Menu of June-Dec. 1996 (sections 96.60-96.118) Bird Field Notes
by Range Bayer from the Sandpiper (a publication
of Yaquina Birders & Naturalists, Lincoln County, Oregon)
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Section Month of
No. Sandpiper, Volume 17
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96.60 June-August 1996
96.79 September 1996
96.88 October 1996
96.99 November 1996
96.108 December 1996
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96.60 June-August 1996 Bird Field Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayshore
Beach=ocean beach along north Alsea Bay Spit, Beaver Creek=creek
flowing through Ona Beach, Criteser's Moorage=marina at about mile
10.2 along north Yaquina Bay Road, Driftwood Beach SP=park about
halfway between Seal Rocks and Waldport, Eckman Lake=lake just east of
Waldport along HWY 34, HY=hatch-year (bird in the calendar year of its
hatching), Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, Lost
Creek SP=park about 4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, MSC=Marine
Science Center, MSC Lagoon=lagoon just north of MSC Public Parking
Lot, Nute Slough=freshwater slough at about mile 9.3 along north
Yaquina Bay Road, Ona Beach SP=park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay
bridge along HWY 101, Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about
3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between
Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.61 LOONS
Loons were one of the big stories this summer. On 6/1, CL, CC,
and TD found a rare YELLOW-BILLED LOON in nonbreeding plumage at Alsea
Bay; it may have been injured as have other Yellow-billed Loons found
here in summer.
Prior to 1985, Pacific and Arctic Loons were all included in one
species--Arctic Loons, but Pacific Loons are now considered a separate
species and are the one expected here. On 8/11, DF reported seeing
what appeared to be an ARCTIC LOON at the YBSJ, which may be a first
for Oregon; it had the white flank patches that are supposedly
diagnostic for Arctics, but distinguishing the two species is
difficult. On 8/13 (DC) and 8/16 (BT) saw the loon near the MSC;
BT photographed it, and it seemed to have Arctic Loon characteristics.
On 8/17, CH also reported seeing what looked like an Arctic Loon at
the YBSJ on 8/10. On 8/19 (DB & JJ) and on 8/23 (BT) could not find
it.
Loons were seen along the Lincoln Co. coast on 6/16, with
PACIFIC LOONS the most common, but there were also COMMON LOONS and
RED-THROATED LOONS (GK). There regularly were up to 26 small loons
inside Siletz Bay the second week of July (D&BM); they were most
likely Pacific Loons, which are fairly regular nonbreeders along our
coast, but are rarer in such numbers in our bays. On 8/18, DB & JJ
found about 20 Pacifics in Siletz Bay.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.62 GREBES-HERON
Nonbreeding WESTERN GREBES regularly oversummer and as many as 12
were counted and seen near Yaquina Head during 10 days in June (BLM),
and as many as nine were at Yachats on 7/14 (KM) and 8/1 (SL).
Our first fall RED-NECKED GREBE still in breeding plumage visited
Seal Rocks on 8/11 (KM).
22 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES were recorded 6 miles or more
offshore of Depoe Bay on 7/6; also seen during this pelagic trip were
30 NORTHERN FULMARS, five PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, and
44 SOOTY SHEARWATERS (GG et al.). During the 8/10 pelagic trip up to
70 miles off Depoe Bay, MH et al. saw 17 Black-footed Albatrosses,
nine fulmars, 20 Pink-footed and 25 Sooty Shearwaters, three
FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, and one LEACH'S STORM-PETREL.
Our largest BROWN PELICAN counts were 83 at Yaquina Head on 6/27
(BLM) and 258 at Seal Rocks on 6/30 (KM); pelicans are so mobile that
it is hard to estimate their abundance without systematic surveys.
Concurrent with the Common Murre die-off in late June and early July
(see below), at least nine pelicans were found and taken to
rehabilitation centers along the Oregon Coast--many if not all were
grossly underweight (RL), so whatever caused the murre die-off may
also have affected pelicans.
Our first fall GREAT EGRETS were noted at Eckman Lake and Yaquina
Bay on 7/14 (KM); several were also noted in upper Yaquina Bay a few
days later (JB).
Young birds do and try things that adults don't. A
HY GREAT BLUE HERON waded in the surf near Seal Rocks on 8/27 (DP)--
adults hunt in places without sneaker waves (herons don't surf well!)
and in water with better visibility for seeing their prey.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.63 WATERFOWL
Although there is one BRANT nesting record for the Oregon Coast,
they are uncommon in summer. Late migrants are often noted the first
week of June, but during June 10-30, 1-13 were near Ona Beach (DG),
Seal Rocks (DP), Alsea Bay and Driftwood Beach SP (RL), and YBSJ (KM);
the peak count was a flock of 27 at the Nestucca River mouth
(Tillamook Co.) on 6/28 (DP). Our only reports since June are four at
Seal Rocks on 7/3 (DP), and 12 at the Siuslaw River mouth (Lane Co.)
on 7/8 (RW).
Two GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE along with domestic geese at Idaho
Flats on 7/28 (KM) probably oversummered--migration for them is still
weeks away, and we have had summering stragglers before.
A late NORTHERN SHOVELER was amongst scoters just south of
Yaquina Head on 5/26 (BLM).
"Fall" arrivals include a pair of NORTHERN PINTAILS at Siletz Bay
on 7/21 (the male was in partial or full eclipse plumage)(KM), and a
mortally sick male GREEN-WINGED TEAL in eclipse plumage on 8/20 at
Newport (fide RL).
A SCAUP came ashore near Bayshore Beach in late July, and RLe
took it to Eckman Lake; four scaup were at the mouth of the Yachats
River on 8/1 (SL). Migrants are not customarily found until late
September and especially early October, so these scaup may have been
nonbreeders that summered.
The male MANDARIN DUCK at the Yachats River was spotted again in
May (JM), so its lonely saga over the past few years continues.
Nonbreeding scoters regularly oversummer here; most reported this
summer were SURF SCOTERS, but WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also common
(SM; BLM; GG et al.). The only BLACK SCOTER reports were for Yaquina
Head on 7/27 (JS) and of 10 off Cascade Head (Tillamook Co.) on 8/10
(CH). Counts of 500 or more scoters (that may have included some
Blacks) included: 670 (7/14), 1070 (7/21), and 1100 (8/11) scoters at
Yaquina Head (KM); a total of about 600 scoters near Seal Rocks and at
Yachats on 7/28 (KM), about 1100 scoters about 1/2 mile off Squaw
Creek (Lane Co.) on 7/31 (DP), and 720 scoters at Seal Rocks on 8/11
(KM).
HARLEQUIN DUCKS were regularly noted at Seal Rocks this summer
with 11 throughout August (DP), and on 7/23, DP found four whose
primaries had completely molted. This appears to be the first report
of flightless Harlequins along the Oregon Coast.
A flock of nine HOODED MERGANSERS at Eckman Lake on 8/6 seem to
be early for that site (RL).
Our first estuarine flock of 24-40 COMMON MERGANSERS in
female-type plumage reported this summer were at Alsea Bay on 7/21
(KM). They can be easily mistaken for female Red-breasteds, unless
head and bill shape and nostril position are carefully noted.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.64 RAPTORS
The only WHITE-TAILED KITE was one at Nute Slough on 8/12 (CP);
nesting has been suspected there.
At least one nestling OSPREY was at their new nest near the
entrance to South Beach State Park on 7/28 (BLo).
The murre's tragedy (see below) is good fortune for others--on
6/13, DG saw two TURKEY VULTURES feeding on a Common Murre carcass
near Lost Creek SP.
A COOPER'S HAWK was in Toledo on 8/11 (CP). A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
"hawked" some kind of insect at south Beaver Creek on 7/23 (CP),
another harassed swallows at Beaver Creek on 7/25 (LO), and a third
was northeast of Yaquina Head on 8/2 (CP).
NORTHERN HARRIERS are usually rare here in June, but they are
often seen more often in July. EH found an adult male south of the
YBSJ on 6/17, BLM staff found two at Yaquina Head on 6/25 & 29, one
was near the MSC on 7/15 (fide RO), and CP found three hunting the
clearcuts northeast of Yaquina Head on 8/2.
On 6/4, 1-2 BALD EAGLE young were at the Devils Lake, Siletz Bay,
and Yaquina Bay nests, but the Alsea Bay nest failed (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.65 BOBWHITE-RAILS
The escapee NORTHERN BOBWHITES continued to hang around SS's
Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.). On 5/22, SS wrote that they were
calling "Bobwhite," but mostly they called "White" with a rarer
"Bob-Bob-White"; SS did not note them after June 9 until she heard a
"Bobwhite" on 7/21.
The status of SORAS in summer is unknown--EH provided our first
June records; he found them responding to tapes about two miles up
Beaver Creek Road on 6/9 & 12; VIRGINIA RAILS were also present there
both days.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.66 SUMMERING NONBREEDING SHOREBIRDS
Each summer some shorebirds stick around rather than go elsewhere
to nest. Whimbrels are the most conspicous and numerous summering
species, but there are also stragglers of other species. The problem
is sometimes telling if birds are truly lingering or if they may just
be late migrants still on their way to nesting areas.
