Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1), JAEGER SP. (1)
WEATHER: Skies were cloudy throughout the count and the moderate winds out of the south kept temperatures somewhat cooler (11-16 Celsius). Visibility wasn't great but it could have been much worse.
DUCKS & GEESE: The count started very slowly today but the numbers eventually picked up throughout the day. Over 70 CANADA GEESE came by in three flocks while decent numbers of other ducks included GADWALL (20+), AMERICAN WIGEON (100+), MALLARD (65+), NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Large flocks of aythya species passed by in numbers (700+). Breaking them down into species, decent numbers of REDHEAD (40) along with the two SCAUP species were tallied. Close to 100 SURF SCOTERS passed the point while over 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and even a couple COMMON GOLDENEYE were also seen. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER numbers have been slowly rising and today about 30 were seen.
LOONS & GREBES: It was very slow today for both loons and grebes. Less than 30 COMMON LOONS and only 1 RED-THROATED LOON came by while less than 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were tallied.
SHOREBIRDS: A lone AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was heard today. The only other shorebirds seen was a flock of 9 SANDERLINGS.
JAEGERS: Just 10 minutes after dawn, a single JAEGER came ripping into the point to harass a gull. The count went without any sighting until the 7th hour when a different bird, a light-morph juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER, spent several minutes working the gulls at the tip and at the harbor.
RAPTORS: Both MERLIN and PEREGRINE FALCON were seen in addition to BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.
Some of the other birds seen from the waterbird shack included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, HORNED LARK, SAVANNAH SPARROW, and an odd COMMON RAVEN with striking white bases of the primaries.
There are now 2 HARRIS'S SPARROWS visiting the feeders behind the gift shop.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for moderate winds out of the west and a chance of drizzle.
I will not be conducting the waterbird count for the next 4 days as I will be out of town. However, updates on the waterbird count will still be posted here.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
26 September 2007
Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1+), SURF SCOTER (360+), BARRED OWL (inland)
WEATHER: Moderate winds were out of the northwest which kept the temperatures somewhat cooler (11-13 Celsius). Skies were cloudy all day and visibility remained decent.
DUCKS & GEESE: Flocks of CANADA GEESE were steady through most hours totaling 560+. Flying with them were at least a couple CACKLING GEESE. Several flocks of AMERICAN WIGEON (70+) along with NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a WOOD DUCK were also seen. Both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP were recorded today although not in high numbers. The biggest push of the day came from scoters; over 360 SURF SCOTERS were tallied! Near 60 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS also passed by.
LOONS & GREBES: It wasn't a great day for either loons or grebes, around 10 COMMON LOONS were seen and less than 80 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted. RED-THROATED LOON and HORNED GREBE were also tallied, just not in any substantial numbers.
SHOREBIRDS: An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER stopped by the point today. Also seen was a flock of about 20 SANDERLINGS with a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.
JAEGERS: At least 1 juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER (see photo below) made several passes by the point today. At times, the bird nearly came over head; great looks were had by all!
A HARRIS'S SPARROW was found foraging along where the treeline meets the beach. This is likely the same bird that was visiting the feeders yesterday.
A roosting BARRED OWL was found inland this morning.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for light south winds and a chance of rain in the afternoon.
Good Birding and thanks for checking in!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Moderate winds were out of the northwest which kept the temperatures somewhat cooler (11-13 Celsius). Skies were cloudy all day and visibility remained decent.
DUCKS & GEESE: Flocks of CANADA GEESE were steady through most hours totaling 560+. Flying with them were at least a couple CACKLING GEESE. Several flocks of AMERICAN WIGEON (70+) along with NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a WOOD DUCK were also seen. Both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP were recorded today although not in high numbers. The biggest push of the day came from scoters; over 360 SURF SCOTERS were tallied! Near 60 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS also passed by.
LOONS & GREBES: It wasn't a great day for either loons or grebes, around 10 COMMON LOONS were seen and less than 80 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted. RED-THROATED LOON and HORNED GREBE were also tallied, just not in any substantial numbers.
SHOREBIRDS: An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER stopped by the point today. Also seen was a flock of about 20 SANDERLINGS with a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.
JAEGERS: At least 1 juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER (see photo below) made several passes by the point today. At times, the bird nearly came over head; great looks were had by all!
A HARRIS'S SPARROW was found foraging along where the treeline meets the beach. This is likely the same bird that was visiting the feeders yesterday.
A roosting BARRED OWL was found inland this morning.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for light south winds and a chance of rain in the afternoon.
Good Birding and thanks for checking in!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
25 September 2007
Highlights: PACIFIC LOON (1), YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (1), HARRIS'S SPARROW (1)
WEATHER: Skies were very cloudy, winds were light out of the W and NW, and although visibility wasn't great, the background of dark skies made lighting excellent. It did sprinkle early in the count but not for more than a couple minutes. It was warmest during the first hour of the count (21 Celsius) and it dropped to 18 Celsius by the end.
DUCKS & GEESE: Over 80 CANADA GEESE moved by the point along with 7 CACKLING GEESE mixed in. Duck diversity wasn't spectacular today but I still tallied GADWALL, MALLARD, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GREATER SCAUP, LESSER SCAUP, and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. It was a decent day for scoters again with over 30 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS seen along with 7 SURF SCOTERS.
LOONS & GREBES: A huge highlight for me this fall came in the second to last hour of the count today. It appeared to be a dismal day for loons and grebes, only 15 COMMON LOONS, a handful of RED-THROATED LOONS, and less than 15 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen. However, a striking breeding plumaged PACIFIC LOON passed the point near 2:30 pm. The bird was relatively close giving GREAT looks of the gray nape and all the other needed fieldmarks. The bird just kept moving though, it didn't stick around or stay in view for more than 30 seconds.
SHOREBIRDS: An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a couple SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, and near 20 SANDERLINGS were tallied at the point today.
RAPTORS: All three usual falcons were seen; PEREGRINE FALCON, MERLIN, and AMERICAN KESTREL. A couple BALD EAGLES, a NORTHERN HARRIER, and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were also seen.
This morning was a remarkable morning for songbirds out on the beach. The winds that had moved to west pushed a lot of songbirds out over the lake resulting in several hundred birds flying in off the lake during the morning. Although I couldn't catch up with many of them, a couple species landed on the shack or foraged around it. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS would enter my shack and perch on my chair while DARK-EYED JUNCOS would perch at my feet. Some of the other birds seen from the shack included LINCOLN'S SPARROW, BROWN CREEPER, SAVANNAH SPARROW, HERMIT THRUSH, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, along with the usual LAPLAND LONGSPURS, HORNED LARKS, and AMERICAN PIPITS.
A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (see photos below), an uncommon bird at the point, was in odd form today. It would fly out to the beach, perch on the sand, hop around for a minute or two, and then fly back to the trees. It repeated this trek many times throughout the day.
A HARRIS'S SPARROW (see photo below) was at the gift shop feeders today.
The Loggerhead Shrike was last seen around 11:30 am yesterday even after intensive searching.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for mostly sunny and light NW winds.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
Waterbird Counter
Monday, September 24, 2007
24 September 2007
Highlights: Loggerhead Shrike (see below)
WEATHER: Moderate south winds brought warm temperatures (16-22 Celsius). Visibility was decent for the first half of the day but a haze set in later in the count.
DUCKS & GEESE: The south winds slowed the birds to a degree, numbers were not very high. Over 140 CANADA GEESE were seen today in addition to just a few GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Some Aythya trickled through including LESSER SCAUP, GREATER SCAUP, and REDHEAD. It WAS a decent day for scoters; over 130 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by and a handful of SURF SCOTERS as well. Both COMMON GOLDENEYE and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen migrating by as well.
LOONS & GREBES: The south winds really held back the grebes, only 7 RED-NECKED GREBES were tallied. Over 40 COMMON LOONS and 5+ RED-THROATED LOONS passed by.
SHOREBIRDS: A couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to a handful of SANDERLINGS.
Some other birds seen from the waterbird shack included BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, and HAIRY WOODPECKER.
The buzz around the point today was Chris Neri's find, a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. For a photo of the bird, please visit http://wpbosightings.blogspot.com/
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for rain and light south winds becoming west. Who knows what that means in terms of birds!
Good Birding!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Moderate south winds brought warm temperatures (16-22 Celsius). Visibility was decent for the first half of the day but a haze set in later in the count.
DUCKS & GEESE: The south winds slowed the birds to a degree, numbers were not very high. Over 140 CANADA GEESE were seen today in addition to just a few GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Some Aythya trickled through including LESSER SCAUP, GREATER SCAUP, and REDHEAD. It WAS a decent day for scoters; over 130 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS passed by and a handful of SURF SCOTERS as well. Both COMMON GOLDENEYE and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen migrating by as well.
LOONS & GREBES: The south winds really held back the grebes, only 7 RED-NECKED GREBES were tallied. Over 40 COMMON LOONS and 5+ RED-THROATED LOONS passed by.
SHOREBIRDS: A couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to a handful of SANDERLINGS.
Some other birds seen from the waterbird shack included BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, and HAIRY WOODPECKER.
