The week started with one of the largest pushes of waterbirds so far this fall. A strong northeasterly breeze blowing down from the southern Hudson Bay brought an enormous flight of Canada Geese on Sept. 7. A few flocks were evident in the early morning. However, once 10 o’clock came around, migrant groups began hitting the southern shore of Lake Superior, and it was flock after flock for the remainder of the day. Over 3,500 were tallied over the day. In addition, a single Cackling and four Snow Geese were found while sifting through the flocks. Over 80 Common Loons passed by the Point as well. This cold Arctic air also brought in the first-of-season (FOS) Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs, and their numbers have been slowly building since.
Flocks from the largest push of Canada Geese so far this fall. Photo by Mike McBrien
Sept. 8 was a bit slower; however, the winds shifted to the northwest during the late afternoon hours. I figured it could be a good opportunity to try for an evening flight on the lake, and I was not disappointed. A short hour watch before sunset showcased a nice Red-necked Grebe flight and was highlighted by a young light-morph Long-tailed Jaeger! These evening flights of migrating waterbirds seem most common to see during the spring season, but they can occasionally be observed during the fall on good days.
Flock of Red-necked Grebes moving south during an evening flight on Sept. 8. Photo by Mike McBrien
The weekend hosted many visitors as well as a small but diverse flight of ducks. The first groups of migrant Sandhill Cranes were observed, which is always a pleasant surprise. There was a nice push of American Wigeon and the count’s FOS Redheads, Greater and Lesser Scaup, and Surf Scoters. Shorebirds continue to taper off, but some specialities (including American Golden-Plovers and Buff-breasted Sandpipers) continue to be seen almost daily.
Two slow days of migration end this week’s update. Sept. 12 was highlighted by a moderate goose flight on another chilly northeasterly breeze. While Sept. 13 was one of the slowest days so far this fall, this is leading up to a nice west-northwesterly breeze forecasted for Sept. 14. We will see what the day brings, but the breeze forecast looks very optimistic that we’ll have a good flight — so if you’re in the area, feel free to swing by the waterbird shack!
~ Mike McBrien, 2023 Fall Waterbird Counter
Featured photo: The season’s first flock of Sandhill Cranes migrating south. Photo by Mike McBrien