WHIMBRELS.--On 6/1, perhaps 50 were near Ona Beach, and another
20 were at Yaquina Bay (CL, CC, and TD); on 6/5, 70 were between the
mouths of the Siuslaw River (Lane Co.) and Umpqua River (Douglas
Co.)(RL & DP); on 6/13, 25 were at Yaquina Bay (RL); on 6/17, at least
two were at Yaquina Bay (EH); and, on 6/30, one was at Seal Rocks (an
unusual summering site)(KM). Immigrants had arrived by 7/21, as KM
then found 54 at Alsea Bay and 55 at Idaho Flats.
OTHER SHOREBIRDS.--On 6/1, a MARBLED GODWIT lingered at Yaquina
Bay (CL, CC, & TD; EH). On 6/5 between the mouths of Siuslaw River
(Lane Co.) and Umpqua River (Douglas Co.) about 300 SANDERLINGS were
probably very late migrants (RL & DP). On 6/17, EH found a GREATER
YELLOWLEGS at Yaquina Bay, which may have been an early fall migrant,
and, on 6/28, a PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along a Tillamook Co. beach (DP)
may have been a nonbreeding summer vagrant.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.67 "FALL" SHOREBIRD ARRIVALS
Probable "fall" shorebird immigrants were four WESTERN SANDPIPERS
at Seal Rocks on 6/27 (DP)--two days later 115 were noted in that area
(RL); they were about on schedule.
It is not clear if a LEAST SANDPIPER and a SANDERLING at Seal
Rocks on 6/27 (DP) were migrants or summer vagrants.
Arrivals include: SEMIPALMATED PLOVER near Seal Rock on 7/3 (DP),
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE off Depoe Bay on 7/6 (GG et al.), SURFBIRD and
BLACK TURNSTONE at Seal Rocks on 7/8 (DP), RUDDY TURNSTONE near Seal
Rocks on 7/15 (DP), PECTORAL SANDPIPER near the MSC on 7/17 (fide RO),
a LONG-BILLED CURLEW amongst at least 100 WHIMBRELS near Waldport on
7/23 (AF), BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Yaquina Bay on 7/24 (AF), and
WANDERING TATTLER at YBSJ on 8/2 (TJ).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.68 JAEGERS
The oiled LONG-TAILED JAEGER at Idaho Flats was last reported on
5/26 (EH). A POMARINE JAEGER in adult plumage with long, well-formed
spoons was seen offshore of Depoe Bay on 7/6 (GG et al.), and two
Pomarine and two Long-tailed Jaegers were detected off Depoe Bay on
8/10 (MH et al.).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.69 GULLS
A FRANKLIN'S GULL in breeding plumage visited Idaho Flats on 6/15
(PS); they are very rare here in spring, and this appears to be our
first June record.
The first HEERMANN'S GULLS were at Depoe Bay on 6/16 (GK) and are
about on schedule; four more were at the mouth of the Yachats River a
few days later (SL). The largest count appears to be at least 30 at
Seal Rocks on 7/14 (KM).
Three SABINE'S GULLS were noted during the 8/10 pelagic trip off
Depoe Bay (MH et al.).
A few WESTERN GULLS have adapted to nesting on buildings,
bridges, and houses; they have regularly nested on some houses at
Salishan Spit with three chicks present on a rooftop there on 7/15
(D&BM).
In mid- to late July there may often be an influx of gulls in
late July; this summer at Idaho Flats, KM spotted 165 CALIFORNIA GULLS
on 7/14 (this count was much higher than her earlier counts, so
immigration had already begun). On 7/21, KM estimated about
900-1000 Californias, on 7/26, DP counted about 800 gulls that were
mostly California Gulls, and, on 8/11, KM saw about 700 Californias.
In late summer, flying swarms of insects often make their mating
flights on warm days along the coast, and these swarms attract gulls
and even European Starlings. The first kettle of about 30-40 gulls
were seen feeding on these insect swarms on 7/31 over the MSC (RL).
These gull flocks can be identified by the behavior of the gulls--they
circle around in a loose milling flock with individual gulls stopping
their wing-flapping to snap at an insect.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.70 TERNS
Our first ELEGANT TERNS this summer were two just west of Alsea
Bay bridge on 8/11 (KM); another was at Idaho Flats on 8/13 (DC).
Nonbreeding CASPIAN TERNS regularly oversummer at Yaquina Bay
with adult/fledgling pairs arriving later. On 6/16, Caspians were at
Waldport and Yaquina Bay (GK). At Idaho Flats, 24 Caspians were
counted on 6/17 (RL), and 93 adults were spotted on 6/30 (KM).
Immigrants start arriving in mid-July (1984 Murrelet 65:87-90), and
this summer the first fledglings were discovered at Idaho Flats on
7/16 (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.71 COMMON MURRES
Murres had a bad summer. At Yaquina Head colonies: on 6/10, BLM
staff saw gulls push adult murres aside on a small mainland colony and
eat two murre eggs; on 6/27, many murre eggs were abandoned on Colony
Rock (BLM); on 6/28, murres abandoned eggs and gulls attacked murre
chicks on Lion's Head (BLM); and, on 6/30, RL saw many abandoned eggs
and unprotected chicks that were killed by gulls at Colony Rock (RL).
It appears that few murre chicks survived to leave their nesting
areas; none were seen near Depoe Bay on 7/19 (R&TL), one chick was
heard from the YBSJ on 7/21 (KM), and only one live murre chick was
found offshore of Depoe Bay on 8/6 (RL). It is also on pace to be a
record low year for beached murre chicks as BLo and S&DB didn't find
any along their 4.5 mi Thiel Creek transect until August, and few have
been coming ashore. Low numbers of beached murre chicks is a very bad
sign for murre productivity because it is normal to have 100+ murre
chicks along the Thiel Creek transect each summer.
Record numbers of dead adult murres were found in June and were
reported in the Oregonian and local newspapers. In June, the USFWS
found 159 dead adults along their beach transect (RL & DP). BLo and
S&DB had 148 in June and 52 in July for total of 200 adults, which
is more than their summer totals for Thiel Creek beginning in 1978; in
most summers fewer than 50 adults are found. As mentioned earlier,
vultures scavenged at least some of the murres.
The cause of the murres' misfortunes (which coincided with a
die-off of Brown Pelicans) is unknown, but was probably related to
poor feeding conditions.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.72 OTHER ALCIDS
Six HY MARBLED MURRELETS were seen in a small area near Depoe Bay
on 7/19 (R&TL)--this seems like a rare concentration of HY birds.
Perhaps, they have been hurt by feeding conditions, too, as two dead
HY birds were found along the Thiel Creek transect in mid-July (BLo
and S&DB). KM spotted as many as 48 at Yachats on 6/30 and 34 at Seal
Rocks on 8/11, as well as less than 20 at Yaquina Head, Seal Rocks,
and Yachats in July-early August.
TUFTED PUFFINS have been uncommonly reported in Lincoln County in
recent years--our only sightings were at Yaquina Head on 5/8 (BLM) and
near Depoe Bay on 8/10 (CH). 1-2 CASSIN'S AUKLETS were at Yachats on
6/30 and Yaquina Head on 7/21 (KM). In contrast, 1-14 RHINOCEROS
AUKLETS were at Seal Rocks, Yachats, and Yaquina Head in June-early
August (KM), and 13 were flying south past Boiler Bay on 8/18 (DB &
JJ).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.73 SWIFTS
RL discovered five BLACK SWIFTS just east of Yachats on 6/5; they
are rare here, and these are our first June records for them.
At least 20 VAUX'S SWIFTS were going down a chimney in Toledo on
8/9--SK notes that he had seen some there often this summer. Like
last year, a pair nested in CP's Toledo chimney this summer.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.74 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS
In the May Sandpiper, MA reported seeing female Rufous'
apparently eating dirt, and I asked if anyone had heard of this
before. One of our Internet readers, DB, promptly pointed out an
article by Des Lauriers (1994. Hummingbirds eating ashes. Auk 111
[3]:755-756). Des Lauriers saw hummers eating ashes and also referred
to reports of where they ingested sea water or salt grains; hummers
may do this because their diet is lacking in minerals.
R&TN have also spotted a female Rufous eating ashes under an
outdoor grill in Newport on an unspecified date, so this may be more
common than has been documented.
SS thought that there were far fewer Rufous Hummingbirds at her
Neskowin home this summer, although they became abundant in mid-August
when she had 6-10 at her feeders on 8/14 & 15.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.75 KINGBIRD-SWALLOWS
Our first WESTERN KINGBIRD was at Yaquina Head on 5/9 (BLM).
In June, a pair of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were nesting in
a hole in a riverbank of the Alsea near Waldport that was used last
year by nesting kingfishers (MA); on 6/27, three holes in a cutbank at
Eckman Lake appeared to be used by nesting Rough-wings (EH).
Flying BARN SWALLOWS often can feed over the open beach, but on
6/13, DP discovered five CLIFF SWALLOWS, two Barn Swallows, and one
TREE SWALLOW near Driftwood Beach SP foraging in two ways. DP writes:
"All the swallows would land periodically in the wrack and wait for
sand fleas (?) to jump, at which point the swallows would swallow
them! At other times, the swallows would fly very low over the open
sand and 'pick' at the sand with their beaks, presumably taking
insects or other critters. All were flying north (into the wind) as
they hunted."
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.76 PURPLE MARTIN
PURPLE MARTINS are a Sensitive Species. One at the SW corner of
Idaho Flats on 6/5 (BLo) may have been nesting at the MSC. One at
north Beaver Creek on 7/24 & 25 (LO) is unusual for there.
