Waterbird Highlights:
During this week’s count (Sept. 3–9), the count had 42 species of waterbirds! Aug. 5 was an exciting day where we had 32 of the 42 species of waterbirds seen during the count. There were quite a few highlights that day, such as large numbers of Pluvialis plovers (Black-bellied/golden-plover sp.), several Black Terns, and decent showings of Parasitic Jaegers. The end tally for the count for jaegers was 11 individuals! A former counter that spent the entirety of the day at the Point (proper) ended with 19 jaegers, making this possibly the highest recorded count for the Point. The 5th will go down as one of the exciting days for the count, but there were still more birds to be found throughout the week. A group of four Hudsonian Godwits was spotted moving low over the pond on Aug. 4 during a rainy morning of counting. Since I could not snap a photo of the godwits, I decided to feature this week’s image of a “Hudwit,” created by yours truly. Another visitor was a juvenile Sabine’s Gull, which happened to be the first bird for the count on Aug. 3. Our abundance of grebes has finally started picking up this week and becoming more steady as the week progresses.
American Golden-Plover (09/07/2021)
Sandhill Cranes (09/05/2021)
Raptor Highlights:
After the sighting of the Black Vulture, more eyes have been keeping a look behind the waterbird shack in the hope of its return or for other unexpected guests. Aug. 5 brought not only loads of waterbird fun but also a spectacular view of over 100 Broad-winged Hawks!
Broad-winged Hawk
American Kestrel (left), Merlin (right)
Passerine and Near Passerine/Land-Bird Highlights:
Catharus thrushes, such as Swainson’s Thrush, are becoming a more common sighting at the refuge. Some small birds coming off the water are target practice for the eager Merlins along the shoreline. One thrush almost landed along the outside of the shack after nearly escaping from Merlin. Believe it or not, some birds take shelter in the waterbird shack after crossing or attempting to cross the lake. Two species that landed in the shack this week were a White-throated Sparrow and a Palm Warbler! Both these birds were quickly released after being removed from the shack and dashed into the nearby forest.
Palm Warbler (photo credit to Aaron Coolman)
White-throated Sparrow (photo credit to Aaron Coolman)
Weather:
Rain has been the theme this week, with several days of northwest winds and a couple of southerly wind days. These conditions may have contributed to having exceptional jaeger numbers and shorebird diversity. Despite my inexperience in the U.P., I can say that the conditions are starting to move more towards a fall climate, and the change in bird diversity has been a telling feature of the landscape.
Sunrise at the Shack (09/07/2021)
Other Field Notes:
We have had several visits of various species of bats the past few days. This Silver-haired Bat decided to hang near the visiting platform once the Merlin started patrolling other shore sections.
Silver-haired Bat
I am sorry to have to end on a more graphic note; I felt it necessary to provide a friendly reminder of the impact we have on our local wildlife. Some of you may see this as another gull (seagull) amongst the crowd of many. We have recently learned that Ring-billed Gulls can reach the age of 28 (more details here), making this another long-lived waterbird species. Of course, accidents happen, and it is unfortunate that this less than 6-month gull has to pay the price.
Ring-billed Gull (09/08/2021)
I will try to keep it more upbeat in the following weeks, I promise! As always, stay tuned to next week for more bird-filled sightings! Let us know what you think, and reach out with any questions you may have about the count!
~Mario Balitbit, 2021 Fall Waterbird Counter