The buzz around the point today was Chris Neri's find, a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. For a photo of the bird, please visit http://wpbosightings.blogspot.com/
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for rain and light south winds becoming west. Who knows what that means in terms of birds!
Good Birding!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Sunday, September 23, 2007
23 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL (1+), JAEGER SP. (2)
WEATHER: Light to moderate winds were out of the south today which meant warm temperatures (15-22 Celsius) and a struggle with visibility due to shimmer. Skies were cloudless.
DUCKS & GEESE: Apparently the geese thought this morning would be a good day to move, over 500 were counted this morning. Included in the numerous flocks were 12 CACKLING GEESE. Other species tallied included AMERICAN WIGEON (25+), MALLARD (20+), NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Aythya species were also on the move with both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP seen in addition to 25+ REDHEAD. Nearly 30 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen as well as about 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.
LOONS & GREBES: Loon numbers were slightly below average; nearly 50 COMMON LOONS and a single RED-THROATED LOON were seen. Over 80 RED-NECKED GREBES were tallied as well as nearly 10 HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: Five AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen passing by today in addition to a lone SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a handful of SANDERLING.
GULLS/JAEGERS: At least one SABINE'S GULL was seen today a couple times. The first time was distant to the NE but a couple hours later a closer Sabine's was seen. Two different JAEGERS came by the point today. The first bird was a very dark juvenile that was distant off to the NE and the second bird, an intermediate type juvenile, came two hours later. Both were far enough offshore that I will leave them as "jaeger species".
Some of the other birds seen from the shack included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, HORNED LARK, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, EVENING GROSBEAK, SAVANNAH SPARROW, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
Two different BROWN CREEPERS came off the lake and decided that the waterbird shack was close enough to a tree to pay a visit. Both birds eventually found their way to a REAL tree though. Also, a BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE found the top of my head suitable as a perch for several seconds. This comes two days after a chickadee landed on my hand when I was scanning.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty south winds and warm temperatures.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Light to moderate winds were out of the south today which meant warm temperatures (15-22 Celsius) and a struggle with visibility due to shimmer. Skies were cloudless.
DUCKS & GEESE: Apparently the geese thought this morning would be a good day to move, over 500 were counted this morning. Included in the numerous flocks were 12 CACKLING GEESE. Other species tallied included AMERICAN WIGEON (25+), MALLARD (20+), NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Aythya species were also on the move with both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP seen in addition to 25+ REDHEAD. Nearly 30 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were seen as well as about 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.
LOONS & GREBES: Loon numbers were slightly below average; nearly 50 COMMON LOONS and a single RED-THROATED LOON were seen. Over 80 RED-NECKED GREBES were tallied as well as nearly 10 HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: Five AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen passing by today in addition to a lone SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a handful of SANDERLING.
GULLS/JAEGERS: At least one SABINE'S GULL was seen today a couple times. The first time was distant to the NE but a couple hours later a closer Sabine's was seen. Two different JAEGERS came by the point today. The first bird was a very dark juvenile that was distant off to the NE and the second bird, an intermediate type juvenile, came two hours later. Both were far enough offshore that I will leave them as "jaeger species".
Some of the other birds seen from the shack included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, HORNED LARK, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, EVENING GROSBEAK, SAVANNAH SPARROW, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
Two different BROWN CREEPERS came off the lake and decided that the waterbird shack was close enough to a tree to pay a visit. Both birds eventually found their way to a REAL tree though. Also, a BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE found the top of my head suitable as a perch for several seconds. This comes two days after a chickadee landed on my hand when I was scanning.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty south winds and warm temperatures.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Saturday, September 22, 2007
22 September 2007
Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1), WESTERN KINGBIRD (1)
WEATHER: It was a sunny day with moderate-strong winds out of the west. Visibility was decent and the temperatures ranged from 14-18 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a downright fun day to be waterbird counting. The winds out of the west pushed considerable numbers past and the diversity was not bad either. Near 80 CANADA GEESE were tallied and our first CACKLING GEESE (4) of the season were also seen. We had a considerable AMERICAN WIGEON flight with over 540 seen! Another species which had a good flight today was REDHEAD with nearly 100 seen. Other species seen included GADWALL, MALLARD (30+), AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Also seen were GREATER SCAUP, SURF SCOTER (2), and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER.
LOONS & GREBES: It wasn't an exceptional day for loons but the grebe numbers were decent. About 30 COMMON LOONS were tallied and 5+ RED-THROATED LOONS were seen as well. However, over 1600 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted in addition to a couple HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: Over 5 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to 15+ SANDERLINGS and a couple WILSON'S SNIPE.
JAEGERS/GULLS: For the first time in nearly a week, a Sabine's Gull was NOT seen. However, a nice adult light-morph PARASITIC JAEGER came by the point in the second hour of the count. It came from the NE, harassed a gull well off shore, and then continued to the S.
Another highlight of the day was a WESTERN KINGBIRD. Although it was found inland at first, it spent much of the day hanging out at the point behind the shack, often perching on the "Sharpie Stick".
Some of the other birds seen from the waterbird shack included NORTHERN GOSHAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, AMERICAN PIPIT, and an EMPID species.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for sunny skies and light winds out of the south.
Thanks for checking in.
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: It was a sunny day with moderate-strong winds out of the west. Visibility was decent and the temperatures ranged from 14-18 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a downright fun day to be waterbird counting. The winds out of the west pushed considerable numbers past and the diversity was not bad either. Near 80 CANADA GEESE were tallied and our first CACKLING GEESE (4) of the season were also seen. We had a considerable AMERICAN WIGEON flight with over 540 seen! Another species which had a good flight today was REDHEAD with nearly 100 seen. Other species seen included GADWALL, MALLARD (30+), AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Also seen were GREATER SCAUP, SURF SCOTER (2), and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER.
LOONS & GREBES: It wasn't an exceptional day for loons but the grebe numbers were decent. About 30 COMMON LOONS were tallied and 5+ RED-THROATED LOONS were seen as well. However, over 1600 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted in addition to a couple HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: Over 5 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to 15+ SANDERLINGS and a couple WILSON'S SNIPE.
JAEGERS/GULLS: For the first time in nearly a week, a Sabine's Gull was NOT seen. However, a nice adult light-morph PARASITIC JAEGER came by the point in the second hour of the count. It came from the NE, harassed a gull well off shore, and then continued to the S.
Another highlight of the day was a WESTERN KINGBIRD. Although it was found inland at first, it spent much of the day hanging out at the point behind the shack, often perching on the "Sharpie Stick".
Some of the other birds seen from the waterbird shack included NORTHERN GOSHAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, AMERICAN PIPIT, and an EMPID species.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for sunny skies and light winds out of the south.
Thanks for checking in.
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Friday, September 21, 2007
21 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL, JAEGER SP., FORSTER'S TERN
WEATHER: Today was plagued with rain showers and thunderstorms and in fact, the count had to be closed early due to thunderstorms. The winds were, at times, very strong out of the south. Visibility was low throughout the day and the temperature was constant at 16 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: It took several hours to see a migrant. Eventually, some things started to trickle through during the breaks in the rain. I tallied a couple CANADA GEESE, a GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON (5+), a BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a couple NORTHERN PINTAIL, and REDHEAD. Also seen were GREATER SCAUP (10), COMMON GOLDENEYE (1), SURF SCOTER (2), and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1).
LOONS & GREBES: There was a decent push of loons in the first couple hours, regardless of the rain showers. Over 80 COMMON LOONS were counted and nearly 50 RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen. However, it wasn't a stellar day for grebes. Less than 20 RED-NECKED GREBES and less than 10 HORNED GREBES were tallied.
SHOREBIRDS: The usual flock of 5+ SANDERLINGS were seen today in addition to 7 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS that spent most of the morning foraging at the point.
GULLS/JAEGERS/TERNS: A juvenile SABINE'S GULL was seen for much of the count, mostly foraging offshore to the NE. In the 6th hour, a dark juvenile JAEGER came from the north and buzzed several gulls offshore. It spent most of the time well off-shore. It was last seen heading SE. The point was active with terns much of the count. About 100 COMMON TERNS were seen in addition to a couple FORSTER'S TERNS.
Some of the other birds seen from the point included RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, LAPLAND LONGSPURS, AMERICAN PIPITS, a MERLIN, and a couple BALD EAGLES.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for mostly sunny skies with gusty west winds. We'll see if anything blows in!
Thanks for checking in,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter.
WEATHER: Today was plagued with rain showers and thunderstorms and in fact, the count had to be closed early due to thunderstorms. The winds were, at times, very strong out of the south. Visibility was low throughout the day and the temperature was constant at 16 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: It took several hours to see a migrant. Eventually, some things started to trickle through during the breaks in the rain. I tallied a couple CANADA GEESE, a GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON (5+), a BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a couple NORTHERN PINTAIL, and REDHEAD. Also seen were GREATER SCAUP (10), COMMON GOLDENEYE (1), SURF SCOTER (2), and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1).