EH has put up a number of martin houses at the MSC Lagoon and at
the "Wood Barge" at about Milepost 7.5 along North Yaquina Bay Road.
On 6/6 & 17, he made a systematic survey of Yaquina Bay martins and
found one pair nesting in a pipe at the old Oregon Aqua-Foods site
(just west of the MSC), four pairs at the MSC Lagoon, one pair at the
MSC Nature Trail Boardwalk boxes, 4 or 5 pairs at about Milepost 7.5,
three pairs at Criteser's Moorage, and one pair at about Milepost 11
of North Yaquina Bay Road. On 8/7, CM saw two unfledged young at one
of the MSC Nature Trail boxes.
On 6/13 & 15, EH looked for martins nesting near Kernville at
Siletz Bay where they formerly nested, but found no martins.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.77 RAVENS-CHATS
COMMON RAVENS can sometimes provide a good show. On 5/18, one
flew toward a Red-tailed Hawk soaring over its territory near SS's
Neskowin home. SS wrote: "The raven did a lot of calling, the raven
and hawk did some aerial acrobatics without quite touching, but the
raven was not satisfied until the hawk flew away."
Our first CEDAR WAXWINGS arrived at Seal Rock on 5/12 (J&ST),
which is early for them, but some often show up sporadically before
they arrive in consistent numbers in late May.
Fall migration waves of passerines don't appear near the coast,
but just a few miles inland they are a regular, albeit unpredictable,
fall feature as DF has found at Thornton Creek (p. 31-32 in Faxon and
Bayer 1991, Studies in Oregon Ornithology No. 8). This summer, CP
found trees full of hundreds of migrants (mostly WILSON'S WARBLERS,
HERMIT WARBLERS, and WARBLING VIREOS) about three miles southeast of
Toledo in the Mill Creek drainage on 8/10.
YELLOW WARBLERS are often missed in late June and July, so our
records sometimes appear as if they are a spring and fall migrant
rather than a summer resident. This summer they were found at the MSC
on 6/27 (RL) and 7/17 (fide RO).
YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS may have made a mini-invasion of the coast
this spring. On 6/1, SG discovered a male near Newport Reservoir; on
6/3, DF heard one calling as if on a nesting territory in Toledo--CP
also saw it the next day. Our only previous spring record was one
collected near Burnt Woods on 27 May 1941. Further, one was about
three miles inland in Coos County in early June that was also a rarity
for there (KN).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.78 SPARROW-HOUSE SPARROW
SAVANNAH SPARROWS are often missed here in summer, but occur near
the coast; on 6/17 EH heard four singing south of the YBSJ, and, on
6/25, one was at Beaver Creek (LO).
A WESTERN MEADOWLARK singing near BLl's Logsden home on 6/2 was a
summer first for that site; their nesting status in Lincoln County is
unclear.
A BULLOCK'S ORIOLE on 6/3 at J&ST's home in Seal Rock was the
first they have seen there, and our only report of one this year.
RW estimated several hundred EVENING GROSBEAKS at her Florence
home this spring.
HOUSE SPARROWS are successful because they are adaptable. On
7/3, DP watched a female feeding on the abundant sand fleas along the
high tide line of the ocean beach south of Seal Rocks.
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, BLM (Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina
Head), David Bailey, John Bell, Sara & Don Brown, Catharina Coenen,
Dave Copeland, Tina Dreisbach, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd,
Dave Gilbert, Greg Gillson, Steve Gobat, Charity Hagen, Eric Horvath,
Matt Hunter, Tim Janzen, Jim Johnson, Steve Kapillas, Georges
Kleinbaum, Ruthann LeBaron (RLe), Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear,
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy & Travis Lowe, Chris Lundberg, Jackie Mathys,
Sylvia Maulding, Kathy Merrifield, Craig Miller, Dona & Bob Morris,
Kim Nelson, Robin & Tom Nelson, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Shirley Schwartz, Jamie Simmons,
Paul Sullivan, Jim & Shirley Thielen, Bill Tice, and Ruth Warren.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
96.79 September 1996 Bird Field Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach, Eckman Lake=lake just east of
Waldport along HWY 34, HY=hatch-year (bird in the calendar year of its
hatching), Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, Lost
Creek SP=park about 4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, MSC=Marine
Science Center, Nute Slough=freshwater slough at about mile 9.3 along
north Yaquina Bay Road, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG
tank at Yaquina Bay, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY
101 and just north of Waldport, Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and
about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between
Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.80 GREBES-SNOWY EGRET
During fall migration, PIED-BILLED GREBES sometimes pop up in
brackish water--on 8/25 & 9/2, KM found one at Sallys Bend.
During the 8/31 pelagic trip off Depoe Bay, two
BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 30 NORTHERN FULMARS (mostly intermediate and
dark-phases), 210 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 140 SOOTY SHEARWATERS,
12 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, and three FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS were
spotted (MH & GG et al.).
A PELAGIC CORMORANT attempted to swallow a large lamprey at
Alsea Bay on 9/2 (MR).
Two probable HY GREEN HERONS hung out together along the
Yachats River on 9/17 (BB).
GREAT BLUE HERONS are usually not at Yaquina Head except during
their post-breeding dispersal, and this summer they had an exceptional
showing there with as many as three during 11 days from 7/15-8/31
(BLM).
One SNOWY EGRET was at the mouth of Nute Slough on 9/9 (KM), and
perhaps the same bird was a half mile north of the Toledo Airport on
9/14 (CP). They are not seen every year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.81 WATERFOWL
Goose migration is underway. On 8/25, KM spotted 18 GR.
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and one SNOW GOOSE flying over Idaho Flats. RL
heard a flock of white-fronts flying SE over his Eckman Lake home at
1:15 AM during 9/21, and a family flock was at Drift Creek Meadows at
Gorton Road near Lincoln City on 9/25 (DP).
Summer and early fall ducks can be difficult to identify because
they are in eclipse plumage, which most field guides don't show. SM
recommends using "Waterfowl: an identification guide to the ducks,
geese and swans of the world" by Steve Madge and Hilary Burn for
identifying ducks in eclipse plumage.
Fall arrivals include a CINNAMON TEAL at Eckman Lake on 8/21
(DF), a GADWALL and a LESSER SCAUP at Eckman Lake on 8/25 (KM), a
NORTHERN SHOVELER at Eckman Lake on 9/2 (KM), and a motley
BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Nute Slough on 9/8 (AF).
Some waterfowl have already arrived en masse: at least a hundred
NORTHERN PINTAILS dropped into Alsea Bay on 9/8 (AF),
200+ AMERICAN WIGEON were at Siletz and Yaquina Bays on 9/13 (RL), and
22 NORTHERN SHOVELERS visited Idaho Flats on 9/15 (KM).
A female WOOD DUCK was on Eckman Lake on 8/18 (SL), and the male
MANDARIN DUCK continues to linger at the Yachats River (BB).
A summer record 17 HARLEQUIN DUCKS graced Seal Rocks the morning
of 9/23; one was an adult male that had been banded at Glacier
National Park, Montana (DP). The male was the third Glacier NP
Harlequin that DP has seen at Seal Rocks, so there appears to be
regular movement of Montana Harlequins to the Oregon central coast.
Alsea Bay is favored by COMMON MERGANSERS in late summer, when
they superficially look like Red-breasted's, and KM counted 65 along
with one well-observed RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on 8/25. A flock of at
least 11 female or immature Common Mergansers were at Idaho Flats on
9/7 (JS) & 9/9 (KM), and 34 Commons were at Sallys Bend on 9/15 (KM).
HOODED MERGANSERS are starting to make their fall buildup at
Eckman Lake with 14 counted on 9/15 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.82 RAPTORS-COOTS
An immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK showed up in the marsh south of
Eckman Lake on 9/8 (AF; RL); they mostly show here in fall.
A COOPER'S HAWK near Toledo on 9/13 (LO), an OSPREY was very
active near Lost Creek during 8/28-9/5 (DG), and a NORTHERN HARRIER
hunted Beaver Creek on 9/21 (LO).
A PEREGRINE FALCON visited Yaquina Head on 7/3 & 4 and 8/5 (BLM),
and one was near Seal Rocks on 7/23 (DP). Our first fall MERLIN was
harassed by crows near the MSC on 9/17 (DP), and another was at
Eckman Lake on 9/21 (RL).
MOUNTAIN QUAIL and RUFFED GROUSE, neither of which are often
reported, were found east of Beaver Creek in early September (DO), and
SL found four Mountain Quail near Yachats Mt. on 9/10. The
NORTHERN BOBWHITES were still at Neskowin (Tillamook Co.), and SS took
a nice photo of them.
VIRGINIA RAILS were noted at Eckman Lake on 9/8 (AF), and the
first AMERICAN COOTS of the fall were two HY birds at Eckman Lake on
8/25 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.83 SHOREBIRDS
Flocks of seven and four BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS just south of Seal
Rocks on 9/4 (DP) may indicate a very successful nesting year for
them.
Shorebird arrivals include a WANDERING TATTLER at Yaquina Head on
7/15 (BLM), and a well-observed ROCK SANDPIPER near Seal Rocks on 9/4
(DP), which is much earlier than in other years.
