August 21, 2009: Whimbrel

It was an interesting day at the point with weather changing by the minute. Overall it was mostly cloudy and windy but showers (sometimes heavy) passed by on occasion, almost on the hour. The wind also shifted several times-- first from the SE, then the east, then finally the north.

Waterfowl: Very Slow. Common Loons had their best day of the fall this year with 20 birds, almost all of which were during the first hour. Also seen were a few Red-necked Grebes, Blue-winged Teal, Mallards, and the first two American Black Ducks of the season.

Shorebirds: A very fun day with the shorebirds. By far the highlight was a Whimbrel (see pictures) that flew in about halfway through the count after a rain shower. It enjoyed the pools created by the recent rains and lingered for a couple hours. While I was watching this bird 4 more Whimbrels flew by but never landed. Several other shorebird species were present today including 3 Black-bellied Plovers in almost full breeding plumage and the Piping Plover.

Piping Plover update: I learned from Erin Roche that the Piping Plover is one of the juvenile birds that was born at the point this year. Thanks Erin!

Other: 4 Chimney Swifts and 7 Cliff Swallows came in off the lake and a Vesper Sparrow was hanging out near the waterbird shack.

North winds are forecasted for tomorrow which hopefully will bring some ducks.

Tom Prestby

Waterbird Counter