Monday, August 20, 2007

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

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