RL had not been golfing in many years, so he was not surprised
that his golf game wasn't what it used to be when he and his son TL
visited the Crestview Golf Course at Waldport on 9/20. But they were
surprised by finding four WHIMBRELS at the 5th hole fairway, and even
more surprised by an UPLAND SANDPIPER on the green at the 5th hole
that walked with them to the 6th tee! The Upland Sandpiper seemed
unconcerned and was busy catching insects, even though it is very rare
for Lincoln County.
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS are rarely reported here, but one was
noted near Sandpiper Village on 8/26 (DF). BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were
also there on 8/26 & 28 (DF; DP).
1-2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were at Eckman Lake on 8/25 (SL; KM), but
one near Seal Rocks on 9/4 (DP) was at an unusual location--they are
more apt to be at freshwater areas, although during their May
migration stragglers are sometimes along the open coast.
Four MARBLED GODWITS visited a Lost Creek beach on 9/9 & 10
(D&MG), and two were at Idaho Flats on 9/8 (AF) & 9/17 (DP). The only
WILLET reported so far was at the YBSJ on 9/7 (JS).
HY SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and HY LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS shared the
south end of Eckman Lake on 9/1 and Yaquina Bay on 9/1 & 2 (JS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.84 JAEGERS-GULLS
During the pelagic trip off Depoe Bay on 8/31, MH & GG et al.
found eight POMARINE JAEGERS, one POMARINE JAEGER, four
LONG-TAILED JAEGERS, three unknown jaegers, one SOUTH POLAR SKUA, and
nine SABINE'S GULLS. From shore, a probable Parasitic was at Seal
Rocks on 8/25 (KM), and a Parasitic was identified at the YBSJ on 9/9
(DC) and Yaquina Head on 9/15 (KM).
In September, aerial insect swarms that often are of ants, often
rise high into the sky after the flycatchers and swallows have left.
But that doesn't mean they are safe--on 9/7, JS saw hundreds of gulls
up in the air above the MSC; on 9/8, RL noted about 500 gulls feeding
on aerial ants over Eckman Lake; the 9/21 field trip saw
EUROPEAN STARLINGS, BONAPARTE'S GULLS and other gulls going after
aerial insects (LO et al.); and, on 9/25, many gulls and several
starlings were hawking insects above the MSC (RL & DP).
On 9/8 at Alsea Bay, RING-BILLED GULLS were the most numerous
gull, and AF also spotted two HERRING GULLS, the first of the fall.
But at Idaho Flats on 9/2, 9 & 15, California Gulls continued to be
the most abundant gull (KM), as they have been since mid-July.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.85 COMMON MURRE & RHINOCEROS AUKLET
During 1978-1990 along 4.5 miles of beach near Thiel Creek, an
average of 421 HY COMMON MURRES were found beached per summer with
most summers having a hundred or more (1991 Condor 93:516-525). This
year only one HY murre was found in July-August (BL and S&DB), so this
has been a very atypical year and also a very poor year for murre
nesting success as very few HY murres were reported along the coast.
This year was also very poor for adult murre survival as 205 dead
adults were found at Thiel Creek in June-August, and the previous high
for June-September was 191 in 1983.
Who would have guessed that more dead RHINOCEROS AUKLETS (four
adults and five HY birds) than murres would be found in August (BL and
S&DB)! A total of 20 live Rhinos at Yaquina Head on 9/15 (KM) seems
like a high number for this time of year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.86 OTHER ALCIDS-JAYS
TUFTED PUFFINS have been sparse at Yaquina Head the past couple
of years, but at least two were counted during eight days from
8/13-31 (BLM).
The season's first ANCIENT MURRELET was spotted at Yaquina Head
on 9/2 (KM).
300 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS graced a favored spot for them near
Toledo on 9/2 (PR & PS).
About VAUX'S SWIFTS aggregated at SS's Neskowin home on 8/26.
504 were counted flying down a fireplace chimney in Yachats on 9/8;
when the homeowner heard that the swifts were using her chimney, she
capped the chimney, so they wouldn't use it anymore (fide JT). On
9/11, a flock of about 60 was still in the vicinity (J&ST). Maybe
they need some more "chimneys" to use during their fall
migration--thousands were reported at some chimneys in the Willamette
Valley.
PILEATED WOODPECKERS often make a fall showing to places where
they are normally absent; this year one visited Thiel Creek on
9/18 (BL).
Departures include PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, WILLOW FLYCATCHERS,
and PURPLE MARTINS near Waldport on 9/8 (AF); and VIOLET-GREEN
SWALLOWS at Beaver Creek on 9/23 (LO).
GRAY JAYS often put in a fall appearance at some lowland sites;
they were noted often in late August near Neskowin (SS) and at
Thornton Creek (DF) and the first arrived at BB's Yachats feeder on
9/16.
Two SCRUB JAYS waiting for their ship to come in at the MSC ship
support building during the 9/21 field trip (LO et al.) are the first
here in a some time.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.87 WESTERN BLUEBIRD-SPARROWS
Five WESTERN BLUEBIRDS graced Table Mt., NE of Waldport, on
9/22 (CP). The season's first VARIED THRUSH at Beaver Creek was heard
on 9/26 (LO)--they nest at some sites here.
As reported in last month's Sandpiper, waves of passerines
sometimes come through in fall. On 8/26, P&MD saw such a wave in
Toledo, and, on 9/23, PR found passerines to have become suddenly
abundant in Newport.
On 9/16, RL & DP discovered a first year PRAIRIE WARBLER near the
USFWS building at the MSC; this is the third record in South Beach,
and all are within about a mile of each other!
The fall's first TOWNSEND'S WARBLER at Seal Rocks on 8/29 (J&ST)
is about right on schedule, although we have a smattering of records
during the summer in past years. Last reports include a female
YELLOW WARBLER at the MSC on 9/7 (JS) and a female WILSON'S WARBLER in
Newport on 9/23 (PR).
Fall returnees were FOX SPARROWS northeast of Yaquina Head on
9/15 (CP) and DARK-EYED JUNCO at Yachats on 9/23 (BB). Juncos nest at
some sites but are winter residents elsewhere; for example, P&MD saw
juncos nest building in north Toledo on 6/6.
We had two sparrows that are rare here show up. A LARK SPARROW
visited Nute Slough on 9/8 (AF), and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was
reported along the MSC Nature Trail on 9/15 (fide HN).
Although not rare, a fall-arriving LINCOLN'S SPARROW at Nute
Slough on 9/19 (SL) was a good find as they seem to be underreported.
OBSERVERS.--Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head (BLM),
Betty Bahn, Sara & Don Brown, Dave Copeland, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, David & Marge Gilbert, Greg Gillson,
Matt Hunter, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy & Travis Lowe,
Sylvia Maulding, Kathy Merrifield, Harry Nehls, Laimons & Dane Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Mike Rivers, Shirley Schwartz,
Patty Shreve, Jamie Simmons, Jim & Shirley Thielen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
96.88 October 1996 Bird Field Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Lake=lake
just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HY=hatch-year (bird hatched in
1996), Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine
Science Center, Nute Slough=freshwater slough at about mile 9.3 along
north Yaquina Bay Road, Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of
Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 101, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of
the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and
about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South
Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.89 GREBES-TUBENOSES
At Yaquina Head, two CLARK'S GREBES arrived on 10/6 (KM), and
PACIFIC LOONS were flying south at a rate of about 10/minute on 10/20
(KM).
The 10/5 pelagic trip from Depoe Bay to Heceta Banks was very
fruitful with a possible WHITE-CAPPED ALBATROSS, 80 BLACK-FOOTED
ALBATROSSES, 240 NORTHERN FULMARS, 80 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS,
2-4 FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 290 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, and
90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS (MH, GG et al.).
At Yaquina Head, KM spotted a Pink-footed, one Buller's, and 15
Sooty or SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS on 9/21, and two Pink-footed's on
10/6. At Seal Rocks, Sooties/Short-tailed's were flying south at a
rate of about 9/minute on 10/6 (KM).
Fall tubenose mortalities have also started: a NORTHERN FULMAR,
two SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and one PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER washed ashore
along 4.5 mi beach near Thiel Creek in early September (BL, S&DB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.90 CORMORANT-HERON
Fall is the time of migration, not only of waterfowl, but also of
"faux" geese, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS that, when migrating in "V"
formation or in strings can, appear to be geese. Our first reports of
southerly migrant Double-crests were 75 over Salishan Spit and about
60 over Depoe Bay on 10/8 (RL & DP). Strings of Double-crests were
also seen flying south past Boiler Bay on 10/19 (AC & RH), and many
immatures were in flocks flying past Seal Rock on 10/20 (KM) and south
of Waldport on 10/26 (RL).
AMERICAN BITTERNS are often missed, but KM discovered one at the
NE corner of Eckman Lake on 9/21 that was standing with its head up
amongst the emergent vegetation like a textbook bittern should do!
Our only GREEN HERON was at Eckman Lake on 10/19 (SL)--will it
stay or will it emigrate like most do?
