Most of the occasional late migrants seem to have departed. The only newcomer that I've noted in the past few days is a RED BREASTED NUTHATCH.
Red Breasted are annual visitors, sometimes with several here at once. This one is exceptionally skittish for the species.
The newest thing is the beginning of the Alcid hatch, with young of all three species (RAZORBILL, MURRE & PUFFIN). It's still a bit before peak hatch, though.
The TERNS may have their first chicks but none have been noted yet. This cold, wet weather isn't conducive to unnecessary field activity.
The GANNET saga continues.
The first nest was built in a wave-exposed location and washed away during a modest rough.
They rebuilt well away from the edge of the shore but at a location adjacent to visitor blinds and right in a heavy research area. Consequently, they left the 2nd nest because of disturbance and started rebuilding at the first, exposed site.
Red Breasted are annual visitors, sometimes with several here at once. This one is exceptionally skittish for the species.
The newest thing is the beginning of the Alcid hatch, with young of all three species (RAZORBILL, MURRE & PUFFIN). It's still a bit before peak hatch, though.
The TERNS may have their first chicks but none have been noted yet. This cold, wet weather isn't conducive to unnecessary field activity.
The GANNET saga continues.
The first nest was built in a wave-exposed location and washed away during a modest rough.
They rebuilt well away from the edge of the shore but at a location adjacent to visitor blinds and right in a heavy research area. Consequently, they left the 2nd nest because of disturbance and started rebuilding at the first, exposed site.
Now you need to remember that, since the failed nesting in 2012, there were various numbers of Gannets here each summer. This is the third season that consistently there have been 3 Gannets hanging around and showing great interest in specific locations. As of Monday afternoon, there are two (2) nests, both with sitting Gannets, at two of the previously scouted locations.
With just the three adult Gannets of unknown gender mix, the possibilities of unfertilized eggs or polygamy arise.
Yesterday, encouragingly, there were at least another four (4) adults lounging about the sites, especially the more distant site. Lots of billing and other social interaction at both locations.
Now if they would just colonize a truly secure location ......................
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