Some other birds that made appearances today included Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Bonaparte's Gull, and Great Blue Heron.

The Gift Shop feeders had a single Mourning Dove, a brood of young White-throated Sparrows, and a couple White-crowned Sparrows.

More tomorrow,

Cory Gregory
(arcticory@gmail.com)
Waterbird Counter

17 August 2007

WEATHER: The gusty NW winds from yesterday continued today. It was cooler today but by no means "cold". It sprinkled for less than a minute at one point but the dark clouds filtered the sun and the light during the morning was fantastic for lake-watching.

BIRDS: Red-necked Grebes were again the most numerous bird present with over 500 seen. Some of both B-W and G-W Teal were seen along with White-winged Scoters, Common Loons, Red-breasted and Common Mergansers. In fact, a family of very young Common Mergansers are seen daily braving the rough surf near shore.

Shorebirds tallied today included Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Sanderling (there were 4 SAND last evening at the point).

A somewhat odd sight was a Common Nighthawk that came in off the bay mid-day, obviously fighting the WNW winds. Other birds seen included Common Tern, Bonaparte's Gull, American Pipit, Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Merlin. I did not note any warblers from the waterbird shack.

More tomorrow,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter

16 August 2007

WEATHER: Windy! Winds were very strong from the NW most of today resulting in clouds of blowing sand at the point but they slowly subsided to just "strong" as the day went on. Temperatures ranged from 16-22* Celsius and were comfortable the whole day.

BIRDS: Overall, the high winds along with the mostly distant birds made identification challenging. Red-necked Grebes continued to pass by the point in numbers today, reaching 450+. The first Red-throated Loon of the season also was seen which is on the early side. (Turns out, the White-winged Scoters from yesterday are right on schedule. I saw another one today). Other various birds included Common Loon, Common Tern, Bonaparte's Gull, both teal species, and many Common Mergansers.

Shorebirds seen today included: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, and a Sanderling in transitional plumage.

Most other activity was rather hampered due to the strong winds. I'm thankful for the metal guy-lines keeping my shack in place! Otherwise, who knows where it would be by now!

More tomorrow,

Cory Gregory
(arcticory@gmail.com)

15 August 2007

---Today was the start of the Fall Waterbird Count here at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory---

WEATHER:
Today was rather comfortable with temperatures between 17-22 celsius, clear skies, and light-moderate winds out of the NNW.

BIRDS: I was fairly surprised to find hundreds of ducks/grebes on the move already! Nearly 400 Red-necked Grebes were tallied as well as over 100 Common/Red-breasted Mergansers. Some other various waterfowl included Blue-winged Teal, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye. I also noted 2 White-winged Scoters which seemed early to me for some reason. It's only mid-August! :-)

Shorebirds were also on the move though not in huge numbers. Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, and Least Sandpiper were all noted.

Raptors were present as well with Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, and Merlin all making appearences.

Some other various birds were also seen: Great Blue Heron, Bonaparte's Gulls, Common Terns, American Pipits, Pine Siskins, Red Crossbills, etc

More tomorrow,

Cory Gregory
Waterbird Counter

P.S. I hope to update this blog daily with highlights to assist those of you who wish to visit Whitefish Point this fall! If any of you have suggestions, I would love to hear them. Thanks!