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.91 WATERFOWL
Fall arrival dates for waterfowl include CANVASBACKS at Eckman
Lake on 9/29 (CL & CC), a male EURASIAN WIGEON in eclipse plumage at
Idaho Flats on 9/29 (KM), RING-NECKED DUCKS at Nute Slough (KM) and
Eckman Lake on 9/29 (CL & CC), seven CACKLING CANADA GEESE flying
around Siletz Bay on 9/30 (RL), RUDDY DUCKS at Eckman Lake during the
10/19 Corvallis Audubon field trip (MC, JP, et al.), an OLDSQUAW at
Yaquina Head on 10/20 (KM), a male hybrid AMERICAN x EURASIAN WIGEON
at Idaho Flats on 10/20 (KM), 10 BRANT at Idaho Flats on 10/25 (RB),
and 44 TUNDRA SWANS at Idaho Flats on 10/28 (RL & DP). Three Brant at
Florence (Lane Co.) on 10/5 (RW) probably oversummered.
Two pairs of WOOD DUCKS graced the middle pond of Newport
Reservoir on 10/12 (P&MD), and one was at Eckman Lake on 10/15 (SL).
The male MANDARIN DUCK lingers at Yachats on 9/21 and was eating
Enteromorpha algae, so it does not subsist only on handouts from
people (KM).
DF discovered a male REDHEAD at the YBSJ on 8/11, which is
extraordinarily early (they usually arrive in late October) as well as
an unusual spot for one.
A southerly migration of SURF SCOTERS and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS
was occurring on 9/21 with 1,700 flying south past Yaquina Head, Seal
Rocks, and Yachats during about 2.5 hours of observation in flocks of
4-280 scoters each (KM). Hundreds were also flying south past Yachats
on 10/6 (KM).
Eckman Lake is a favored place for HOODED MERGANSERS in fall and
26-40+ were there on 9/21 (KM) and 9/29 (CL & CC). They prefer
freshwater but in fall sometimes appear in brackish water, such as one
in female-type plumage at Sallys Bend on 9/29 (KM).
13 COMMON MERGANSERS in female-type plumage at Idaho Flats on
9/29 were studied to be sure they were not RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS
(KM). The first fall flock of Red-breasted's may have been at the
YBSJ on 10/19 (MC, JP, et al.), and a flock of 15 were studied the
next day at Sallys Bend (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.92 HAWKS & FALCONS
Accipiter reports increased this month and included one
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK at Eckman Lake on 8/18 (RL), the MSC on 10/18 (RL),
and south of Waldport on 10/26 (RL); a COOPER'S HAWK hunted Siletz Bay
on 8/19 (RL) and 10/19 (AC & RH), and two Cooper's were at Toledo on
9/27 (P&MD).
Two RED-TAILED HAWKS put on a show by soaring over the tip of
Cape Foulweather on 9/26 (KP).
It was a very good month for MERLIN with one at Beaver Creek on
9/29 (KM), one perching and watching people along the south side of
Yaquina Head on 10/6 (KM), and one holding a dragonfly in its talons
flew over KM at lower Beaver Creek on 10/13. Another was chased by a
crow at the YBSJ during the 10/19 YB&N field trip (CP et al.), and
perhaps the same Merlin was also being chased by birds at the MSC on
10/22 (RL). On 10/19, a female Merlin landed on a tree near the
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (MC, JP, et al.), and, on 10/28, one intently
watched SL's bird feeder in Yachats.
1-2 PEREGRINE FALCONS were at Yaquina Head on 9/5, 17, & 27 (BLM)
and Siletz Bay on 10/17 (BT & DF) and 10/19 (AC & RH). One spooked a
flock of wigeon at Idaho Flats on 10/19 (MC, JP, et al.).
One OSPREY flew over the Yaquina Head Lighthouse on 9/7 (BLM),
and another lingered on Siletz River in the Siletz/Logsden area in
late September (DS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.93 QUAIL-SHOREBIRDS
About 10 MOUNTAIN QUAIL graced GS's Newport yard in early
October.
Our only rails or Soras were VIRGINIA RAILS calling at Eckman
Lake on 9/29 (CL & CC) and at the south edge of Eckman Lakeon 10/19
(MC, JP, et al.).
2-3 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS seen from Yaquina Bay State Park on
10/1 & 15 (P&MD) were a little out of place, but others have
occasionally shown up along the Yaquina jetties before.
This appears to be a remarkable fall for MARBLED GODWITS.
Usually a few scattered ones show up, but the numbers this fall are
higher than usual. At Siletz Bay, 40 roamed on 10/8 (RL), four were
noted on 10/17 (BT & DF), and 16 dodged a Peregrine Falcon on 10/19
(AC & RH). At Yaquina Bay, 26-28 were at Idaho Flats on 10/19 (MC,
JP, et al.) and 10/20 (KM), and 4-8 visited a YBSJ road puddle on
10/19 (SD; MC, JP, et al.) and 10/24 (CP). Elsewhere, one was south
of Seal Rocks on 9/24 (DP).
1-3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were at the MSC on 9/29 (CL & CC) and
10/19 (MC, JP, et al.), one was near the mouth of a coastal creek
south of Seal Rocks on 9/24 (DP), and some were at Siletz Bay on 10/17
(BT & DF).
Uncommon fall shorebirds included an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER at
Siletz Bay on 10/19 (SD) and at a puddle along the YBSJ road on 10/19
(SD), 10/23 (DF), and 10/25 (CP). A RED KNOT at Idaho Flats
on 10/20 (KM) is also uncommon--they are common in spring.
An "island" at the south shore of Eckman Lake has been a good
spot for DOWITCHERS in recent years and 300 were there on 9/29 (CL &
CC).
47 WHIMBRELS were at Florence on 9/1 (RW), but only 1-2 were
south of Seal Rocks on 9/24 & 30 (DP), at Idaho Flats on 9/29 (CL &
CC), at Seal Rock on 10/2 (LO) and on a cliff at Yaquina Head on 10/19
(MC, JP, et al.).
A WILLET and the first fall COMMON SNIPE were at the MSC on
10/19 (MC, JP, et al.).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.94 SKUAS, JAEGERS, & GULLS
A record eight SOUTH POLAR SKUAS along with 22 POMARINE JAEGERS,
a possible PARASITIC JAEGER, and two immature LONG-TAILED JAEGERS were
spotted during the 10/5 pelagic trip from Depoe Bay (MH, GG et al.).
CALIFORNIA GULLS (400) were the most abundant gull during the
10/5 Depoe Bay pelagic trip, but six SABINE'S GULLS were also noted
(MH, GG et al.).
On 9/21 & 29, about 80% of gulls at Alsea Bay, the Yachats River
mouth, and Sally's Bend were California's (KM), and on 10/6, about 95%
of the 900 gulls at the Yachats River mouth and 60% of the 1,100 gulls
at Idaho Flats were California's (KM).
On 10/20 at Yaquina Head, hundreds of gulls, including
California's, MEW GULLS, HEERMANN'S GULLS, WESTERN/GLAUCOUS-WINGED
GULLS, and a flock of 22 BONAPARTE'S GULLS flew south (KM). The same
day at Yachats, gulls were also heading south with flocks of 8 and 22
Bonaparte's and California's and Heermann's Gulls each flying at a
rate of about 12/minute (KM).
25 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were seen from Boiler Bay on 10/19 (AC
& RH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.95 PIGEON GUILLEMOT
Not so many years ago it was rare to have any reports of
PIGEON GUILLEMOTS in fall or winter, but it is not clear if the recent
increase in reports is because of more or better observation effort or
an actual increase in PG's wintering close to shore.
1-4 winter-plumaged PG's were at Yaquina Head on 9/21 & 29 and
10/20 (KM) and Boiler Bay on 10/17 (BT & DF). 8-9 PG's were at
Yaquina Head on 10/6 (KM) and Boiler Bay on 10/19 (AC & RH).
KM reports that three of the eight she saw at Yaquina Head on
10/6 had dark heads, so they were probably HY birds, but three on
10/20 had light heads that indicate they were adults. So perhaps both
adults and HY PG's winter here?
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.96 OTHER ALCIDS
11-19 MARBLED MURRELETS floated at Yaquina Head on 9/21 and 10/6
and Seal Rocks on 10/20 (KM), nine were at Yachats on 10/6 (KM), and
1-7 were at Boiler Bay on 10/17 (BT & DF) and 10/19 (AC & RH).
A few COMMON MURRES were at Boiler Bay on 10/17 (BT & DF) and
10/19 (AC & RH); 15 were at Seal Rocks, 30 visited Yachats on 9/21
(KM), and 75 in transitional plumage were noticed at Yaquina Head on
10/6 (KM).
5-9 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were viewed at Yaquina Head on 9/21 and
10/6 and at Yachats on 10/6 (KM), and 1-2 CASSIN'S AUKLETS were espied
at Yaquina Head on 9/21 & 29 (KM) and at Boiler Bay on 10/19 (AC &
RH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.97 HUMMINGBIRD-THRUSHES
Fall arrivals at J&JG's Yachats home on 9/26 included a male
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD and a PILEATED WOODPECKER.
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS show up at some coastal sites during fall
with two feeding on cascara trees at Thiel Creek on 9/24 (BL) and one
on SS's fruit trees near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 9/26.
A lingering VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW hunted the MSC on 10/19 (MC, JP,
et al.), which is nine days later than our previous latest fall date.
Two WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS (new name) visited LO's north Beaver Creek
feeder on 10/2, and KM saw perhaps the same birds at lower Beaver
Creek on 10/6. GRAY JAYS continued at SS's Neskowin home in
mid-October.
BUSHTITS were abundant at the Salmon River, Devils Lake, and
Nelscott in early October (RG).