LOONS & GREBES: There was a decent push of loons in the first couple hours, regardless of the rain showers. Over 80 COMMON LOONS were counted and nearly 50 RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen. However, it wasn't a stellar day for grebes. Less than 20 RED-NECKED GREBES and less than 10 HORNED GREBES were tallied.
SHOREBIRDS: The usual flock of 5+ SANDERLINGS were seen today in addition to 7 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS that spent most of the morning foraging at the point.
GULLS/JAEGERS/TERNS: A juvenile SABINE'S GULL was seen for much of the count, mostly foraging offshore to the NE. In the 6th hour, a dark juvenile JAEGER came from the north and buzzed several gulls offshore. It spent most of the time well off-shore. It was last seen heading SE. The point was active with terns much of the count. About 100 COMMON TERNS were seen in addition to a couple FORSTER'S TERNS.
Some of the other birds seen from the point included RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, LAPLAND LONGSPURS, AMERICAN PIPITS, a MERLIN, and a couple BALD EAGLES.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for mostly sunny skies with gusty west winds. We'll see if anything blows in!
Thanks for checking in,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
20 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL
WEATHER: Light winds out of the north brought comfortable temperatures (ranging from 13-18) and decent visibility. Skies were mostly sunny.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a decent day for diversity although numbers weren't exceedingly high. Nearly 50 CANADA GEESE, a WOOD DUCK, several small flocks of AMERICAN WIGEON (10+), an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL (3), and 10+ GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen. Also seen were REDHEAD (5+), RING-NECKED DUCK, and GREATER and LESSER SCAUP. It was an ok day for WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (20+) as well as a couple SURF SCOTERS.
LOONS & GREBES: It was a good afternoon for loons and in fact, Red-throated Loons outnumbered Common Loons in three different hours of the count today. After the skies cleared mid-count, many high-flying migrants were seen passing by. Over 115 COMMON LOONS and near 50 RED-THROATED LOONS were seen. Over 100 RED-NECKED GREBES and a couple HORNED GREBES were also counted.
SHOREBIRDS: For the first time in several days, a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER made an appearance. Also counted were 5+ SANDERLING, a couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, and a single BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER.
GULLS: A juvenile SABINE'S GULL was seen in the second hour of the count and then refound in the 5th hour. Both times, the gull was seen in flight offshore to the NE and E.
Overall, it was pretty birdy in terms of songbirds out at the shack today. Over 50 AMERICAN PIPITS were basically nonstop all morning as were several flocks of LAPLAND LONGSPURS. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER made a couple appearances in the trees behind the shack in addition to a PILEATED WOODPECKER landing on the "Merlin Pole" and "Sharpie Stick".
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty winds out of the south and a chance of rain in the afternoon.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Light winds out of the north brought comfortable temperatures (ranging from 13-18) and decent visibility. Skies were mostly sunny.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a decent day for diversity although numbers weren't exceedingly high. Nearly 50 CANADA GEESE, a WOOD DUCK, several small flocks of AMERICAN WIGEON (10+), an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL (3), and 10+ GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen. Also seen were REDHEAD (5+), RING-NECKED DUCK, and GREATER and LESSER SCAUP. It was an ok day for WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (20+) as well as a couple SURF SCOTERS.
LOONS & GREBES: It was a good afternoon for loons and in fact, Red-throated Loons outnumbered Common Loons in three different hours of the count today. After the skies cleared mid-count, many high-flying migrants were seen passing by. Over 115 COMMON LOONS and near 50 RED-THROATED LOONS were seen. Over 100 RED-NECKED GREBES and a couple HORNED GREBES were also counted.
SHOREBIRDS: For the first time in several days, a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER made an appearance. Also counted were 5+ SANDERLING, a couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, and a single BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER.
GULLS: A juvenile SABINE'S GULL was seen in the second hour of the count and then refound in the 5th hour. Both times, the gull was seen in flight offshore to the NE and E.
Overall, it was pretty birdy in terms of songbirds out at the shack today. Over 50 AMERICAN PIPITS were basically nonstop all morning as were several flocks of LAPLAND LONGSPURS. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER made a couple appearances in the trees behind the shack in addition to a PILEATED WOODPECKER landing on the "Merlin Pole" and "Sharpie Stick".
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty winds out of the south and a chance of rain in the afternoon.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
19 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL
WEATHER: Today had it all. It started out with cloudy skies, moderate winds out of the south, and low visibility. A couple hours into the count it started raining along with heavy wind gusts. The skies then promptly cleared to a cloudless blue within minutes. Late in the count, the west winds were tremendous and blowing sand was a serious issue. Temperatures ranged from 18-23 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was slow all day. An AMERICAN WIGEON passed by along with a couple MALLARDS, and a couple NORTHERN PINTAIL. Pretty slim pickings!
LOONS & GREBES: Only about 15 COMMON LOONS were seen along with a couple RED-THROATED LOONS. Less than 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen along with a couple HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: 15+ SANDERLINGS were seen.
GULLS: A SABINE'S GULL was spotted out from the point in the third hour. The bird remained distant and was only seen on-and-off for 10 minutes or so.
RAPTORS: A nice diversity of birds of prey were around today. MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, and AMERICAN KESTREL were seen along with BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, and a couple NORTHERN GOSHAWKS.
Some other birds seen from the waterbird shack included AMERICAN PIPIT, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, SAVANNAH SPARROW, NORTHERN FLICKER, and DOWNY WOODPECKER.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for moderate north winds. It could be good (no guarantee though)!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Today had it all. It started out with cloudy skies, moderate winds out of the south, and low visibility. A couple hours into the count it started raining along with heavy wind gusts. The skies then promptly cleared to a cloudless blue within minutes. Late in the count, the west winds were tremendous and blowing sand was a serious issue. Temperatures ranged from 18-23 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was slow all day. An AMERICAN WIGEON passed by along with a couple MALLARDS, and a couple NORTHERN PINTAIL. Pretty slim pickings!
LOONS & GREBES: Only about 15 COMMON LOONS were seen along with a couple RED-THROATED LOONS. Less than 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen along with a couple HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: 15+ SANDERLINGS were seen.
GULLS: A SABINE'S GULL was spotted out from the point in the third hour. The bird remained distant and was only seen on-and-off for 10 minutes or so.
RAPTORS: A nice diversity of birds of prey were around today. MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, and AMERICAN KESTREL were seen along with BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, and a couple NORTHERN GOSHAWKS.
Some other birds seen from the waterbird shack included AMERICAN PIPIT, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, SAVANNAH SPARROW, NORTHERN FLICKER, and DOWNY WOODPECKER.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for moderate north winds. It could be good (no guarantee though)!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
18 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL (1), PARASITIC JAEGER (2)
WEATHER: Strong winds out of the south all day brought warm temperatures which ranged from 16-24 Celsius. Skies were somewhat overcast at times, other times partly sunny.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was very slow today due to the south winds. No geese were seen but a couple of AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, and NORTHERN PINTAIL were seen. Also, both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP were seen. No scoters were tallied today.
LOONS & GREBES: The day started out with good numbers of loons but the numbers soon dropped off. Over 10 RED-THROATED LOONS were seen in the first couple hours and 30 COMMON LOONS were seen throughout the day. Over 40 RED-NECKED GREBES and 5+ HORNED GREBES were counted today.
SHOREBIRDS: Only about 10 SANDERLINGS were seen today.
GULLS/JAEGERS: About 30 minutes into the count this morning, a SABINE'S GULL was seen foraging off to the north. It would disappear and then reappear on-and-off for probably half an hour. Two different PARASITIC JAEGERS were seen today, one a light-morph juvenile and the other a dark intermediate-morph juvenile. The light-morph individual actually cut over the point in front of us before turning and chasing a gull down on the beach. After the gull promptly disgorged while fleeing, the jaeger went to the water to chomp down on its rewards. The jaeger later landed and floated offshore for a minute or two.
Some other birds seen from the shack today included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, AMERICAN PIPIT, and HORNED LARK.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty west winds and a chance of rain. We'll see what drops in!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Strong winds out of the south all day brought warm temperatures which ranged from 16-24 Celsius. Skies were somewhat overcast at times, other times partly sunny.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was very slow today due to the south winds. No geese were seen but a couple of AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, and NORTHERN PINTAIL were seen. Also, both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP were seen. No scoters were tallied today.
LOONS & GREBES: The day started out with good numbers of loons but the numbers soon dropped off. Over 10 RED-THROATED LOONS were seen in the first couple hours and 30 COMMON LOONS were seen throughout the day. Over 40 RED-NECKED GREBES and 5+ HORNED GREBES were counted today.
SHOREBIRDS: Only about 10 SANDERLINGS were seen today.
GULLS/JAEGERS: About 30 minutes into the count this morning, a SABINE'S GULL was seen foraging off to the north. It would disappear and then reappear on-and-off for probably half an hour. Two different PARASITIC JAEGERS were seen today, one a light-morph juvenile and the other a dark intermediate-morph juvenile. The light-morph individual actually cut over the point in front of us before turning and chasing a gull down on the beach. After the gull promptly disgorged while fleeing, the jaeger went to the water to chomp down on its rewards. The jaeger later landed and floated offshore for a minute or two.
