Week six of the fall waterbird count was quite interesting as we experienced many different types of weather. From calm to strong winds in all directions, clear skies, and rain, the birds appeared to be on the move in the more inclement weather.
Friday (9/20), we counted 1,209 waterbirds. Rain came in from the east, which seemed to push many flocks of ducks our way. These flocks consisted of over a hundred American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler. We also had our first larger groups of Gadwall and our first American Black Duck of the season.
Sunday (9/22), we counted 1,270 waterbirds. This was also an interesting weather day, with strong winds switching from southeast to northwest, as well as some heavier rain in the second half of the day. We had our highest count of Common Loons (94) so far this fall. This was also the first day of seeing more Red-breasted Mergansers on the move, which continued throughout the rest of the week.
The days without rain were much slower, however, we still had some fun birds such as a Parasitic Jaeger that was observed chasing a Sabine’s Gull on 9/19, and a group of 17 Sandhill Cranes on 9/24. Overall, this was our first week with consistent Greater/Lesser Scaup movements, and daily White-winged and Surf Scoters.
The days that were slower for waterbirds were more exciting in terms of non-waterbirds; a couple of Lapland Longspurs have joined the Horned Lark and American Pipit groups on the beach. We also had a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Blue-headed Vireo, and Pileated Woodpecker make appearances around the count area along with dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers. The larger number of songbirds in the area led to many raptors hunting them; a Sharp-shinned Hawk was observed hunting the birds in the trees, and a Merlin and Peregrine Falcon were chasing the songbirds on the beach.
You can now see the waterbird count data on Trektellen! Check it out at trektellen.nl/count/view/4209.
~Hannah Leabhart
2024 Fall Waterbird Counter
Featured photo: Some Canada Geese landed at the Point during heavy rains and strong winds. Photo by Hannah Leabhart
A juvenile Peregrine Falcon soaring past the Point after a failed attempt at hunting American Pipits. Photo by Hannah Leabhart
A survivor of the Peregrine Falcon attack (American Pipit). Hannah Leabhart
Sandhill Cranes flying toward the Point. Photo by Hannah Leabhart
There was a lot of Pileated Woodpecker activity around the Point this week. Photo by Hannah Leabhart
You can now see the waterbird count data on Trektellen! Check it out at trektellen.nl/count/view/4209.
You can keep up with the 2024 Fall Waterbird Count by reading Hannah’s weekly blog posts and following WPBO’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X). The fall waterbird count runs August 15 through November 15.
Hannah Leabhart: 2024 Fall Waterbird Counter
Hannah has always loved animals and being outdoors, but she became interested in birds in high school after seeing a Hooded Merganser and trying to identify it. After discovering how many other unique ducks there are to see in Iowa, she fell down the rabbit hole of trying to see all of them. Hannah quickly fell in love with birding and the community around it. While attending Iowa State University, she participated in the birding club and has been involved in Christmas Bird Counts and her local bird banding station. Since graduation, she has been traveling from state to state, working seasonal positions. Hannah looks forward to experiencing the spectacular bird migration and the beautiful fall scenery that Whitefish Point has to offer.
