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
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