Menu of Jan.-May 1993 (sections 93.1-93.36) 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 14
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93.1 January 1993
93.8 February 1993
93.15 March 1993
93.21 April 1993
93.27 May 1993
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93.1 January 1993 Sandpiper 14(1)
ABBREVIATIONS: CBC=Jan. 3 Yaquina Bay Christmas Bird Count,
MSC=Marine Science Center, BP=Bayview Pasture (swale east of junction of
Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road), YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.2 EARLY TO FEED, EARLY TO ROOST?
What are the first and last birds to come to feeders during the day?
Is there any pattern?
For their feeders south of Waldport, D&BM were curious, and, on 1/10,
they found that the first arrivals were two FOX SPARROWS at 7:29 AM, two
more Fox Sparrows, a SPOTTED TOWHEE, six DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and a SONG
SPARROW BY 7:38; a VARIED THRUSH, a chickadee, and more juncos and towhees
at 7:44; a PINE SISKIN at 7:49, a STELLER'S JAY at 7:53, a gull flying
by at 7:50, a CROW at 7:54, and a GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW and NORTHERN
FLICKER at 7:57.
On 1/11, three Fox Sparrows were again the first to arrive and did so
at 7:32.
The last birds at D&BM's feeder on 1/11 at 4:50 PM was a Varied
Thrush, three Fox Sparrows, a Song Sparrow, and an AMERICAN ROBIN; they all
left by 4:57. D&BM noted that birds left the feeders when there was more
light than when they arrived in the morning.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.3 GREBES-WATERFOWL
A CLARK'S GREBE was among WESTERN GREBES at YBSJ on 1/22 (H& RH).
Along 4.5 miles of Thiel Creek beach, BL and S&DB found 13 NORTHERN
FULMARS, four SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS, and one FORK-
TAILED STORM-PETREL dead in December.
Five BROWN PELICANS were at Yaquina Head on 12/22 (BLM), and one was
at Embarcadero on 12/23 (DOs) and at Alsea Bay on 12/25 (L&LS). The last
record was of one along the Newport Bayfront on 1/6 (JSa); this is our
fourth year with a January record.
A GREAT EGRET was noted during several days at Alsea Bay and Eckman
Lake in December (L&LS), at Yaquina Bay on 12/20 (KM), and at Eckman Lake on
1/9 (JW).
As reported in last month's Sandpiper, B&DM found an EMPEROR GOOSE at
Salishan Spit on 12/24; evidently, it didn't stay long as MHo & DL found
presumably the same bird at the YBSJ on 12/31, where it lingered for the
Yaquina Bay CBC, and it was also there on 1/22 (HH & RH), 1/23 (JS), and
1/26 (BS, fide RL). It has been seen most often along the YBSJ in puddles
along the roadway and pullouts, but also in the channel; on 1/23, JS saw it
near the waterline on the North Jetty, while he was standing on the YBSJ.
It is often in company with the TAVERNER'S CANADA GOOSE that continues to
linger at the YBSJ.
14 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were on the ground at BP along with
103 CANADA GEESE on 1/17 (YB&N field trip).
Male EURASIAN WIGEON regularly winter here, with up to five males at
Eckman lake in December and January (L&LS; JW; KM; JS' YB&N field trip).
At the end of the YB&N field trip on 1/17, at least eight males were among
about a thousand wigeon at BP, where there were more wigeon than in Alsea
Bay, even though it was low tide. Female Eurasian's are rarely reported,
but a patient KM picked out two female Eurasian's at Eckman Lake on 1/3.
At Alsea Bay, a BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was noted during five days in
December, beginning on 12/18 (L&LS), and a subadult male was noted on 1/4
(DF). Before the last YB&N field trip, JW kindly reported that a male
Barrow's had been hanging around the Alsea Bay Public Docks on 1/13 & 14,
and it, along with a female with a very yellow bill, was seen there by
field trip participants on 1/17 and by CP on 1/19. Thanks for the tip, JW!
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.4 RAPTORS
A SWAINSON'S HAWK with details was reported at the junction of Thiel
Creek and HWY 101 on 1/10 (DF).
The only ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK reported in about a year was reported just
southeast of Cutler City on 1/27; it had a black leg band (fide RL).
[This record was withdrawn for a lack of details in the next month's
Sandpiper.]
On 12/31, an adult BALD EAGLE perched on one of the rock fingers
between the Yaquina Bay Bridge and YBSJ (RO)--an unusual location. An
adult Bald Eagle was a rare visitor to the Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) area on
1/5 & 1/9 (SS). At Alsea Bay, an adult was observed on 1/11 (JW), and, on
1/17, one adult obliged and flew directly above many YB&N field trip
participants.
