6 October 2007

Highlights: PECTORAL SANDPIPER (12)

WEATHER: Today was plagued with thunderstorms and frequent showers, so much so that the first hour of the count was canceled due to thunder and lightening. Winds started as moderate out of the SE but they weakened a little as the count went on. Temperatures ranged from 17-18 Celsius. The weather didn't keep birds from migrating though, it was a fairly active day.

DUCKS & GEESE: Nearly 7o CANADA GEESE came by the point. A bit of a surprise was a WOOD DUCK that came by in the 4th hour. Some other species tallied included AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (5), MALLARD (30+), NORTHERN PINTAIL (50+), and GREEN-WINGED TEAL (180+). Nearly 600 Aythya species were seen including REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCK, and both SCAUP species. Over 100 SURF SCOTERS were seen and over 200 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS as well. Low numbers of COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, and LONG-TAILED DUCK were also seen. Over 1200 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were tallied.

LOONS & GREBES: Nearly 170 COMMON LOONS passed by in addition to 30 RED-THROATED LOONS. Less than 50 RED-NECKED GREBES and nearly 10 HORNED GREBES were seen.

SHOREBIRDS: It was a good day for shorebirds. Seven species were seen; BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, SANDERLING, DUNLIN (80), WILSON'S SNIPE (3), and even 13 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.

GULLS/TERNS/JAEGERS: No jaegers were tallied and only 1 COMMON TERN was seen.

Some other birds seen from the waterbird shack included PEREGRINE FALCON, MERLIN, SAVANNAH SPARROW, HORNED LARK, AMERICAN PIPIT, and some sizable flocks of LAPLAND LONGSPURS.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for isolated showers and winds from the south.

Thanks for checking in,
Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com
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