Some other birds seen from the shack today included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, AMERICAN PIPIT, and HORNED LARK.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty west winds and a chance of rain. We'll see what drops in!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Monday, September 17, 2007
17 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL (1), PARASITIC JAEGER (1)
WEATHER: Moderate winds were out of the south today which brought warmer temperatures (15-22 Celsius) and sunny skies. Visibility was great for the first half of the count but as the temperatures rose, the visibility deteriorated.
DUCKS & GEESE: Besides a lone CANADA GOOSE, some other species seen today included GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, and GREATER SCAUP (10+). A couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS also passed by. The resident COMMON MERGANSERS are still being seen every day.
LOONS & GREBES: It was very slow for loons today. Less than 10 COMMON LOONS were seen and only a couple RED-THROATED LOONS came by (and ended up landing offshore). Over 70 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted and a surprising 16 HORNED GREBES were seen as well.
SHOREBIRDS: Six species were counted today. Early on, 10+ SANDERLINGS were seen as well as a lone GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Then in the last two hours, a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, 5 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, and a couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen resting out at the tip. A rather uncommon visitor to the point, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER also was also feeding along the bay shore.
JAEGERS/GULLS: In the second hour of the count, a juvenile SABINE'S GULL was seen far to the northeast. It circled and fed while slowly moving north before disappearing out of sight. All in all, it was in view for at least 15 minutes. During the last hour of the count, an adult light-morph PARASITIC JAEGER came ripping along the lake shore to harass a gull or two. It was last seen continuing to the SE.
Some other birds seen at the point today included PILEATED WOODPECKER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, and NORTHERN HARRIER.
The weather forecast shows rain tonight and then gusty winds out of the south tomorrow.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Moderate winds were out of the south today which brought warmer temperatures (15-22 Celsius) and sunny skies. Visibility was great for the first half of the count but as the temperatures rose, the visibility deteriorated.
DUCKS & GEESE: Besides a lone CANADA GOOSE, some other species seen today included GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, and GREATER SCAUP (10+). A couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS also passed by. The resident COMMON MERGANSERS are still being seen every day.
LOONS & GREBES: It was very slow for loons today. Less than 10 COMMON LOONS were seen and only a couple RED-THROATED LOONS came by (and ended up landing offshore). Over 70 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted and a surprising 16 HORNED GREBES were seen as well.
SHOREBIRDS: Six species were counted today. Early on, 10+ SANDERLINGS were seen as well as a lone GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Then in the last two hours, a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, 5 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, and a couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen resting out at the tip. A rather uncommon visitor to the point, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER also was also feeding along the bay shore.
JAEGERS/GULLS: In the second hour of the count, a juvenile SABINE'S GULL was seen far to the northeast. It circled and fed while slowly moving north before disappearing out of sight. All in all, it was in view for at least 15 minutes. During the last hour of the count, an adult light-morph PARASITIC JAEGER came ripping along the lake shore to harass a gull or two. It was last seen continuing to the SE.
Some other birds seen at the point today included PILEATED WOODPECKER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, and NORTHERN HARRIER.
The weather forecast shows rain tonight and then gusty winds out of the south tomorrow.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Sunday, September 16, 2007
16 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL (1), RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (1), PARASITIC JAEGER (1).
At the end of a slow day at the point with SW winds, we were thrilled when all three of the above highlights came within 30 minutes of each other!
WEATHER: Skies were clear, temperatures ranged from 8-20 Celsius, and winds were moderate out of the SW. Visibility was difficult at times due to the direct sunlight.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a rather slow day in terms of numbers of migrating ducks. A handful of CANADA GEESE were seen in the 3rd hour in addition to AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a couple REDHEAD. Low numbers of SCAUP were counted as well as a couple RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS.
LOONS & GREBES: It was relatively slow throughout the day, especially for loons. Fewer than 20 COMMON LOONS were seen and no Red-throated Loons were tallied at all. Over 180 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted in addition to a handful of HORNED GREBES. However, the "flight line" that most of the grebes took was rather far out.
SHOREBIRDS: Five species were seen: SANDERLING (15+), LESSER YELLOWLEGS (3), AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (1), and a highlight of the count, a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. The phalarope cut over the point coming rather close to the shack (and calling), and then headed back out towards the point where it landed on the beach. We were on our way out to get a better look of the phalarope when the jaeger distracted us (see below)! We never could relocate the phalarope.
GULLS/JAEGERS: What a way to cap off a warm, quiet day of birding! After spotting a juvenile SABINE'S GULL flying towards the point, we got a closer look from the beach (see photo below). The Sabine's Gull was floating offshore with a group of Ring-billed/Herring Gulls for several minutes before it picked up, turned, and flew off to the north.
At the end of a slow day at the point with SW winds, we were thrilled when all three of the above highlights came within 30 minutes of each other!
WEATHER: Skies were clear, temperatures ranged from 8-20 Celsius, and winds were moderate out of the SW. Visibility was difficult at times due to the direct sunlight.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a rather slow day in terms of numbers of migrating ducks. A handful of CANADA GEESE were seen in the 3rd hour in addition to AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a couple REDHEAD. Low numbers of SCAUP were counted as well as a couple RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS.
LOONS & GREBES: It was relatively slow throughout the day, especially for loons. Fewer than 20 COMMON LOONS were seen and no Red-throated Loons were tallied at all. Over 180 RED-NECKED GREBES were counted in addition to a handful of HORNED GREBES. However, the "flight line" that most of the grebes took was rather far out.
SHOREBIRDS: Five species were seen: SANDERLING (15+), LESSER YELLOWLEGS (3), AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (1), and a highlight of the count, a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. The phalarope cut over the point coming rather close to the shack (and calling), and then headed back out towards the point where it landed on the beach. We were on our way out to get a better look of the phalarope when the jaeger distracted us (see below)! We never could relocate the phalarope.
GULLS/JAEGERS: What a way to cap off a warm, quiet day of birding! After spotting a juvenile SABINE'S GULL flying towards the point, we got a closer look from the beach (see photo below). The Sabine's Gull was floating offshore with a group of Ring-billed/Herring Gulls for several minutes before it picked up, turned, and flew off to the north.
It was about 15 minutes later that the RED-NECKED PHALAROPE flew by and landed out on the beach. On our way out to the beach for the phalarope, a juvenile intermediate-morph PARASITIC JAEGER came in and harassed a HERRING GULL at close range (see photo below).
*NOTE* After the count was over, the ponds were checked for the phalarope as was the harbor. While searching the harbor, the SABINE'S GULL was seen again but this time flying south very far out.
RAPTORS: Again, it was a decent day for raptor diversity at the point. MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, and BALD EAGLE (2) were some of the noted species.
Some of the other birds seen from the waterbird shack included SWAINSON'S THRUSH, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, and CLIFF SWALLOW.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for sunny skies, warm temperatures, and light-moderate winds out the south.
Lastly, I encourage folks to visit http://wpbostaff.blogspot.com/ to see what is happening inland here at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory as my blog mainly covers the waterbirds!
Thanks for checking in!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Saturday, September 15, 2007
15 September 2007
Highlights: SURF SCOTER (5), RED-THROATED LOON (14)
WEATHER: Skies were cloudy, temperatures were cool (7-16 Celsius), and winds were out of the NNW most of the day. There were scattered rain showers during the first several hours.
DUCKS & GEESE: Things seemed slow but by the end of the count, several species of ducks were tallied although not in high numbers. Nearly 150 CANADA GEESE were counted in addition to nearly 60 AMERICAN WIGEON (one flock having 35 birds). There were low numbers of MALLARD, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Over 30 GREATER SCAUP were counted in addition to 5 SURF SCOTERS, a couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and a couple of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS.
LOONS & GREBES: It was an OK day for loons and grebes even though we had nice NW winds. Nearly 400 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen as well as a couple HORNED GREBES. Nearly 40 COMMON LOONS were tallied in addition to about 15 RED-THROATED LOONS (with one flock having 7 birds).
SHOREBIRDS: Three species were seen: SANDERLING, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, and AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (2).
Other birds seen from the waterbird shack included AMERICAN PIPIT, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, PALM WARBLER, MERLIN, and a couple NORTHERN HARRIERS.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for sunny skies and light-moderate winds out the SW.
Thanks for checking in!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Skies were cloudy, temperatures were cool (7-16 Celsius), and winds were out of the NNW most of the day. There were scattered rain showers during the first several hours.
DUCKS & GEESE: Things seemed slow but by the end of the count, several species of ducks were tallied although not in high numbers. Nearly 150 CANADA GEESE were counted in addition to nearly 60 AMERICAN WIGEON (one flock having 35 birds). There were low numbers of MALLARD, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Over 30 GREATER SCAUP were counted in addition to 5 SURF SCOTERS, a couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and a couple of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS.
LOONS & GREBES: It was an OK day for loons and grebes even though we had nice NW winds. Nearly 400 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen as well as a couple HORNED GREBES. Nearly 40 COMMON LOONS were tallied in addition to about 15 RED-THROATED LOONS (with one flock having 7 birds).
SHOREBIRDS: Three species were seen: SANDERLING, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, and AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (2).
