Sun with diminishing amounts of fog over the bay; Beaufort 3 winds from the south, increasing to Bf 4 while shifting to west; unsettled seas; visibility 4km, increasing to 38km
Observers: Todd Watts, Wendy Rogers, Ruth Rogers
Standard count protocols/15 minutes on followed by 15 minutes off
First Session seabird counts (6:30AM – 10:30AM): Eastbound 1994, Westbound 45
Casual counting during the breaks produced another 1485 scoters plus numerous observations of other species.
Steady movement other than during the last hour when activity diminished a bit. The largest flock of the morning came well after the end of the morning session (225 birds). Most of migrants observed were traveling near shore. These birds were propelled by a strong tailwind resulting in significant ground speeds and the need for quick IDs and counting. As the winds were picking up, Ruth spotted a very small eastbound alcid. My view of it came later as it was heading away. To my eyes, it appeared quite small, suggesting a possible Dovekie. Ruth, having observed it better and having significant experience with the species off the Greenland coast felt pretty confident that it was in fact a Dovekie. We agreed to report it as such. This is a late date for the species, but not completely unheard-of. Another bird of interest was a small, buff coloured eider traveling with a small group of Common Eiders. This was a probable King Eider (female). Unfortunately, this bird was observed heading away, preventing a profile view of its head and bill. Without seeing bill colour, or even shape, I felt a bit of uncertainty despite the size and colour strongly suggesting a Queen. Ring-billed Gulls appeared in above average numbers. Migrants of that species included a couple second-year birds, which are beginning to show up. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull parked with Herring Gulls, Ring-bills and an adult Great Black-backed Gull a little off the rocks, providing nice comparisons. For the first time this season, Harlequin Ducks were not observed. Rather heavy seas may have been partially responsible for the lack of these birds.
Species observed over the bay: Common Eider, Black, Surf and White-winged Scoters, American Black and Long-tailed Ducks, Greater Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Common and Red-throated Loon, Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Dovekie, Great and Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Gannet, American Herring, Great Black-backed, Lesser Black-backed and Ring-billed Gulls
Song Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows consumed seed placed in front of the building. A Merlin and an adult Bald Eagle were observed. Two female Northern Harrier were also observed. It seemed that these two might have arrived from bay. One or more Barn Swallows were present.
The woods and fields were not explored.
Afternoon:
From Noon to 4:00 PM
Weather: Clear Skies, winds from the NW, Beaufort 4, 17 to 12 Deg Celsius and white caps. Visibility 38km
Observers: Paul Martin, Brigitte Greene
During Counts:
Eastbound: 80 birds | Westbound: 48 birds
Casual Counts During Breaks:
Eastbound: 51 birds | Westbound: 17 birds
It was a very slow day, likely the northern winds were a factor, little movement, we had a number of large parked rafts of scoters that floated by, and a number of Northern Gannets not only flying through, but making their spectacular dives into the water. It helped the day go by well.
Species observed over the bay:
Common Eider, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Common Loon, Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Double-crested Cormorant, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Northern Gannet, and Red-throated Loon.
Just a few Song Sparrows, a Merlin and an American Kestrel.
We also had Jim Wilson stop in for a visit near the end of the day, always a pleasure.
This project is supported with funds provided through the Canadian Wildlife Service, the NB Wildlife Trust Fund and the NB Environmental Trust Fund.