November 1, 2009

November started with a gorgeous day-- skies were mostly sunny, temps topped out in the upper 40's, and wind was very light all day. I guess it will only go downhill from here.

Waterfowl: Another good day overall with a great first two hours. Bufflehead were numerous again with 385 migrating by (all in the first three hours) and Goldeneye had their best day of the fall with 129. Scoters had a pretty good day with 71 White-winged, 4 Black, and a Surf. Common Mergansers (6) were seen for the first time in more than a month and 211 Red-breasteds were seen. Other species seen were Mallard, Common and Red-throated Loon, and Horned and Red-necked Grebe.

Gulls: 3 Great Black-backed Gulls were present in the afternoon-- 1 adult and 2 immatures (see photo below).

Shorebirds: None.

Other: A Red Fox walked out to the shack just after sunrise and provided the group of people present with great looks. Both species of crossbills were seen/heard from the shack as well as some large groups of Goldfinches and Siskins. The Western Grebe was seen again near the harbor.

Tom Prestby

Waterbird Counter