Other birds seen from the waterbird shack included AMERICAN PIPIT, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARK, PALM WARBLER, MERLIN, and a couple NORTHERN HARRIERS.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for sunny skies and light-moderate winds out the SW.
Thanks for checking in!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Friday, September 14, 2007
14 September 2007
HIGHLIGHTS: I'm hard pressed to come up with anything as a highlight from today. I suppose a lone WOOD DUCK that made a quick appearance from the Net House Pond and a PEREGRINE FALCON were the only things of "excitement".
WEATHER: Although winds were out of the W and NW, not many birds passed by the point today. Skies were cloudy giving way to numerous rain showers today and temperatures were cool, ranging from 10-12 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: Over 100 Canada Geese were seen, over 20 AMERICAN WIGEON, some MALLARDS, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, and a couple GREEN-WINGED TEAL were also tallied. Only around 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen.
LOONS & GREBES: Over 160 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen in addition to a single HORNED GREBE. 15+ COMMON LOONS and a couple RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was very slow in this department today. A couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to the usual SANDERLING flock.
RAPTORS: It was a decent day for raptor diversity. MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, AMERICAN KESTREL, RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, BALD EAGLE, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were seen. In fact, the Merlin put on a show by chasing the Peregrine most of the day.
Not many other birds were seen from the point today but some of the ones that were seen... actually ended up INSIDE the waterbird shack! Since the west winds pushed nocturnal migrants out over the bay last night, this morning was full of struggling warblers trying to make it back to land. The local Merlins caught maybe 15-20 birds throughout the day. However, a couple times the chase would come to us and the passerine would seek shelter by diving into the shack! The first was a PALM WARBLER that escaped a Merlin and the second was a young LAPLAND LONGSPUR that escaped a chase by the PEREGRINE FALCON.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for moderate west winds and scattered rain.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Although winds were out of the W and NW, not many birds passed by the point today. Skies were cloudy giving way to numerous rain showers today and temperatures were cool, ranging from 10-12 Celsius.
DUCKS & GEESE: Over 100 Canada Geese were seen, over 20 AMERICAN WIGEON, some MALLARDS, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, and a couple GREEN-WINGED TEAL were also tallied. Only around 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen.
LOONS & GREBES: Over 160 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen in addition to a single HORNED GREBE. 15+ COMMON LOONS and a couple RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was very slow in this department today. A couple AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to the usual SANDERLING flock.
RAPTORS: It was a decent day for raptor diversity. MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, AMERICAN KESTREL, RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, BALD EAGLE, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were seen. In fact, the Merlin put on a show by chasing the Peregrine most of the day.
Not many other birds were seen from the point today but some of the ones that were seen... actually ended up INSIDE the waterbird shack! Since the west winds pushed nocturnal migrants out over the bay last night, this morning was full of struggling warblers trying to make it back to land. The local Merlins caught maybe 15-20 birds throughout the day. However, a couple times the chase would come to us and the passerine would seek shelter by diving into the shack! The first was a PALM WARBLER that escaped a Merlin and the second was a young LAPLAND LONGSPUR that escaped a chase by the PEREGRINE FALCON.
Although not a bird sighting, it was interesting to have an AMERICAN MINK checking the point out (see photo below). After deciding the rocks and sand wasn't where it wanted to be, it started back towards the trees.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for moderate west winds and scattered rain.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Thursday, September 13, 2007
13 September 2007
HIGHLIGHTS: BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (1), WOOD DUCK (1), PEREGRINE FALCON (1)
WEATHER: Winds were really whipping out of the south all day making for few birds and a sandy mess. Temperatures ranged from 12 to 17 Celsius and the skies were cloudy throughout the count. The slightly warmer temperatures and cloudy skies made visibility excellent throughout the day.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a slow day in all categories. A couple flocks of CANADA GEESE, a lone WOOD DUCK, and low numbers of MALLARD and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK were tallied. NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a couple GREATER SCAUP were also tallied. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER numbers are slowly rising and today 30 were seen.
LOONS & GREBES: The count today had loons outnumbering grebes. Nearly 30 COMMON LOONS and 7 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by while a couple HORNED GREBE and only 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: Four species were seen including SANDERLING, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, and a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (see photo below). The Buff-breasted was a rather cooperative individual, foraging 20 feet from the shack at times.
JAEGERS/TERNS: No definite jaegers were seen (breaking the streak of 6 days in a row) and only 1 COMMON TERN was seen.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included HORNED LARK, AMERICAN PIPIT, and BALD EAGLE.
Tonight the winds are forecasted to move from south to west and tomorrow looks windy and rainy. We'll see if anything drops in.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Winds were really whipping out of the south all day making for few birds and a sandy mess. Temperatures ranged from 12 to 17 Celsius and the skies were cloudy throughout the count. The slightly warmer temperatures and cloudy skies made visibility excellent throughout the day.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a slow day in all categories. A couple flocks of CANADA GEESE, a lone WOOD DUCK, and low numbers of MALLARD and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK were tallied. NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a couple GREATER SCAUP were also tallied. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER numbers are slowly rising and today 30 were seen.
LOONS & GREBES: The count today had loons outnumbering grebes. Nearly 30 COMMON LOONS and 7 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by while a couple HORNED GREBE and only 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: Four species were seen including SANDERLING, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, and a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (see photo below). The Buff-breasted was a rather cooperative individual, foraging 20 feet from the shack at times.
JAEGERS/TERNS: No definite jaegers were seen (breaking the streak of 6 days in a row) and only 1 COMMON TERN was seen.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included HORNED LARK, AMERICAN PIPIT, and BALD EAGLE.
Tonight the winds are forecasted to move from south to west and tomorrow looks windy and rainy. We'll see if anything drops in.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
12 September 2007
Highlights: SABINE'S GULL (1), PARASITIC JAEGER (1), BLACK TERN (1), BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (1), PEREGRINE FALCON (1)
WEATHER: Moderate winds from the NW brought us cooler temperatures (11-13 Celsius), cloudy skies, and a couple good birds.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a decent day for both numbers and variety. Numbers included 275+ CANADA GEESE, 20+ AMERICAN WIGEON, 10+ MALLARD, 5+ NORTHERN SHOVELER, 35+ NORTHERN PINTAIL, and also a mix of GREEN-WINGED TEAL and BLUE-WINGED TEAL. GREATER SCAUP numbers are slowly rising, nearly 10 were seen today. Less than 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: It was a moderate RED-NECKED GREBE day with over 700 tallied. A couple HORNED GREBES, nearly 80 COMMON LOONS, and 4 RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen.
SHOREBIRDS: Overall, shorebird numbers have seemed to be down over the last couple days. An AMERICAN-GOLDEN PLOVER, several SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, and some SANDERLING were seen today along with a lone BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.
JAEGERS/GULLS/TERNS: At around 0730, a juvenile SABINE'S GULL came by the point. It was foraging close to shore, heading northwest into a headwind. It stayed in view for a solid 5 minutes. About 10 minutes later, an intermediate-type juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER was seen harassing the gulls at the point before it eventually continued south. Late in the count, an adult BLACK TERN was seen passing the point, heading south.
RAPTORS: A PEREGRINE FALCON flew in and cruised along the bay shore before heading inland, just south of the shack. Also, a group of up to 7 NORTHERN HARRIERS were seen swooping around far over the lake. RED-TAILED HAWK, MERLIN, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were also seen.
Not many other species were tallied from the waterbird shack. AMERICAN PIPITS were numerous though and several LAPLAND LONGSPURS also passed over.
The forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty south winds. We'll see what blows in.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Moderate winds from the NW brought us cooler temperatures (11-13 Celsius), cloudy skies, and a couple good birds.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a decent day for both numbers and variety. Numbers included 275+ CANADA GEESE, 20+ AMERICAN WIGEON, 10+ MALLARD, 5+ NORTHERN SHOVELER, 35+ NORTHERN PINTAIL, and also a mix of GREEN-WINGED TEAL and BLUE-WINGED TEAL. GREATER SCAUP numbers are slowly rising, nearly 10 were seen today. Less than 10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: It was a moderate RED-NECKED GREBE day with over 700 tallied. A couple HORNED GREBES, nearly 80 COMMON LOONS, and 4 RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen.
SHOREBIRDS: Overall, shorebird numbers have seemed to be down over the last couple days. An AMERICAN-GOLDEN PLOVER, several SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, and some SANDERLING were seen today along with a lone BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.
JAEGERS/GULLS/TERNS: At around 0730, a juvenile SABINE'S GULL came by the point. It was foraging close to shore, heading northwest into a headwind. It stayed in view for a solid 5 minutes. About 10 minutes later, an intermediate-type juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER was seen harassing the gulls at the point before it eventually continued south. Late in the count, an adult BLACK TERN was seen passing the point, heading south.
RAPTORS: A PEREGRINE FALCON flew in and cruised along the bay shore before heading inland, just south of the shack. Also, a group of up to 7 NORTHERN HARRIERS were seen swooping around far over the lake. RED-TAILED HAWK, MERLIN, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were also seen.
