The patterns of habitat use between here and the mudflats of Atkins Bay & the Kennebec can be modified during periods of neap tides (now). Highs aren't as high, but Lows aren't as low either. Consequently, the lagoon here offers edges of suitable foraging hab right thru High Tide. Alternately, the mudflats of Atkins Bay might not be exposed until the very bottom of Low Tide, if at all.
There are still large numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers here, but fewer than in recent weeks. Sanderlings (adults) have also decreased in number, and they are now almost always out on damp sand, rather than in the lagoon. I searched thru 750 Semi-Sands and found 3 Least Sands (Juv) and 2 White Rumped Sands. 6 Piping Plovers were all fully feathered YOY . Likewise foraging out on the damp sand (no adults seen). One Eastern Willet. Semi-Plovers down to 400, all adults. Only 3 SBDowitchers...the big numbers are elsewhere.
Two Least Terns were feeding two altricial young, just behind the orange string in the dune grass. One young was gray, the other tan. Photos
The most exciting obs was that of two Peregrine Falcons, gang-hunting over the lagoon. I believe a larger female, plus a smaller young male. Before this event, a solo Peregrine was standing on the beach overlooking the lagoon. I've witnessed these birds chasing down Piping Plovers (on foot) at another location. A Merlin would never stoop to such a tactic (pun intended). There's one of these down here as well.
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