A probable WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH was glimpsed at Ona Beach on
10/19 (MC, JP, et al.)--we have less than a dozen records of them for
Lincoln Co.
Seven WESTERN BLUEBIRDS flycatching about a half mile east of the
Newport Airport were a pleasant surprise for BL on 10/15. Thanks to
changing forestry practices with more snags being left and projects
such as the Corvallis Bluebird Trail, they are making a comeback in
the Coast Range.
Other fall arrivals on 10/19 include HERMIT THRUSHES at Yaquina
Bay and a flock of AMERICAN PIPITS at Beaver Creek (MC, JP, et al.).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.98 WARBLERS-SNOW BUNTING
A massive wave of warblers passed by CP's Toledo home on 10/13,
with hundreds of TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS, two BLACK-THROATED GRAY
WARBLERS, and a HERMIT WARBLER. The Hermit set a new late date for
them, but Black-throated Grays are seen in early October in many
years.
Perhaps part of that same movement, SL found a small band of
Townsend's Warblers and five CEDAR WAXWINGS at the SE edge of Eckman
Lake on 10/18.
The first fall SNOW BUNTING graced the YBSJ road during the 10/19
YB&N field trip (CP et al.).
OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head),
Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Catharina Coenen, Alan Contreras,
Marcia Cutler, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon,
Jim & Janice Gerdemann, Greg Gillson, Ruth Goodrich, Rich Hoyer Jr.,
Matt Hunter, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Chris Lundberg,
Kathy Merrifield, Laimons Osis, Katherine Peyton, Chuck Philo,
Dave Pitkin, Jon Plissner, Gerti Schramm, Shirley Schwartz,
Dorothy Scott, Bill Tice, and Ruth Warren.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
96.99 November 1996 Bird Field Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Drift Creek Pasture
at Gorton Road=field ESE of Cutler City (Siletz Bay), Eckman Lake=lake
just east of Waldport along HWY 34, Hidden Valley=valley between
Newport and Toledo accessible by downward road at about mile 11.9
along north Yaquina Bay Road, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of
the MSC, Lost Creek SP=park about 4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge,
MSC=Marine Science Center, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG
tank at Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about
3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.100 FISHING GEAR ENTANGLEMENT
Sometimes we become complacent and think that problems that occur
elsewhere, don't occur here. But birds and other animals get
entangled in fishing gear here as well as elsewhere.
In early November, BLo noted a "ball" of dead birds that included
gulls, fulmars, and jaegers that were entangled in monofilament
fishing line that washed ashore near Thiel Creek. In late October
through mid-November, a northern sea lion on an island off Seal Rocks
had a blue fishing net around its neck (LO). On p. A5 of the Nov. 6
Newport "News-Times" newspaper was a picture and a story of a Western
Grebe that had become entangled in monofilament line at Devils Lake.
So, picking up abandoned monofilament line, fishing nets, or
6-pack holders may not save the world, but it makes a difference to
the animal that may have become entangled in it.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.101 GREBES-SWANS
At least 60 HORNED GREBES at Boiler Bay on 11/23 (PS) is a large
concentration for there and probably represents fall migration.
In October, two NORTHERN FULMARS, five SOOTY SHEARWATERS, one
PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, and a BULLER'S SHEARWATERS washed ashore along
4.5 miles of beach at Thiel Creek (BL, S&DB).
It appears that an extraordinary number of BROWN PELICANS were
concentrated along the Lincoln County coast in early November--at
least we had an extraordinary number of reports of high numbers. On
10/26, BLl saw 150 pelicans flying in a line at the YBSJ; on 10/31, KP
saw several hundred pelicans on Gull Rock near Cape Foulweather; on
11/3 & 4, GM noted about a hundred pelicans on the beach at Beverly
Beach, the most he has ever seen there in his 18 years of living
there; and on 11/3, SB found 70 pelicans standing on the north shore
of the mouth of Beaver Creek. In early November, DG spotted many
flying south past Lost Creek, BLh (fide MP) reported over 1,000 on
rocks near Otter Crest, and J&JG spotted a hundred at Alsea Bay.
We had no large counts of GREAT EGRETS--in past years, careful
censuses have found about 30 at Yaquina Bay. The high count this
month was five at the West Pond at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 11/7
(BLl). One put on a great show at Lint Slough, Alsea Bay, during the
11/16 YB&N field trip--we could see the color of its eyes and some
aigrettes!
On 11/23, CM spotted a distant, small white heron at Siletz Bay
that was tentatively identified as an immature LITTLE BLUE HERON.
Other possibilities that are more expected include Cattle or Snowy
Egret.
So far, no CATTLE EGRETS have been reported this fall in
Lincoln Co., although they have been seen to the north.
At the Siuslaw South Jetty (Lane Co.), only two TUNDRA SWANS had
arrived by 11/14 (RW); we had no reports for Lincoln Co. this month,
but they are only fall vagrants here.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.102 GEESE
On 11/12 at the SE corner of Siletz Bay, RL discovered 200 Dusky
and 10 Taverner CANADA GEESE, which is the most that he has found on
the ground in Lincoln Co.
At Nestucca Bay (Tillamook Co.) on 11/5, DP had an exceptional
day with six subspecies of Canadas (Dusky, Lesser, Western,
Taverner's, Cackling, and Aleutian), a collared SNOW GOOSE from
Wrangell Island, Russia (in the Chukchi Sea), and a ROSS' GOOSE!
We have no records of Ross' Goose for Lincoln Co.
A colorbanded family of five BLACK BRANT that had arrived at
Yaquina Bay on 10/28 was still around on 11/14, along with 91 other
Brant (DP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.103 OTHER WATERFOWL-BOBWHITE
On 11/10, KM discovered one REDHEAD at Eckman Lake and 19 at
Sallys Bend, a favored site for them.
6-7 HARLEQUIN DUCKS graced the YBSJ on 10/29 (BLl) and 11/19
(RO & TD).
1-2 OLDSQUAWS were at Yaquina Head on 10/27 (KM), 10/31 (RL &
DP), and 11/10 (KM); at Alsea Bay on 11/12 (fide HN), and at YBSJ on
11/24 (PS) and 12/1 (CP).
At least 40 HOODED MERGANSERS were at Eckman Lake on 11/10 (KM),
11/11 (RL), and 11/16 (YB&N field trip).
One adult BALD EAGLE flew around Gull Rock during the very
beautiful day of 10/31 (KP), and an adult was feeding on a fish
carcass (?) at the mouth of Beaver Creek on 11/15 (LO).
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are becoming more common here in winter,
with an adult at Drift Creek Pasture at Gorton Road on 11/12 (RL) and
another adult at the west end of Hidden Valley on 11/22 (CP). Both
sites have had single Red-shouldereds in recent winters.
At 6:40 AM on 10/31, two calling RED-TAILED HAWKS soared and
circled over SS's head at her Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.); they were
high enough that the upcoming sun reflected on their bodies as the
moon hung in the opposite side of the sky.
Our only accipiter was a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK at Logsden on 11/4
(BLl).
One MERLIN graced Yaquina Head on 10/5-7 (BLM), Rocky Point
(a mountain in NE Lincoln Co.) on 11/1 (CP), and Idaho Flats on
11/8 (RR). One at Idaho Flats exhibited what seems to be an
odd-Merlin behavior of poking through the mud (RR).
On 11/5, two NORTHERN BOBWHITES reappeared at SS's Neskowin home
and were noted as late as 11/21. They are probably escapees.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.104 SHOREBIRDS
Our high counts of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were 12-14 at Seal Rocks
on 10/27 (KM) and 10/29 (LO).
Our latest SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was at the YBSJ on 11/20 (RO &
TD), and two PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS visited the mouth of Alsea Bay on
11/7 (SL).
1-2 WHIMBRELS were at Yaquina Head on 10/28 (BLM), Yaquina Bay on
11/14 (DP), Seal Rocks on 11/15 (LO), and the YBSJ mud puddle
on 11/19 (CP).
A WILLET lingered at Yaquina Bay on 11/14 (SM & SN) and at
Idaho Flats on 11/20 (RO & TD).
MARBLED GODWITS continued to make a good showing. 1-6 were at
Idaho Flats on 10/30 (RO), 11/8 (DP), 11/19 (RO & TD), and 11/20 (DP);
one was also at the YBSJ mud puddle on 11/20 (CP). Elsewhere, one was
viewed at north Alsea Bay on 11/10 (KM), and 25 were at Siletz Bay on
11/25 (fide HN).
1-6 ROCK SANDPIPERS hung out near the Depoe Bay seawall on 11/14
(SM & SN), 11/17 (SD), and 11/23 (M&LH).
SPOTTED SANDPIPERS are present in small numbers in the fresher
portion of estuaries in winter; P&MD found one in Yaquina Bay near
Toledo on 10/28 and 11/8, and SL spotted one at the edge of Lint
Slough (Alsea Bay) on 11/23.
12-25 COMMON SNIPE foraged at south Beaver Creek on 10/27 and
11/10 (KM).
A male RED PHALAROPE in breeding plumage visited Sallys Bend on
12/1 (CP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.105 GULLS
A first year GLAUCOUS GULL pecked at a beached carcass at the
mouth of a creek near Waldport on 11/24 (PS)--it is our first of the
fall.