Not many other species were tallied from the waterbird shack. AMERICAN PIPITS were numerous though and several LAPLAND LONGSPURS also passed over.
The forecast for tomorrow is calling for gusty south winds. We'll see what blows in.
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
11 September 2007
Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1), BLACK TERN (4)
WEATHER: Moderate winds out of the S and SW gave us cloudy skies and several batches of rain showers. In fact, the count had to be cut 20 minutes short due to a large cell of thunderstorms closing in on the waterbird shack. Temperatures were cooler today and ranged from 11-18 Celsius. Visibility suffered from the rain but in between showers, the lighting was excellent.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a rather active day! Dabblers didn't seem to have much of a problem flying in the rain so small flocks were pretty consistent throughout the day. MALLARDS were the most numerous with 60+ while AMERICAN WIGEON and BLUE-WINGED TEAL were almost tied at around 40 each. Other species tallied included NORTHERN SHOVELER (5+), GADWALL, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, NORTHERN PINTAIL (4), and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Several GREATER SCAUP and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: The count today had loons outnumbering grebes. 35+ COMMON LOONS and 3 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by while a HORNED GREBE and 20+ RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was a slow day for shorebirds with 3 species seen. A small flock of SANDERLING were present on the bay shore along with 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a couple LEAST SANDPIPERS.
JAEGERS/TERNS: A juvenile, pale intermediate-morph PARASITIC JAEGER made two passes by the point today. It was first seen attacking gulls near the point before it went out of sight to the north. An hour or two later, it came back from the north and chased a gull from the beach over land and literally was directly above us! Superb looks! Another highlight came mid-count when 4 juvenile BLACK TERNS came east along the beach and foraged near the point for nearly an hour.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, CEDAR WAXWING, BALD EAGLE (2), and NORTHERN HARRIER.
It looks as if tomorrow will have a chance of sprinkles and light north winds.
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Moderate winds out of the S and SW gave us cloudy skies and several batches of rain showers. In fact, the count had to be cut 20 minutes short due to a large cell of thunderstorms closing in on the waterbird shack. Temperatures were cooler today and ranged from 11-18 Celsius. Visibility suffered from the rain but in between showers, the lighting was excellent.
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a rather active day! Dabblers didn't seem to have much of a problem flying in the rain so small flocks were pretty consistent throughout the day. MALLARDS were the most numerous with 60+ while AMERICAN WIGEON and BLUE-WINGED TEAL were almost tied at around 40 each. Other species tallied included NORTHERN SHOVELER (5+), GADWALL, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, NORTHERN PINTAIL (4), and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Several GREATER SCAUP and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: The count today had loons outnumbering grebes. 35+ COMMON LOONS and 3 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by while a HORNED GREBE and 20+ RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was a slow day for shorebirds with 3 species seen. A small flock of SANDERLING were present on the bay shore along with 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a couple LEAST SANDPIPERS.
JAEGERS/TERNS: A juvenile, pale intermediate-morph PARASITIC JAEGER made two passes by the point today. It was first seen attacking gulls near the point before it went out of sight to the north. An hour or two later, it came back from the north and chased a gull from the beach over land and literally was directly above us! Superb looks! Another highlight came mid-count when 4 juvenile BLACK TERNS came east along the beach and foraged near the point for nearly an hour.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, CEDAR WAXWING, BALD EAGLE (2), and NORTHERN HARRIER.
It looks as if tomorrow will have a chance of sprinkles and light north winds.
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Monday, September 10, 2007
10 September 2007
Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1), BLACK SCOTER (2)
WEATHER: Steady winds from the NE gave us cloudy skies and cooler temperatures (ranging from 12 to 18 Celsius). Visibility suffered due to the cooler air passing over the warmer water resulting in lots of "shimmering".
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a slow day and unlike yesterday, only a lone CANADA GOOSE was tallied! Most notable in this category were two adult male breeding plumaged BLACK SCOTERS swimming at very close range in the bay. A couple AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREATER SCAUP were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: Nearly 40 COMMON LOONS and 2 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by while 4+ HORNED GREBES passed by early in the day. Over 180 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was a slow day for shorebirds as well. A RUDDY TURNSTONE, several SANDERLING, and a couple BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were seen.
JAEGERS/TERNS: A juvenile, light-morph PARASITIC JAEGER put on a show in the 4th hour. It was first seen harassing a gull at close range along the bay shore, near the shack, before it eventually circled around and headed back north. At one point, it looked as if the jaeger might land at the point.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included RUSTY BLACKBIRD, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and SAVANNAH SPARROW. A couple notable misses today includes Common Tern and Bonaparte's Gull
It looks as if tomorrow will be chilly and rainy with west winds. Should be fun!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Steady winds from the NE gave us cloudy skies and cooler temperatures (ranging from 12 to 18 Celsius). Visibility suffered due to the cooler air passing over the warmer water resulting in lots of "shimmering".
DUCKS & GEESE: It was a slow day and unlike yesterday, only a lone CANADA GOOSE was tallied! Most notable in this category were two adult male breeding plumaged BLACK SCOTERS swimming at very close range in the bay. A couple AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREATER SCAUP were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: Nearly 40 COMMON LOONS and 2 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by while 4+ HORNED GREBES passed by early in the day. Over 180 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was a slow day for shorebirds as well. A RUDDY TURNSTONE, several SANDERLING, and a couple BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were seen.
JAEGERS/TERNS: A juvenile, light-morph PARASITIC JAEGER put on a show in the 4th hour. It was first seen harassing a gull at close range along the bay shore, near the shack, before it eventually circled around and headed back north. At one point, it looked as if the jaeger might land at the point.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included RUSTY BLACKBIRD, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and SAVANNAH SPARROW. A couple notable misses today includes Common Tern and Bonaparte's Gull
It looks as if tomorrow will be chilly and rainy with west winds. Should be fun!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Sunday, September 9, 2007
9 September 2007
Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1), WHIMBREL (1), BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (3), FORSTER'S TERN (1)
WEATHER: We had rain showers for the first three hours while winds were very light from the south. Later, the wind picked up as it changed to northerly. Temperatures ranged from 15-18 Celsius and skies remained very cloudy making visibility great.
DUCKS & GEESE: Most notable in this category was a good push of CANADA GEESE (600+). We also had a couple of MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A SCAUP and a couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also tallied.
LOONS & GREBES: Nearly 150 COMMON LOONS and 7 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by at a pretty constant rate. A couple of HORNED GREBES passed by mid-count while over 85+ RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was a good day for shorebirds at the point with 10 species tallied. The highlights included a lone WHIMBREL, 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and 3 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. A couple BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, a SEMIPALMTED PLOVER, and 5 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to a couple RUDDY TURNSTONES, SANDERLING, LEAST SANDPIPER, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
JAEGERS/TERNS: Our 11th jaeger of the season came today and put on a show by chasing a gull for a bit. This juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER looked like an intermediate between intermediate and light morph (it was distinctly lighter than the Parasitic Jaeger yesterday). A juvenile FORSTER'S TERN came by in the 2nd hour which represents the 2nd sighting this fall.
RAPTORS: A PEREGRINE FALCON terrorized the point for several minutes early in the count while a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, MERLIN, NORTHERN HARRIER, BALD EAGLE, and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were also seen today.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and SAVANNAH SPARROW.
It looks as if the winds will remain light out of the north through the night and into tomorrow.
We'll see what drops in!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: We had rain showers for the first three hours while winds were very light from the south. Later, the wind picked up as it changed to northerly. Temperatures ranged from 15-18 Celsius and skies remained very cloudy making visibility great.
DUCKS & GEESE: Most notable in this category was a good push of CANADA GEESE (600+). We also had a couple of MALLARD, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A SCAUP and a couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also tallied.
LOONS & GREBES: Nearly 150 COMMON LOONS and 7 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by at a pretty constant rate. A couple of HORNED GREBES passed by mid-count while over 85+ RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: It was a good day for shorebirds at the point with 10 species tallied. The highlights included a lone WHIMBREL, 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and 3 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. A couple BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, a SEMIPALMTED PLOVER, and 5 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen in addition to a couple RUDDY TURNSTONES, SANDERLING, LEAST SANDPIPER, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
JAEGERS/TERNS: Our 11th jaeger of the season came today and put on a show by chasing a gull for a bit. This juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER looked like an intermediate between intermediate and light morph (it was distinctly lighter than the Parasitic Jaeger yesterday). A juvenile FORSTER'S TERN came by in the 2nd hour which represents the 2nd sighting this fall.
RAPTORS: A PEREGRINE FALCON terrorized the point for several minutes early in the count while a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, MERLIN, NORTHERN HARRIER, BALD EAGLE, and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were also seen today.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and SAVANNAH SPARROW.
It looks as if the winds will remain light out of the north through the night and into tomorrow.
We'll see what drops in!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Saturday, September 8, 2007
8 September 2007
Highlights: PARASITIC JAEGER (1), WHIMBREL (3)
WEATHER: Winds were light to moderate out of the SE all day and temperatures ranged from 12 to 21 Celsius. Skies were mostly clear to begin with but it clouded over in the afternoon. Visibility was rather limited throughout the count due to heat distortion.