Three NORTHERN HARRIERS were spotted by P&PR while they were hiking
at South Beach State park on 1/18; usually only singletons are seen here.
RED-TAILED HAWKS are unusual in Newport but one was present on 1/17
(TM). A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was at Sandpiper Village, just north of
Waldport, during three days in December (L&LS), and another was at Eckman
Slough on 1/22 (JW). A WHITE-TAILED KITE was noted near Nute Slough, east
of Newport, on 1/22 (HH& RH) and 1/26 (RH, fide LO).
A MERLIN chased and was chased by a Steller's Jay at Neskowin on 1/18
(SS). An AMERICAN KESTREL pursued Chestnut-backed Chickadees at the MSC on
1/16 (BH), and up to two kestrels were noted almost daily at Yaquina Head
this December (BLM).
As many as two PEREGRINE FALCONS were at Yaquina Head during three
days in December (BLM); one fed on the beach south of YBSJ on 12/29 (AF),
one sat on Colony Rock at Yaquina Head on 12/30 (P&MD); and one perched on
rocks at Heceta Head (Lane Co.) on 12/31 (D&BM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.5 SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS
During the first week in January, 7-15 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were
regularly moving back and forth like Sanderlings along a sand beach at
Nelscott (RG).
If freezing weather lingers, then KILLDEER is one of the species that
most obviously departs inland areas. RB has seen flocks of them flying
south in past winters after a few days of ice and snow, and on 1/8, he saw
two flocks flying south over north Newport; they were also numerous in the
Lincoln City area after the freezing weather (RG). Courtship in January?
Yes, at least five Killdeer were displaying for mates on 1/12 in a sparsely
vegetated field near the MSC (BLl).
Three SNOWY PLOVERS were seen during CBC Count Week about a mile
south of the YBSJ (AF). Most people only look for BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS in
estuaries, but 17 were at BP on 1/19 (CP).
A CALIFORNIA GULL banded as a nestling at Mono Lake (California) this
July was found dead along a Waldport beach in late September (RL),
indicating that some of them come northward in summer.
A late BONAPARTE'S GULL was seen twice on 1/17 at Alsea Bay during
the YB&N field trip.
Alcids appear to have been hurt by winter so far with four ANCIENT
MURRELETS, 28 CASSIN'S AUKLETS, 5 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS, and 45 COMMON MURRES
found dead along 4.6 mi of Thiel Creek beached in December; the first week
in January brought 165 dead Cassin's Auklets along with tar balls to the
same beach (BL, S&DB). The dead birds don't appear to have died as a
result of the oil.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.6 OWL-MOCKINGBIRD
Our only owl was a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL at Mike Miller Park on 1/1 (MH).
It must be a cold, hard winter for ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, but one was
coming to a feeder at Road's End, north of Lincoln City on 1/11 & 13
(C&EH); and they were seen almost daily at Sandpiper Village in December
(L&LS).
Missed again during this year's CBC, three GRAY JAYS were near Idaho
Point during CBC Count Week (AF); one was at Idaho Point in early January
(JL), another was at Neskowin on 1/9 (SS), and two were detected at South
Beach on 1/22 (MH).
BUSHTITS were also missed during the CBC, but they were at the MSC
during at least four days in December (EH), and 25 were there on 1/5 (RO).
J&DC noted that RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES may have predicted our hard
winter because the nuthatches took sunflower seeds from J&DC's Toledo
feeder and stuck them in cracks in nearby trees during September-November.
BROWN CREEPERS are underreported, especially in winter, but one was
near Eckman Lake on 12/20 (JW) and north Toledo on 1/11 (P&MD).
MARSH WRENS are a common species that are often overlooked, but EH
reported one at the MSC on 12/22.
The first singing BEWICK'S WREN was heard in Newport on 1/27 (RB).
The only WESTERN BLUEBIRD this month was one in a clearcut west of
Siletz on 1/17 (CP).
VARIED THRUSHES have become common at many places (e.g., Waldport,
LL) since the freezing weather.
While hunting for the Mockingbird (see following), HH & RH found a
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE along 35th Street in South Beach on 1/22.
A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was at South Beach during six days in December
(EH) and on 1/4 (TD); probably the same one was chasing a Varied Thrush
near Idaho Point on 1/12 (TD& MH). On 1/23, JS (fide CP) went to look for
it, but the man at the address where it was supposed to be said his cat had
eaten it on 1/22.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.7 WARBLER-EVENING GROSBEAK
A single, out-of-season ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was noted at South
Beach State Park on 12/29 (AF) and in Toledo on 1/2 (DF).
TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were missed during the CBC and haven't been
reported very much this winter, but one was at the MSC on 12/11 (EH) and at
Toledo in early January (J&DC).
