Waterbird Highlights:
This week (Aug. 28–Sept. 2), 36 species (+1 other taxa) of waterbirds have passed by the Point. If you have been keeping up with Dunkadoo numbers, you are probably wondering where all the Red-necked Grebes are! We are wondering the same thing. This time last year, there had already been over 5,000 individuals; this year has yet to reach 1,500! There are many hypotheses as to why the grebes have yet to appear in mass. We are still in the early stages of the count, and we are hoping for a large push of them any day now. Canada Geese have really picked up starting on Aug. 27. Common Terns are still steadily seen throughout the week, which occasionally brought in a Parasitic Jaeger or a jaegers spuh (species). Normal scenes of ducks and loons are being spotted but becoming more regular each morning. Shorebird abundance has significantly reduced this week, but the assemblage is still going strong. The one exception would be the absence of Piping Plovers and the gain of migratory Black-bellied Plovers.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (8/28/21)
Raptors Highlights:
During the count, 11 species of raptors have been spotted this week. By far, the highlight of the week was a Black Vulture. Based on eBird, this would be the fourth confirmed Point record! It was a distant view, but the snappy wing beats and white primary flashes were quite distinct amongst the kettle of Turkey Vultures. An adult Golden Eagle was another unexpected visitor to the Point! Golden Eagles are frequently spotted during the spring raptor counts, but less so in the fall.
Black Vulture (9/1/21)
Golden Eagle (adult, 8/29/21)
Passerine and Near Passerine/Land-Bird Highlights:
Behind the waterbird shack, roughly 27 species of land birds can be heard and seen moving through the forest. Some days up to 15-plus species of warblers can be found foraging anywhere from the high canopy to the sandy dunes. An early Ash-throated Flycatcher stunned birders this week, making this one of the earlier records for this species. Thankfully it stayed throughout the afternoon and into the evening, allowing birders to enjoy every second they could with the bird.
Ash-throated Flycatcher (8/29/21)
Weather:
Northerly winds have become more common out at the Point, bringing lower pressures and cloudy conditions. One morning we had a short-lived thunderstorm that quickly dispersed and allowed us to start the count promptly. The forecast shows rain on the horizon, but if you have ever ventured to the Point, you may know that out here, weather can change almost instantaneously, exactly like migrating waterbirds.
Other Field Notes:
We can’t forget that the world’s first unicorn was spotted and documented at our very own refuge! It was wondered effortlessly out of Lake Superior and decided to refresh itself in the murky pond at the Point. No worries — a brave soul tamed the beast and brought it back to their family for their children to enjoy.
Unicorn Floaty (8/29/21)
Stay tuned to next week for more bird-filled sightings! As always, let us know what you think and reach out with any questions you may have about the count!
-Mario Balitbit, 2021 Fall Waterbird Counter