DUCKS & GEESE: There was decent diversity today with 6 species of dabblers including GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Small flocks of CANADA GEESE passed by as well and totaled near 90 birds. A couple GREATER SCAUP and a dark-winged SCOTER were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: Numbers were moderate today with a noticeable push in HORNED GREBES (20+) while over 800 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen. At least 7 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by in addition to nearly 40 COMMON LOONS.
SHOREBIRDS: It started out as a good plover day with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMTED PLOVER, and an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER seen in the first couple hours. Other shorebirds seen today included RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. During the last 3 hours of the count, 3 WHIMBREL flew by (a pair, and then a single).
JAEGERS: Our 10th jaeger of the season was spotted by Chris during the 7th hour of the count. This intermediate morph juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER cruised on by along the beach at close range.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, and a juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK.
It looks as if the winds will remain out of the SE until tomorrow afternoon.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Winds were light to moderate out of the SE all day and temperatures ranged from 12 to 21 Celsius. Skies were mostly clear to begin with but it clouded over in the afternoon. Visibility was rather limited throughout the count due to heat distortion.
DUCKS & GEESE: There was decent diversity today with 6 species of dabblers including GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Small flocks of CANADA GEESE passed by as well and totaled near 90 birds. A couple GREATER SCAUP and a dark-winged SCOTER were also seen.
LOONS & GREBES: Numbers were moderate today with a noticeable push in HORNED GREBES (20+) while over 800 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen. At least 7 RED-THROATED LOONS passed by in addition to nearly 40 COMMON LOONS.
SHOREBIRDS: It started out as a good plover day with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMTED PLOVER, and an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER seen in the first couple hours. Other shorebirds seen today included RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. During the last 3 hours of the count, 3 WHIMBREL flew by (a pair, and then a single).
JAEGERS: Our 10th jaeger of the season was spotted by Chris during the 7th hour of the count. This intermediate morph juvenile PARASITIC JAEGER cruised on by along the beach at close range.
Some other birds tallied from the shack included BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, AMERICAN PIPIT, and a juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK.
It looks as if the winds will remain out of the SE until tomorrow afternoon.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Friday, September 7, 2007
7 September 2007
Highlights: JAEGER SP., FORSTER'S TERN, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
WEATHER: The first three hours were very cloudy/hazy with poor visibility. Once the winds changed from SW to S in the 3rd hour, the rain began. The remainder of the count was plagued by constant rain showers, sometimes extremely heavy. The temperature remained at 21 Celsius the entire count. More or less, the count today was awash.
WATERFOWL: The only migrants were a couple NORTHERN PINTAIL, RED-THROATED LOON (7), and COMMON LOON (10+). A couple resident RED-NECKED GREBES and a HORNED GREBE stayed the day.
SHOREBIRDS: Eight species were seen today although not in huge numbers. Very early this morning on my way out to the shack I flushed a SOLITARY SANDPIPER from the parking lot and then a GREATER YELLOWLEGS on the trail to the shack. Eventually, the rain stopped during the last hour of the count and promptly BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (1), SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER dropped in. Over 40 SANDERLING and a single RUDDY TURNSTONE could be found throughout the day.
JAEGERS/TERNS: During the first hour of the count, a juvenile JAEGER came ripping out from the lake and gave a spectacular show as it chased a Ring-billed Gull for probably nearly a minute. It eventually gave up on that bird and changed targets to a different gull which it chased for another 30 seconds. The jaeger eventually continued southeast. Also, flying with flock of COMMON TERNS was a lone juvenile FORSTER'S TERN which is my first for the fall here.
Other various birds seen from the waterbird shack included CLIFF SWALLOWS (80+), LAPLAND LONGSPUR, CHIMNEY SWIFT, and a NORTHERN HARRIER.
The forecast is calling for strong west winds tonight. We'll see what's around tomorrow!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: The first three hours were very cloudy/hazy with poor visibility. Once the winds changed from SW to S in the 3rd hour, the rain began. The remainder of the count was plagued by constant rain showers, sometimes extremely heavy. The temperature remained at 21 Celsius the entire count. More or less, the count today was awash.
WATERFOWL: The only migrants were a couple NORTHERN PINTAIL, RED-THROATED LOON (7), and COMMON LOON (10+). A couple resident RED-NECKED GREBES and a HORNED GREBE stayed the day.
SHOREBIRDS: Eight species were seen today although not in huge numbers. Very early this morning on my way out to the shack I flushed a SOLITARY SANDPIPER from the parking lot and then a GREATER YELLOWLEGS on the trail to the shack. Eventually, the rain stopped during the last hour of the count and promptly BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (1), SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER dropped in. Over 40 SANDERLING and a single RUDDY TURNSTONE could be found throughout the day.
JAEGERS/TERNS: During the first hour of the count, a juvenile JAEGER came ripping out from the lake and gave a spectacular show as it chased a Ring-billed Gull for probably nearly a minute. It eventually gave up on that bird and changed targets to a different gull which it chased for another 30 seconds. The jaeger eventually continued southeast. Also, flying with flock of COMMON TERNS was a lone juvenile FORSTER'S TERN which is my first for the fall here.
Other various birds seen from the waterbird shack included CLIFF SWALLOWS (80+), LAPLAND LONGSPUR, CHIMNEY SWIFT, and a NORTHERN HARRIER.
The forecast is calling for strong west winds tonight. We'll see what's around tomorrow!
Good Birding,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Thursday, September 6, 2007
6 September 2007
Highlights: PEREGRINE FALCON, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO
WEATHER: The winds were light-moderate out of the SW most of the day. Temperatures were warm, ranging from 20-25 Celsius. Skies were hazy/cloudy at the start but they eventually cleared to sunny skies. However, clouds came in the last two hours of the count.
WATERFOWL: During the first couple hours, several small flocks came through giving me the false impression that the rest of the day could be great! Things nearly came to a halt by the end of the count though. Species seen included 10+ AMERICAN WIGEON, 5+ MALLARD, 5+ BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, and a GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A COMMON GOLDENEYE zoomed past the point in addition to 25+ COMMON LOONS, 1 RED-THROATED LOON, 30+ RED-NECKED GREBES, and even a couple HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: There was low diversity today, only three species were seen. However, the recent waves out of the bay deposited a thick line of dead vegetation along the bay shore and SANDERLING (35+) were common throughout the day. Also tallied was a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a couple BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
RAPTORS: The SW winds made it a decent day for raptors at the point. Some highlights included a PEREGRINE FALCON (pictured below) that buzzed the point for a little while, harassing some gulls. A juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK also came out and circled the point.
WEATHER: The winds were light-moderate out of the SW most of the day. Temperatures were warm, ranging from 20-25 Celsius. Skies were hazy/cloudy at the start but they eventually cleared to sunny skies. However, clouds came in the last two hours of the count.
WATERFOWL: During the first couple hours, several small flocks came through giving me the false impression that the rest of the day could be great! Things nearly came to a halt by the end of the count though. Species seen included 10+ AMERICAN WIGEON, 5+ MALLARD, 5+ BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, and a GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A COMMON GOLDENEYE zoomed past the point in addition to 25+ COMMON LOONS, 1 RED-THROATED LOON, 30+ RED-NECKED GREBES, and even a couple HORNED GREBES.
SHOREBIRDS: There was low diversity today, only three species were seen. However, the recent waves out of the bay deposited a thick line of dead vegetation along the bay shore and SANDERLING (35+) were common throughout the day. Also tallied was a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a couple BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
RAPTORS: The SW winds made it a decent day for raptors at the point. Some highlights included a PEREGRINE FALCON (pictured below) that buzzed the point for a little while, harassing some gulls. A juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK also came out and circled the point.
Other birds at the point today included a LAPLAND LONGSPUR, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and several large flocks of BLUE JAYS and AMERICAN ROBINS. Although not out by the waterbird shack, a highlight for me was a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO that Chris Neri found inland.
The forecast for tomorrow is calling for more gusty south winds and rain. We'll see what drops in.
More tomorrow,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
5 September 2007
Highlights: RED/RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (2)
WEATHER: Very strong winds out of the south gave us cloudy skies and temperatures that ranged from 18-22 Celsius. Visibility was ok most of the count but there was a distant wall of fog off to the NE for a couple hours.
WATERFOWL: It was a very slow day, I suspect the south winds kept most things from moving. However, two small groups of CANADA GEESE came by in addition to a couple GADWALL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen as well as 5+ RED-THROATED LOONS and 15 COMMON LOONS.
SHOREBIRDS: The highlight came around noon when two distant shorebirds, close over the water, came from the west out over the lake. The "ah-ha" moment came when they started landing on the water! Both birds would land for several seconds before taking off and flying some more. They repeated this, landing on the water maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't see precise details on these PHALAROPES but I could clearly see that they were NOT white-rumped. The other three species of shorebirds seen today were LEAST SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and SANDERLING (about 30).
Some other birds at the point today included CLIFF SWALLOW, AMERICAN PIPIT, and a lone LAPLAND LONGSPUR (which gave us a rush considering the report of the Smith's Longspur yesterday).
