Waterbird Highlights:
Here are some notable sightings during the sixth week of the waterbird count (Sept. 17–23). We spotted 47 species of waterbirds, of which 19 (+1 taxa) were waterfowl (Anseriformes). The level of abundance per day is sporadic, but there have been some exciting mixed flocks of dabbler ducks and diving ducks during these occasional cold fronts. Our most recent day even brought us a group of several Canada Geese with two Snow Geese and a likely Ross’s Goose! I say “likely” because the sighting was distant, and without diagnostic views, we must assume that there is a possibility that this could be a Snow x Ross’s Goose. It was a shame to let it go, but let’s hope for a closer opportunity next time.
Snow Goose (right), Canada Goose (left) 9/22/21
The jaeger show keeps on giving! This week, all three jaeger species made a showing during the count. Several adult Parasitic Jaegers were seen regularly this week, making it more straightforward for us to ID down to the species level and prepared us for other jaegers to come. With several eyes to the sky, an immature Long-tailed Jaeger (LTJA) was spotted cutting over the Point making for frustrating views. What spiced the count up this week was a sighting of an adult Pomarine Jaeger! This adult still had the diagnostic “spoons” of the inner tail feathers, which many want to see.
Pomarine Jaeger (adult, 09/21/21))
Raptor Highlights:
There was decent diversity of raptors this week (seven species), but overall low in abundance. September 20 brought a slight push of Sharp-shinned Hawks, while the following day brought several American Kestrels.
Passerine and Near Passerine/Land-Bird Highlights:
We almost had a few avian visitors to the shack. Several Golden-crowned Kinglets, a Magnolia Warbler, and a Savannah Sparrow zipping between our legs and the tripods while successfully evading the shack. The occasional Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallow make an appearance, primarily during harsh wind conditions.
Weather:
The last couple of days have cooled off at the Point. The number of visitors to the shack has decreased, possibly due to the unpredictable rain conditions. But, the fall colors may change the number of visitors, people, and birds related.
~ Mario Balitbit, 2021 Fall Waterbird Counter