Our only BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was keeping company with other
gulls at the YBSJ mud puddle on 12/1 (CP). A THAYER'S GULL was at
Yachats on 11/13 (SM & SN).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.106 ALCIDS
As in other winters, ANCIENT MURRELETS were the most common
murrelet, and perhaps the most numerous alcid. One was at YBSJ on
10/27 (KM). At Yaquina Head, there were 13 on 10/31, and two started
calling, a sound not reported here often (RL & DP); and at least 29
were counted on 11/10 (KM). At Boiler Bay, 3-7 were noted on 11/14
(SM & SN) and 11/23 (PS; M&LH); 22 Ancient's were noted on 11/12 (fide
HN).
Two MARBLED MURRELETS were at Boiler Bay on 11/23 (M&LH), and SS
heard them near daybreak at her Neskowin home on 11/6 & 13.
1-2 CASSIN'S AUKLETS visited Boiler Bay on 11/12 (fide HN) and
Yaquina Head on 11/10 (KM).
A very rare THICK-BILLED MURRE was reported at Boiler Bay on
11/14 (SM & SN). Because some adult Common Murres can already be in
breeding plumage (e.g., 1990 British Birds 83:55-66) and murre age
classes can differ in plumage coloration, distinguishing Thick-billeds
is not as easy as it might seem in field guides.
Three PIGEON GUILLEMOTS in winter plumage graced Yaquina Head on
11/10 (KM) and Boiler Bay on 11/23 (M&LH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.107 DOVE-MEADOWLARK
The latest MOURNING DOVE was at one of J&DC's Toledo feeders on
11/25; they sometimes have a dozen species present at a time.
As many as four SNOWY OWLS have been found in Tillamook County
recently, one was also at Coos Bay, and several have been elsewhere in
western Oregon, but none have been discovered in Lincoln County so
far. The big winter for Snowy Owls here was from November 1973
through early April 1974, when several were regularly seen by many
observers at South Beach and Waldport. Our only report of one since
then was on 24 November 1977, so we are overdue!
A male and female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD hovered near J&JG's Yachats
home in mid-November.
A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY was at Alsea Bay on 11/12 (MA), and at least
five GRAY JAYS lingered to feed on holly berries at SS's Neskowin home
on 11/21.
A MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE visiting a feeder about two miles south of
Waldport during the last three weeks in October (DL) is the first one
here for some time. Another was possibly at Idaho Point at the east
edge of Idaho Flats on 11/14 (fide MA). Our best year for multiple
records at several sites was during the 1983-84 winter.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES appear to be more common this winter than
in some time, and LHe first noted them at her Newport feeder on
Thanksgiving, 11/28.
MARSH WRENS were at lower Beaver Creek marsh on 11/10 (KM), east
edge of Toledo on 11/12 (P&MD), and at the MSC on 11/14 (SM & SN).
With the arrival of colder weather, VARIED THRUSHES have been
invading even more lowlands, including Lost Creek on 11/18 (DG).
A SWAMP SPARROW skulked at the MSC on 11/14 (SM & SN) and near
the eastern HWY 20 exit to Toledo on 11/23 (M&LH). They seem to be
under-reported.
Fall arrivals include 1-3 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS at the YBSJ on
11/6 (BLl) and the MSC on 11/14 (MA), and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR at
Yaquina Head on 10/19-21 (BLM); Laplands usually are only fall and
spring vagrants in Lincoln Co.
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, Sue Bennett, BLM (Bureau of Land
Management at Yaquina Head), Sara & Don Brown, Jesse & Doris Crabtree,
Tom Dahlin, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Steve Dowlan, Jim & Janice Gerdemann,
Dave Gilbert, Louise Hemphill (LHe), Matt & Lisa Hunter, Dave Larson,
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo),
Bob Loehning (BLh), Roy Lowe, Sylvia Maulding, Kathy Merrifield,
Casey Mills, Gordon Morris, Harry Nehls, Sally Nelson, Robert Olson,
Laimons Osis, Mike Patterson, Katherine Peyton, Chuck Philo,
Dave Pitkin, Roger Robb, Shirley Schwartz, Paul Sullivan,
and Ruth Warren.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
96.108 December 1996 Bird Field Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayview
Pasture=field east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea
Bay Road, Beaver Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park,
Drift Creek Pasture=field south of Gorton Road (from HWY 101 south of
Cutler City, turn onto Drift Cr. Road, drive about 0.4 mi, and then
turn onto Gorton Road), Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along
HWY 34, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine
Science Center, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at
Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about 3.5 mi south
of Yaquina Bay bridge, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.109 LOONS-HERON
An elusive YELLOW-BILLED LOON visited the YBSJ on 12/9 (SDo &
SDu; MT) and 12/19 (TL). Thousands of southbound PACIFIC LOONS passed
Boiler Bay on 12/10 (AC & RH).
At Boiler Bay, one EARED GREBE remained on 11/30 (SR),
12/14 (AC et al.), and 12/18 (DB). Another Eared was at the YBSJ on
12/10 (JS & RH) and 12/12 (KG), and one Eared washed ashore along
4.5 mi of beach near Thiel Creek on 11/8 (BL, S&DB).
Our latest BROWN PELICAN visited Alsea Bay on 12/4 (SL) and YBSJ
on 12/10 (JS & RH).
Our only CATTLE EGRET report was of one about three miles east of
Waldport at Thanksgiving and early December (JF).
An adult GREAT BLUE HERON facing west on one of the rocks at Seal
Rocks (an unusual site for them) on 12/22 (KM) may have been
contemplating if the ocean was the puddle remaining after all our
rains!
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.110 WATERFOWL
The big news for rarities this month was "Queen Eida," a female
KING EIDER seen along the YBSJ in the main channel between the Yaquina
Bay Bridge and about the first rock finger west of the bridge on 12/8
by KM. KM promptly reported it, so CP & DP were able to confirm it
within a few hours. Queen Eida has lingered, so many people have had
a chance to see her. She often hangs out with the scoters but is
larger and browner. The latest report is for 12/23 (RO, S&DO).
189 BRANT had arrived at Yaquina Bay by 12/6 (DP), which is down
considerably from the early 1980's. 47 of them were birds hatched
this year (DP).
A few EURASIAN WIGEON occur amongst the American Wigeon, but
usually only males are reported. Our high count this month was four
males and three females at Idaho Flats on 12/5; all females were the
rufous morph with a very brown head (RH). KM viewed six males amongst
3,100 American Wigeon there on 11/24.
GADWALLS and other dabbling ducks usually tip-up to feed, but on
12/22 at Eckman Lake, KM saw that 15 of 35 were diving. An observant
KM writes: "The dive was started by using the same motion as a tip-up
but more vigorous. After a vertical tail-up position was achieved, a
Gadwall immediately gave another underwater (but near surface) kick
with both feet simultaneously to push itself straight down. It
submerged for 5-10 sec and popped back to the surface quickly, with a
little splash, instead of surfacing more slowly." They are probably
too buoyant to stay down long.
The first BARROW'S GOLDENEYES arrived near Waldport's port docks
on 11/27 (JW), and 1-2 were also seen there the next few days (SL;
D&LL). On 12/22, KM found two adult males, two adult females, and an
immature there. This is the only place in Lincoln Co. where they have
been regularly found in winter. The female Barrow's with
10 COMMON GOLDENEYES at Siletz Bay on 12/14 (AC et al.) is a rarity at
that site.
16 REDHEADS hung out at Sallys Bend on 11/24 (KM), five were at
Yaquina Bay on 12/21 (TJ), and 19 were at Sallys Bend on 12/22 (KM).
An OLDSQUAW was often seen near the King Eider at the YBSJ by
many observers. The highest count was three on 12/5 (RH) and
12/14 (CL). AC writes about a pair that he saw there on 12/1: "The
male was an adult with black breast and a long tail just the way they
are supposed to look but never do. The tail dragged in the water most
of the time but when the bird dove the tail whipped out of the water
like a flag. Here's to the Brits who have the good sense to call this
beautiful creature Long-tailed Duck."
Hundreds of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS flew south past Boiler Bay on
12/1 (AC). About 60% of the 350 scoters northeast of Yaquina Head on
11/24 were BLACK SCOTERS; the remaining 40% were SURF SCOTERS (KM);
most of the 750 scoters there on 12/22 were Black and Surf Scoters.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.111 EAGLES & HAWKS
Two BALD EAGLES were at Yaquina Head on 11/30 (BLM); usually only
singletons are uncommon there.
On 12/21, SS was treated to an impressive view of a perched
RED-TAILED HAWK at her Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.) for 50 minutes.
Often we may look from bird to bird, only identifying them to species
and not taking the time to really see each bird as it is. SS writes:
"I saw his red tail feathers, the light-colored tips of the tail
feathers, the light spot on his beak, and even his eyeball! It
started out with a head-on view, then he turned to afford a side view.
He also turned his head to look over his back. He stood on one foot
for a while. He moved from a power pole to an alder to an evergreen
and back to the pole. After 40 minutes he flew to another power pole,
and 10 minutes later he soared over Neskowin Creek and out of sight."
A study of 50 minutes may try our patience, especially during the
Holiday Season, but such a study is a gift that adds a depth to our
experience of Nature that is not possible in an identifying glimpse.