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Very strong winds out of the south gave us cloudy skies and temperatures that ranged from 18-22 Celsius. Visibility was ok most of the count but there was a distant wall of fog off to the NE for a couple hours.
WATERFOWL: It was a very slow day, I suspect the south winds kept most things from moving. However, two small groups of CANADA GEESE came by in addition to a couple GADWALL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A couple WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen as well as 5+ RED-THROATED LOONS and 15 COMMON LOONS.
SHOREBIRDS: The highlight came around noon when two distant shorebirds, close over the water, came from the west out over the lake. The "ah-ha" moment came when they started landing on the water! Both birds would land for several seconds before taking off and flying some more. They repeated this, landing on the water maybe 5-6 times. I couldn't see precise details on these PHALAROPES but I could clearly see that they were NOT white-rumped. The other three species of shorebirds seen today were LEAST SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and SANDERLING (about 30).
Some other birds at the point today included CLIFF SWALLOW, AMERICAN PIPIT, and a lone LAPLAND LONGSPUR (which gave us a rush considering the report of the Smith's Longspur yesterday).
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
4 September 2007
Highlights: MARBLED GODWIT (2)
WEATHER: The moderate winds out of the SE brought several periods of rain throughout the day keeping it cloudy and rather cool. Temperatures ranged from 14-17 Celsius.
WATERFOWL: Overall numbers were pretty low. CANADA GOOSE (8+), AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GREATER SCAUP (3), and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1) were seen. RED-THROATED LOONS (6) and COMMON LOONS (15+) passed by the point. A HORNED GREBE stayed on the lake near the point for a portion of the day but less than 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: Ten species were tallied today but with overall low numbers. The highlight of the day was a pair of MARBLED GODWITS that passed high over the point. They didn't circle or land, they just continued SE over the bay. Other species recorded include a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, KILLDEER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS (2), SPOTTED SANDPIPER, SANDERLING (15+), SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
Other birds seen from the waterbird shack included SAVANNAH SPARROW, CHIMNEY SWIFT, TREE SWALLOW, AMERICAN PIPIT, and EASTERN KINGBIRD.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for winds out of the south and a high of 27 Celsius. We'll see whatever that means.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: The moderate winds out of the SE brought several periods of rain throughout the day keeping it cloudy and rather cool. Temperatures ranged from 14-17 Celsius.
WATERFOWL: Overall numbers were pretty low. CANADA GOOSE (8+), AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GREATER SCAUP (3), and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1) were seen. RED-THROATED LOONS (6) and COMMON LOONS (15+) passed by the point. A HORNED GREBE stayed on the lake near the point for a portion of the day but less than 10 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen.
SHOREBIRDS: Ten species were tallied today but with overall low numbers. The highlight of the day was a pair of MARBLED GODWITS that passed high over the point. They didn't circle or land, they just continued SE over the bay. Other species recorded include a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, KILLDEER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS (2), SPOTTED SANDPIPER, SANDERLING (15+), SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
Other birds seen from the waterbird shack included SAVANNAH SPARROW, CHIMNEY SWIFT, TREE SWALLOW, AMERICAN PIPIT, and EASTERN KINGBIRD.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for winds out of the south and a high of 27 Celsius. We'll see whatever that means.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Monday, September 3, 2007
3 September 2007
Highlights: Jaeger Sp.
WEATHER: Clear skies, light winds out of the NW, and warm temperatures seemingly wasn't conducive to a big push today.
WATERFOWL: Over twenty Canada Geese, some Gadwall, American Wigeon, a single American Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, and Green-winged Teal were seen. White-winged Scoters, Common Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser were also seen but in low numbers. There was a fairly steady stream of loons throughout the count and we ended up with over 100 Common Loons and a couple Red-throated Loons (my first in several days). Nearly 300 Red-necked Grebes passed the point but mostly in the first 3-4 hours. Eight Horned Grebes also passed.
SHOREBIRDS: Only 4 species were seen and overall numbers were noticeably down. A couple Semipalmated Plovers, about 5 Sanderling, a Baird's Sandpiper, and a Least Sandpiper were seen.
JAEGERS: The highlight today came in the 2nd hour when a close, dark jaeger came down the shoreline. It landed on the water in the glare of the sun and I wasn't able to relocate it later in the day. That brings the jaeger total to 8 birds for the season.
RAPTORS: It was another good day for hawks. At one point, over 50 Broad-winged Hawks were seen kettling overhead. Other raptors seen today include Merlin, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Bald Eagle.
Some of the other birds seen from the waterbird shack included Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, American Pipit, Red-winged Blackbird, and Belted Kingfisher.
The forecast is calling for rain tonight and tomorrow. We'll see what drops in.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Clear skies, light winds out of the NW, and warm temperatures seemingly wasn't conducive to a big push today.
WATERFOWL: Over twenty Canada Geese, some Gadwall, American Wigeon, a single American Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, and Green-winged Teal were seen. White-winged Scoters, Common Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser were also seen but in low numbers. There was a fairly steady stream of loons throughout the count and we ended up with over 100 Common Loons and a couple Red-throated Loons (my first in several days). Nearly 300 Red-necked Grebes passed the point but mostly in the first 3-4 hours. Eight Horned Grebes also passed.
SHOREBIRDS: Only 4 species were seen and overall numbers were noticeably down. A couple Semipalmated Plovers, about 5 Sanderling, a Baird's Sandpiper, and a Least Sandpiper were seen.
JAEGERS: The highlight today came in the 2nd hour when a close, dark jaeger came down the shoreline. It landed on the water in the glare of the sun and I wasn't able to relocate it later in the day. That brings the jaeger total to 8 birds for the season.
RAPTORS: It was another good day for hawks. At one point, over 50 Broad-winged Hawks were seen kettling overhead. Other raptors seen today include Merlin, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Bald Eagle.
Some of the other birds seen from the waterbird shack included Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, American Pipit, Red-winged Blackbird, and Belted Kingfisher.
The forecast is calling for rain tonight and tomorrow. We'll see what drops in.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Sunday, September 2, 2007
2 September 2007
Highlight: Northern Goshawk
WEATHER: Gusty winds from the SW made for warm temperatures and little migration.
WATERFOWL: The numbers were way down today. Species seen included Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. The usual Common Mergansers and Common Loons were seen as well as only 7 Red-necked Grebes!
SHOREBIRDS: Numbers of shorebirds were down as well. Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling (15+), Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper were seen.
RAPTORS: A nice diversity of raptors were present at the point (perhaps because of the funneling effect of the south winds?). A local Merlin snacked on several birds today including a Sanderling and a couple warblers. Otherwise, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bald Eagle, and a juvenile Northern Goshawk were seen.
Some other random birds seen at the point included Purple Finch, Cliff Swallow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and American Pipit.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: Gusty winds from the SW made for warm temperatures and little migration.
WATERFOWL: The numbers were way down today. Species seen included Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal. The usual Common Mergansers and Common Loons were seen as well as only 7 Red-necked Grebes!
SHOREBIRDS: Numbers of shorebirds were down as well. Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling (15+), Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper were seen.
RAPTORS: A nice diversity of raptors were present at the point (perhaps because of the funneling effect of the south winds?). A local Merlin snacked on several birds today including a Sanderling and a couple warblers. Otherwise, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bald Eagle, and a juvenile Northern Goshawk were seen.
Some other random birds seen at the point included Purple Finch, Cliff Swallow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and American Pipit.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
Saturday, September 1, 2007
1 September 2007
Highlights: Pectoral Sandpiper (3)
WEATHER: It was mostly cloudy in the morning with hardy south winds which made for warm temperatures and little migration. By the early afternoon, winds were weaker and temperatures were even warmer.
WATERFOWL: A couple of large flocks of Canada Geese (100+) made it the most numerous species on the count today. Otherwise, a couple American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, and a couple of distant scaup species were seen. Common Loon (20+) and Red-necked Grebe (30+) numbers were low.
SHOREBIRDS: Three Pectoral Sandpipers visited the point briefly during the 4th hour. Suprisingly, this is a rather uncommon species at WPBO during the fall. Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone (2), Sanderling (10+), Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper were also seen.
Overall, it was a very slow day with very little bird activity. Although I didn't spend any time back in the woods, I was told that it was rather slow there as well. Other sightings from the Point can be viewed by linking into the wpbostaff blog off of this page.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
WEATHER: It was mostly cloudy in the morning with hardy south winds which made for warm temperatures and little migration. By the early afternoon, winds were weaker and temperatures were even warmer.
WATERFOWL: A couple of large flocks of Canada Geese (100+) made it the most numerous species on the count today. Otherwise, a couple American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, and a couple of distant scaup species were seen. Common Loon (20+) and Red-necked Grebe (30+) numbers were low.
SHOREBIRDS: Three Pectoral Sandpipers visited the point briefly during the 4th hour. Suprisingly, this is a rather uncommon species at WPBO during the fall. Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone (2), Sanderling (10+), Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper were also seen.
Overall, it was a very slow day with very little bird activity. Although I didn't spend any time back in the woods, I was told that it was rather slow there as well. Other sightings from the Point can be viewed by linking into the wpbostaff blog off of this page.
More tomorrow!
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
Waterbird Counter
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