The week got off to a slow start on Sept. 28 and 29 with a continuing, unfavorable, southeasterly breeze. Luckily, this was followed by the three most productive days of the season so far!
The forecast for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 did not seem very optimistic, with high pressure, pleasant temperatures, and a warm southeasterly wind forecasted. However, each day featured some rain passing through in the predawn hours — potentially pushing migrant waterfowl down the lake behind the stationary front as it passed through the area.
Sept. 30 featured triple-digit tallies of Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, and Redhead. We also witnessed a historic push of Forster’s Terns — one of the highest single-day tallies recorded at WPBO, with 45 passing by the Point! As if that was not exciting enough, the season’s second Arctic Tern migrated right down the dune line.
A flock of Forster’s Terns migrates past the Point on Sept. 30 — part of a historic push of this species on that date. Photo by Mike McBrien
Green-winged Teal, Redhead, and Greater Scaup each broke into triple digits on Oct. 1. A rare Red-necked Phalarope was the highlight of the day, along with a massive flight of 199 Red-throated Loons. With the very strong loon flight this past week, this fall’s count has already surged into the second-highest Red-throated Loon season in the fall count history — and we are just into the first week of October!
Oct. 2 showcased another large flight of Redhead for the third day in a row, joined by over 230 Northern Pintail and 167 American Wigeon. Incredibly, another Arctic Tern passed the Waterbird Shack, delighting another crew of birders visiting the Point.
The week was capped off by three Parasitic Jaegers migrating past the Point on Oct. 4, on an otherwise slow day.
Around the Point, a Lark Sparrow and a migrating Short-eared Owl were seen on Sept. 28. LeConte’s Sparrows are in, with multiple individuals present between Oct. 2 and 3. A late Philadelphia Vireo was recorded on Oct. 4. In addition, Pine Siskins continue to irrupt into the region, with Oct. 4 featuring the first local push of American Goldfinch and Purple Finch since August.
~ Mike McBrien
2023 Fall Waterbird Counter
Featured photo: A mixed flock of dabblers (American Wigeon, Redhead, and a Blue-winged Teal) passed during a strong flight on Sept. 30. All three of these species hit triple-digit totals on that day. Photo by Mike McBrien
A Lark Sparrow visiting the Point on Sept. 28. Photo by Mike McBrien
