I returned to Machias Seal yesterday, November 13th. It's my 1st rotation since I left in late August.
Lots of expected, seasonal changes: the seabird colony is empty until next spring; all but the very latest south-bound migrants have moved through and our winter residents are arriving from the North.
What is unusual for here, but keeping in line with what's being experienced on the Mainland, our Sparrow/Finch/Grosbeak numbers would likely equal the total for several "normal" winters.
The tone was set as I left home in Saint George where I've been entertaining a large troop of JUNCOS, numerous WHITE THROATED & SONG SPARROWS, several young WHITE CROWNED SPARROWS, scattered CHIPPING SPARROWS and several TREE SPARROWS. Everywhere along my route to Saint Stephen sparrows were easy to spot, as were flocks of finches and grosbeaks. A flock of SNOWBUNTINGS greeted me at the airport and other flocks were identifiable during the flight to the island.
We flushed a small group of Snow Buntings as we landed and an unusual number of late-season sparrows was immediately evident, both in totals and variety. As well, there were numerous ROBINS, 3 GRACKLES, a couple each of GOLD & PURPLE FINCHES.
Shortly after arrival I noticed a sparrow fluffed up & sitting just outside the kitchen window. Nothing exceptional and I almost ignored it. Finally my brain kicked in an I realized how big the thing was ...... definitely not a sparrow. Female PINE GROSBEAK.
As the species is often wont to do this lady was okay with me standing 4 feet away and having a conversation (albeit one sided). She was probably wondering how she ended up on an island that hasn't hosted a real tree for 15 or 20 thousand years.
Shortly after arrival I noticed a sparrow fluffed up & sitting just outside the kitchen window. Nothing exceptional and I almost ignored it. Finally my brain kicked in an I realized how big the thing was ...... definitely not a sparrow. Female PINE GROSBEAK.
As the species is often wont to do this lady was okay with me standing 4 feet away and having a conversation (albeit one sided). She was probably wondering how she ended up on an island that hasn't hosted a real tree for 15 or 20 thousand years.
A PEREGRINE FALCON explored the island but neither it nor the SHARP SHINNED HAWK that flared just outside the livingroom did much to stop the ground feeders from scoffing millet and oil seed as the day faded.
Aquatic activity was somewhat difficult to gauge as the wind continued strong and sea rough. Several GANNETS, sub-adult and adult, were observed adjacent to the island, both cruising and plunge-diving.
I've seen a few ducks around. The sea conditions have made it difficult to assess the numbers but I'm of the opinion that COMMON EIDERS, RED BREASTED MERGANSERS & GULLS are about winter-normal while HARLEQUIN DUCKS haven't reached full winter population.
A couple COMMON LOONS were spotted, as well as scattered CORMORANTS. The cormorants are still a late-season mixture of DOUBLE-CRESTED & GREAT but Greats will soon be almost exclusive.
PURPLE SANDPIPERS have arrived, although I have no idea of numbers yet and no opportunity to check for other, lingering, species.
It's now full light on Friday morning. We have moderate snow ... that heavy, sticky kind, driven by 35 - 40 knot wind .... not good for the few birds trying to refuel.
Even 4 SNOW BUNTINGS gleaning on the lawn have been hard put to maintain a toe-hold.
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