A juvenile SHARP-SHINNED HAWK visited D&BM's feeders south of
Waldport on 11/20, and an unknown accipiter swooped by their feeder on
12/11.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.112 FALCONS-BOBWHITE
One PEREGRINE FALCON was at Mooloch Beach on 11/30 (SR), and at
Yaquina Head during five days in November (BLM). An immature chased
gulls over the surf 200 yards off Depoe Bay on 12/7 (MH & GG), and a
Peregrine was at Siletz Bay on 12/14 (AC et al.). At the YBSJ, an
adult of the blue-backed race bathed in the puddles along the YBSJ
road on 12/1 (AC), an immature carried off a grebe while being pursued
by a Red-tailed Hawk on 12/9 (SDo & SDu), one zoomed by on 12/19 (TL),
and one perched on a rock near the first rock finger seemed to
intentionally scare birds perched on the rocks as it flew low over
them on 12/20 (CP).
One MERLIN was at Newport on 12/9 (BB). Also, a tailless Merlin
visited the YBSJ on 12/8; in flight, it resembled a shorebird (MH &
GG)! Another was hunting from a lightpost near the Wecoma Dock at the
MSC on 12/9 (SDo & SDu).
An AMERICAN KESTREL started frequenting Yaquina Head in late
November (BLM), a favored wintering spot.
A male NORTHERN BOBWHITE still remains at SS's home near Neskowin
on 12/13. A covey first appeared there on Jan. 28--if only one
remains, it doesn't bode well for them.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.113 HIGH TIDE SHOREBIRD ROOSTS
Drift Creek pasture, east of Cutler City, has regularly been used
as a high tide roost by many wintering shorebirds. A Mountain Plover
was found there several years ago.
On 11/30, 140 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS were counted there (SR). On
12/7, MH & GG visited and found 80+ Black-bellieds, 200+ SANDERLINGS,
200+ DUNLIN, 50+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 3+ WESTERN SANDPIPERS, and
a MARBLED GODWIT.
Our only other known shorebird high tide roost is at Bayview
Pasture, north of Alsea Bay. On 11/24, KM found seven Black-bellied
Plovers and 23 Dunlin there.
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.114 OTHER SHOREBIRD RECORDS-JAEGER
A SNOWY PLOVER, which is now rare here was at Idaho Flats near
the MSC Nature Trail on 12/20 (AF).
MARBLED GODWITS continue to make an extraordinary winter showing
with 25 at Siletz Bay on 12/10 (AC & RH).
At Depoe Bay, two ROCK SANDPIPERS were on the rocks below the
whale statue on 12/1 (J&RC), 1-6 were noted on 12/9 and 12/14 (BB;
SDo & SDu; CL), and one was below the Made in Oregon store on 12/19
(TL). 1-2 were at YBSJ on 12/1 (AC) and 12/19 (TL), but the award for
finding them at the most places goes to MC & PV, who found one at
Boiler Bay, three at Depoe Bay, and another at the YBSJ on 12/22.
Four WHIMBRELS flew over the YBSJ on 12/14 (AC et al.), and three
were near the MSC on 12/19 (TL). They were last reported at Yaquina
Head, where they don't winter, on 11/6 (BLM).
One WILLET was near the MSC on 12/19 (TL).
Three GREATER YELLOWLEGS, which regularly winter here away from
saltwater but are often missed, were at Yaquina Estuary near Oregon
Oyster on 12/22 (MC & PV).
A calling COMMON SNIPE flew over the MSC at 1 AM on 12/16 (RB).
A probable POMARINE JAEGER was chasing gulls at Boiler Bay on
12/8 (MH & GG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.115 GULLS
GULLS along the coast will often fly up to forage on an aerial
swarm of mating insects--these swarms are usually in late summer and
early fall after most of the insect-eating birds such as swallows have
left and seem to be triggered by very warm temperatures. This year,
RL spotted a swarm of carpenter ants with attendant gulls at Angell
Job Corps, south of Waldport, on a very warm day in early November
(perhaps 11/2). This may be our latest date for such swarms.
A third-winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at a puddle along the YBSJ road
on 12/1 (AC).
CALIFORNIA GULLS are still in abundance as RH viewed 400+ at
Idaho Flats on 12/5 and 200+ at the YBSJ on 12/10.
The 5+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS at the YBSJ on 12/10 (RH) may be our
latest this winter.
At Boiler Bay, there were eight BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES on 11/30
(SR), 60+ on 12/1 (AC), and at least two adults on 12/8 (MH & GG).
One was at the YBSJ on 12/5 (an immature; RH) and 12/8 (an adult; KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.116 ALCIDS
At Boiler Bay, late records include a RHINOCEROS AUKLET on
11/30 (SR) and a CASSIN'S AUKLET on 12/10 (AC & RH). Two Cassin's and
three Rhinos beached near Thiel Creek during November were about a
normal number there (BL, S&DB).
1-2 MARBLED MURRELETS and about seven ANCIENT MURRELETS were at
Boiler Bay on 11/30 (SR) and 12/1 (AC). Also there were two Marbleds
on 12/14 (CL) and up to 50+ Ancients during five days from 12/8-19
(MH & GG; AC & RH; SDo & SDu; AC et al.; CL; TL). 17 and 33 Ancients
at Yaquina Head on 12/8 and 12/22, respectively, made them easily the
most numerous alcid (KM). Four Ancients also sat on the ocean near
Yachats on 12/22 (KM).
A COMMON MURRE in breeding plumage was at Yachats on
12/22 (KM)--the older adults come into breeding plumage in winter.
As many as five PIGEON GUILLEMOTS in winter plumage were counted
at Boiler Bay on 12/8 (MH & GG), 12/9 (SDo & SDu), 12/14 (AC et al.),
and 12/18 (DB). Singletons were also at Yaquina Head and the YBSJ on
12/8 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.117 DOVE-RAVEN
A MOURNING DOVE south of Idaho Flats on 10/24 (EH) is our latest
fall report.
A SHORT-EARED OWL foraged at Siletz Bay NWR on 12/10 (RL). They
once were uncommon along the coast in winter--now, they are rarely
reported.
SNOWY OWLS have been discovered at Tillamook Bay, Florence, and
Coos Co., but none have been reported in Lincoln Co.
One ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was south of Waldport the last week of
Nov. (D&LL), and they have been regulars at D&BM's feeder south of
Waldport throughout November and December. A few regularly winter
within about a mile of the coast.
A RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER brightened up the winter days at Thiel
Creek on 12/3 (BL) and near Logsden on 12/14 (DS).
COMMON RAVENS are rare along most of the Lincoln Co. coast--D&BM
are fortunate to live south of Waldport where ravens commonly fly near
the coast and interact with AMERICAN CROWS. DM writes about a June 4
interaction: "There were three crows chasing a single raven, which at
one point took refuge in one of the dead cedars. The crows took turns
diving at the raven but never got really close. It seemed that the
few dead limbs over and beside the raven afforded it some protection.
Still the raven ducked and whimpered as if saying 'Please guys, I
plead King's X.' This lasted about 5 minutes, then the crows took
time out to rest on another nearby cedar. After a couple more
minutes, the raven took off to the woods followed again by the three
crows."
* * * * * * * * * * *
96.118 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE-HOUSE SPARROW
One MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE lingered near D&LL's feeder south of
Waldport on 12/1.
Our latest CEDAR WAXWING was a juvenile at CP's Toledo home on
12/24; we have a smattering of winter records, so this is uncommon but
not unprecedented.
EUROPEAN STARLINGS are mimics in the winter as well as in the
summer. CL heard one in east Toledo on 12/14 that sang like an
Olive-sided Flycatcher! Several winters ago, one called like a Common
Nighthawk during the Yaquina Bay CBC, so we need to not be too hasty
in identifying birds that are calling.
1-3 PALM WARBLERS were at the MSC on 12/2 (EH), 12/8 (DP),
12/14 (CG), 12/18 (DB), and 12/20 (AF).
A TOWNSEND'S WARBLER lingered in Yachats in early December (SL).
Other winter arrivals include a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in Toledo
on 12/13 (CP) and a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO at CP's Toledo feeder on
12/14. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was also in Toledo on 12/13 (CP) and near
the MSC on 12/19 (TL).
In early Nov., a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported on the road about
a mile up Beaver Creek (fide AC), and two were at Yaquina Head on
11/6 & 7 (BLM).
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were often noted at Yaquina Head starting on
11/17 (BLM), and four were at the MSC on 12/14 (CG).
At their home south of Waldport, D&BM write: "Most appearances of
HOUSE SPARROWS have been as single individuals, except in the very
rainiest period in the last half of November. There was a flock of
more than 30 birds overwhelming our feeders in that period!"
OBSERVERS.--David Bailey, Bob Barnes, Range Bayer, BLM (Bureau of
Land Management at Yaquina Head), Sara & Don Brown,
Jim & Rita Coleman, Alan Contreras, Marcia Cutler, Steve Dowlan (SDo),
Susie Dunham (SDu), Anthony Floyd, Jerry Foster, Charles Gates,
Greg Gillson, Keith Graves, Eric Horvath, Rich Hoyer Jr., Matt Hunter,
Tim Janzen, Dave & Lynne Larson, Cindy Lawes, Sally Lockyear,
Bob Loeffel, Tom Love, Roy Lowe, Sylvia Maulding, Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Sally Nelson, Robert Olson,
Steve & Diane Olson, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Skip Russell,
Shirley Schwartz, Dorothy Scott, Jamie Simmons, Margaret Tweelinckx,
Paula Vanderheul, and Jean Weakland.
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