Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Photo by Alec Olivier
Waterbird migration in the last week has been almost non-existent, with the slowest day of the season occurring on Sept. 2, which was the only day of the season without at least one Red-necked Grebe. Sept. 7 was the first day where there was a noticeable movement of waterbirds finally occurring. The flight was dominated primarily by Green-winged Teal, but there was a good showing of other dabblers and terns as well. The rarity streak continued this week when I found a Smith’s Longspur (SMLO) on the morning of Sept. 5. As of today (9/8), the SMLO is still being seen near the waterbird shack to the delight of many visiting birders. Jaegers have been seen sporadically, with the first adult Parasitic Jaeger being seen on Sept. 5. Another adult Parasitic/Pomarine Jaeger was observed in the last 5 minutes of the count on Sept. 5 as well.
~ Alec Olivier
2022 Fall Waterbird Counter
Featured Photo: Smith’s Longspur. Photo by Alec Olivier
