Highlights: Sprague’s Pipit & Townsend’s Solitaire
A hatch year Northern Goshawk. Photo by Chris Neri
A Sprague’s Pipit found by Fall Waterbird Counter Mario Balitbit is very likely to be the rarest bird of the season. He first heard it as it flew by the waterbird shack on the afternoon of Nov. 6, but our efforts to relocate it were unsuccessful. After Mario heard it again on Nov. 7, we were able to relocate it, and it was still present in the evening today, Nov. 8. This is the third Point record for Sprague’s Pipit and the first in Michigan since the Point’s second record in 1995. Also seen out at the waterbird shack, the season’s second Townsend’s Solitaire made a brief appearance on Nov. 7.
We continue to experience nice movements of winter finches. American Goldfinches have been the most numerous finch in the last few days, but we are also seeing good numbers of Common Redpolls and White-winged Crossbills. Pine Grosbeaks have yet to occur in significant numbers, but they are being seen daily. Hoary Redpoll, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, and Bohemian Waxwing sightings have continued to be sporadic, and there are still only occurring in small numbers. In addition to the finches, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Northern Goshawk have been seen most days this past week. It’s hard to believe we are entering the last week of the season, particularly since we are regularly shedding layers rather than wishing we had more layers on. Still, hopefully, the season will end with some more days of good migration.
Chris Neri
2021 Fall Field Ornithologist
Featured photo: Sprague’s Pipit by Chris Neri
