The winter doldrums continue with scattered single-bird highlights.
The CATBIRD of a week ago proved to be a one-day-wonder.
The HORNED LARK continues to forage across the island, frequenting our lawns.
A single ROBIN appeared today, amid showers of drizzle and snow. I saw it again a few minutes ago foraging under a boardwalk.
SONG SPARROWS seem to be holding their own with around 6 still surviving.
"Our" two RAVENS pop in and out according to their whim, although they seem to be spending slightly more time on the island as the weeks progress. I suspect that they are beginning to anticipate the arrival of the Alcids and the associated fresh food.
A PEREGRINE stalked the island all of yesterday and, except for a 10 minute staring session with the Lark, I believe the falcon's attention was centered on PURPLE SANDPIPERS.
The P. Sandpipers continue at 100+, with many of them strewn about the island behaving more like Woodcocks or Uplands.
I encounter them around the houses nearly every time I'm outside.
1 or 2 EAGLES are pretty much daily visitors which is winter normal.
Common elsewhere but very rare here, a mature GOSHAWK popped by this morning, sitting down just long enough for positive identification.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS are pretty much static with about 50 present around the island. Lots of pairing activity.
There are a handful of EIDERS, scattered RED BREASTED MERGANSERS, wandering LONG TAILED DUCKS and occasionally a few SCOTERS.
Most days one can scrounge up a COMMON LOON or two.
Also occasional are GREAT CORMORANTS loafing on Gull Rock and small groups travelling up and down the channel.
Gulls have been low in number lately but a few are usually within sight. As expected, HERRING & GREAT BLACK BACKED GULLS dominate but it's usually easy to spot ICELAND GULLS and occasionally a GLAUCOUS GULL.
KITTIWAKES have been scarce lately and, combined with depressed gull numbers, would seem to indicate little local feed at the moment.
ALCIDS have been spotty, too.
GREY SEALS are slowly increasing. I have yet see any pups. While Grey Seals occasionally pup in this area, by far the majority are born in New England, usually in January & February so it is still quite early for the wee ones to have made the trip across the Gulf Of Maine.
-- The CATBIRD of a week ago proved to be a one-day-wonder.
The HORNED LARK continues to forage across the island, frequenting our lawns.
A single ROBIN appeared today, amid showers of drizzle and snow. I saw it again a few minutes ago foraging under a boardwalk.
SONG SPARROWS seem to be holding their own with around 6 still surviving.
"Our" two RAVENS pop in and out according to their whim, although they seem to be spending slightly more time on the island as the weeks progress. I suspect that they are beginning to anticipate the arrival of the Alcids and the associated fresh food.
A PEREGRINE stalked the island all of yesterday and, except for a 10 minute staring session with the Lark, I believe the falcon's attention was centered on PURPLE SANDPIPERS.
The P. Sandpipers continue at 100+, with many of them strewn about the island behaving more like Woodcocks or Uplands.
I encounter them around the houses nearly every time I'm outside.
1 or 2 EAGLES are pretty much daily visitors which is winter normal.
Common elsewhere but very rare here, a mature GOSHAWK popped by this morning, sitting down just long enough for positive identification.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS are pretty much static with about 50 present around the island. Lots of pairing activity.
There are a handful of EIDERS, scattered RED BREASTED MERGANSERS, wandering LONG TAILED DUCKS and occasionally a few SCOTERS.
Most days one can scrounge up a COMMON LOON or two.
Also occasional are GREAT CORMORANTS loafing on Gull Rock and small groups travelling up and down the channel.
Gulls have been low in number lately but a few are usually within sight. As expected, HERRING & GREAT BLACK BACKED GULLS dominate but it's usually easy to spot ICELAND GULLS and occasionally a GLAUCOUS GULL.
KITTIWAKES have been scarce lately and, combined with depressed gull numbers, would seem to indicate little local feed at the moment.
ALCIDS have been spotty, too.
GREY SEALS are slowly increasing. I have yet see any pups. While Grey Seals occasionally pup in this area, by far the majority are born in New England, usually in January & February so it is still quite early for the wee ones to have made the trip across the Gulf Of Maine.
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