Sightings Update 10/24/22

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Photo by Chris Neri

Highlights: American Three-toed Woodpecker & Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

The epic season for vagrants seen by Waterbird Counter Alec Olivier out at the waterbird shack continued this past week. An American Three-toed Woodpecker made a brief appearance for Alec in the early morning on October 22. Unfortunately, all efforts to relocate it failed. At the end of the waterbird count on October 23, Alec spotted a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher as it flew out of the lakeside dune line. Despite a stiff headwind, it flew over the beach, dropped low over the bay, and continued over the lake until it was out of view.

We have experienced some extreme weather this past week. High north winds produced some of the most extreme weather I have ever experienced here. Although those winds did not produce a particularly good songbird migration, the waterbird migration during that period was spectacular. I admittedly did not experience most of it, but Tuesday produced nearly 14,000 Long-tailed Ducks and record numbers of White-winged and Black Scoters, along with three Sabine’s Gulls. I usually cover the waterbird count on Wednesday and Thursday, but former — and hopefully future — waterbird counter Alison Világ was here and offered to cover the count on Wednesday. It proved to be another ridiculously amazing waterbird flight, including what we believe was a North American record flight of over 16,000 Long-tailed Ducks and another record Black Scoter flight for WPBO. The first two Black-legged Kittiwakes of the season were also observed that day. It was amazing not only to have Alison here during those days but also former WPBO waterbird counter Cory Gregory. Their help was invaluable during these big flights.

In the woods, the transition to late-season migrants really kicked in this past week. Much of the early and mid-season diversity is gone. Thankfully, some late fall migrants have picked up in numbers, and we also had a few new arrivals this week. Purple Finches have moved in and are dominating the feeders. Red Crossbill numbers have increased significantly in the last few days. Although they are generally not coming to the feeders, Common Redpoll numbers have also started increasing. Evening Grosbeak numbers are still low, but they are becoming more regular, and the first Pine Grosbeaks have arrived. Ruffed Grouse and Wilson’s Snipe are being seen daily. As is expected at this time of year, sparrow numbers have dropped off, but as late-season migrants, American Tree Sparrow numbers are increasing.

Wilson’s Snipe. Photo by Chris Neri

As always, we thank Michigan Audubon Board Member Rosann Kovalcik for providing WPBO with bird feeders and food. Rosann owns the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Grosse Pointe Woods, and her generosity keeps the feeders here going. The feeders can often be quiet this time of the year, but they have been very busy the last few days. It appears that the pine crop is down this year, so the feeders may be of increased value to some of the migrants this fall.

Purple Finch. Photo by Chris Neri

American Tree Sparrow eating a blueberry. Photo by Chris Neri

For those familiar with the Point, here is a view of the Point and the waterbird shack during last Tuesday’s north winds that gusted over 50 mph. The water in this photo is not Lake Superior but rather the pond on the beach at the Point. The waterbird shack is just below and left of the lighthouse, which can be seen breaking above the tree line.

And now for something completely different. While birding along the tree line on the bayside beach, I heard the sound of an approaching helicopter. It turned out to be two Navy helicopters that came right up the bayside beach, very low and right over Alec at the waterbird shack. It was an impressive sight, including some soldiers sitting in view at the tail end of the helicopters.

One of two Navy helicopters making a low pass over the Point. Photo by Chris Neri

~ Chris Neri
2022 Fall Field Ornithologist

Featured photo: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Photo by Chris Neri