7 November 2007

Highlights: HOODED MERGANSER (1), RED-THROATED LOON (1), BLACK SCOTER (10)

WEATHER: Today was the chilliest morning we've had so far, finally dipping below the freezing mark. Temperatures ranged from -1 to 3 Celsius. Winds were calmer than yesterday, that's for sure! Winds remained rather light out of the NW, skies were cloudy, and visibility was decent. We had several batches of flurries but nothing ever accumulated.

OVERALL MOVEMENT: The numbers today were decent, probably higher than expected at this time of year. Over 2000 migrants were seen total and FOUR species were seen every hour: Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser. The most numerous species was Long-tailed Duck with over 870 counted.


DUCKS & GEESE: There was a nice variety today (even of dabblers). Species included AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (5+), MALLARD (5), NORTHERN PINTAIL (1), and GREEN-WINGED TEAL (4). All three Scoter species were seen; 15 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 3 SURF SCOTERS, and 10 BLACK SCOTERS were seen. It was a big day for COMMON GOLDENEYE with over 500 counted. Also, over 170 BUFFLEHEAD, over 230 COMMON MERGANSER, nearly 600 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, and a single HOODED MERGANSER were tallied. Almost 900 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were counted.

LOONS & GREBES: Five COMMON LOONS and a RED-THROATED LOON were tallied in addition to 16 RED-NECKED GREBES. A couple HORNED GREBES were seen most of the day in the bay.

RAPTORS: An adult BALD EAGLE was seen several times throughout the day.

The only other species seen from the waterbird shack were SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLL, COMMON RAVEN, and PINE GROSBEAK.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW: Rain and snow is likely along with a moderate southeast wind. Temperatures should reach the low 40's F. Accumulation of 1-2 inches of snow is possible.


Thanks for checking in,

Cory Gregory
arcticory@gmail.com