So so weather hasn't produced many migration wonders in recent days. Visitors here have been mostly singletons or very small groups of common species like STARLING, GRACKLE, FLICKER & ROBIN.
SONG SPARROWS and JUNCOS still dominate the scene, although their numbers have dropped as more and more continue their journey.
The sparrow clan has been reinforced by numerous SWAMP SPARROWS, a couple "IPSWICH" type SAVANNAH SPARROWS and at least 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS.
SONG SPARROWS and JUNCOS still dominate the scene, although their numbers have dropped as more and more continue their journey.
The sparrow clan has been reinforced by numerous SWAMP SPARROWS, a couple "IPSWICH" type SAVANNAH SPARROWS and at least 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS.
I flushed a WILSON'S SNIPE near the house yesterday. They are an annual species but mostly only seen by chance encounter.
I saw a single KESTREL over a 5 day period. I suspect it was just one bird hanging around for the abundant sparrows but 2 or 3 birds are possible.
The only other raptor that I've seen is an EAGLE dropping by on a daily basis. The gulls especially are an attraction for eagles but the activity surrounding the Alcid return and a seal pup carcass are definitely attractive, too.
The only other raptor that I've seen is an EAGLE dropping by on a daily basis. The gulls especially are an attraction for eagles but the activity surrounding the Alcid return and a seal pup carcass are definitely attractive, too.
Seabirds are picking up a bit with DOUBLE CREASTED CORMORANTS passing in small flocks; COMMON EIDERS hanging about the island and COMMON LOONS are seen more frequently, as are RED BREASTED MERGANSERS.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS continue although the overall number might be down slightly. I only saw about 3 dozen yesterday but they were quite mobile and difficult to count accurately.
PURPLE SANDPIPERS are still here but not very evident since the recent full tides and heavy sea. It's hard to tell whether they were disbursed by the weather or simple decided to move North.
The PUFFIN segment of the Alcids has been missing until yesterday. Previously, it was entirely RAZORBILLS & MURRES.
However, early in the day (noonish), Alcids began rafting on both sides of the island and by 3 pm the gloom and first sprinkles of rain had them wheeling and coming ashore.
For the first time a very few PUFFINS were among them and also for the first time, Razorbills landed on the North & East portions of the island. This morning there were a bare handful of Puffins visible on both sections of the island, among the other Alcids.
However, early in the day (noonish), Alcids began rafting on both sides of the island and by 3 pm the gloom and first sprinkles of rain had them wheeling and coming ashore.
For the first time a very few PUFFINS were among them and also for the first time, Razorbills landed on the North & East portions of the island. This morning there were a bare handful of Puffins visible on both sections of the island, among the other Alcids.
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