A PALM WARBLER was at the MSC on 12/18 (EH) and during CBC Count Week
(AF).
One WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was at Logsden on 12/15 (BLl), and at
Yaquina John Point south of Waldport on 12/19 (JW).
Two SWAMP SPARROWS were hidden at Hidden Valley between Newport and
Toledo on 1/22 (HH & RH).
One LINCOLN'S SPARROW was discovered at the MSC on 12/11 (EH) and at
Toledo on 1/17 (CP).
With the cold weather, FOX SPARROWS have been putting in a good
showing at Tidewater (DO), Waldport (LL), Road's End (C&EH) and other
places.
A DARK-EYED JUNCO was an unwelcome alarm clock as it tapped on SS's
window before 7 AM in Neskowin on 1/1 and 1/2.
A SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO south of Waldport next to D&BM's home
was espied on 12/26 (JS); and another was in Newport on 1/15 (RB).
An orange HOUSE FINCH tagged along with large PINE SISKIN flocks in
Toledo during December (J&DC), and a yellow one was at the MSC on 1/27
(LO). Courtship chasing and first songs were noted in Newport on 1/29
(RB).
2-3 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were near the MSC on 12/11 (EH) and 1/13
(BLl).
Where have all the PINE SISKINS gone? In late December, they were
abundant in or near Waldport (LL, D&BM, L&LS), at Toledo (P&MD, J&DC), and
at the MSC (LO). Some were so brazen that they landed on the head,
shoulders, or hands of people bringing feed to them in Toledo (SG) and
Newport (fide BLl)! At Yaquina John Point, they had been very abundant
through 1/2, when JW counted 342, but only three were at her feeder on
1/15. Other evidence of the decline is that where they had been numerous
earlier, only one was seen at D&BM's feeders on 1/19, and, at a MSC and
Thiel Creek feeder, they also had greatly declined in abundance by mid-
January (LO).
EVENING GROSBEAKS are not very common in winter here, but they have
been regularly found in Toledo this winter (J&DC, P&MD).
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Bureau of Land Management (MN, GM), Sara &
Don Brown, Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Todd Dunkirk,
Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Susan Gilmont, Ruth Goodrich, Bill Hastie,
Mark Hedrick, Hendrik Herlyn, Gary Hettman, Carl & Eileen Hoog, Eric
Horvath, Marcia House (MHo), Rich Hoyer, Lola Landis, Janet Leonard, Bob
Llewellyn (BLl), Bob Loeffel, Dave Lowe, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Gary
Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Bob & Dona Morris, Terry Morse, Michael
Noack, Dorothy Olson, Robert Olson, Dane (DO) & Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo,
Paul & Pat Reed, Jeanne Saylor (JSa), Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella
Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Bill Stotz, Jean Weakland.
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93.8 February 1993 Sandpiper 14(2)
Abbreviations: MSC=Marine Science Center, BP=Bayview Pasture (swale
east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road),
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.9 KEEP AN OPEN MIND
One troubling part of being a field notes editor is how to handle
conflicting reports. Such is the case with the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
(mocker) saga.
As reported in last month's Sandpiper, there were several sightings
of a mocker in the 35th Street area of South Beach by visiting and resident
birders until 1/22. The mocker was included on the Rare Bird Alert System
and many out-of-Lincoln County people came to add it to their Lincoln
County lists. On 1/22, HH& RH and, on 1/23, JS unsuccessfully searched for
it, but HH & RH found a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, which could be mistakenly
identified as a mocker by someone expecting one. JS and EH independently
reported that a resident told them that his cat ate the mocker on 1/22.
Since 1/22, there has only been one mocker sighting that I am aware
of--that by a Portland birding couple on 1/31 (fide DF). Birders living at
35th Street have not reported it again, and any substantial, detailed
report of the mocker since 1/22 would be welcome.
It is possible that there were two mockers, and only one of them was
eaten; however, we only have records of singletons in Lincoln County. It
is most likely that either the 1/31 birders did not see what they thought
they did or that the mocker was not eaten. In either case, the mocker
"laughs" last!
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.10 GREBES-SWANS
Spring migration is underway! On 1/31, KM counted 538 WESTERN GREBES
at Sallys Bend (embayment east of Newport's LNG Tank), and, on 2/1, DF
estimated that there was about 750 there. In past years, Western Grebe
numbers at Yaquina Estuary peaked in February or March with RB counting
1,015 in Feb. 1980.
Our latest BROWN PELICAN record is for 1/11 at Yaquina Head (BLM).
At least one GREAT EGRET was found at Eckman Lake or Alsea Bay on
1/18, 27, & 28 (L&LS), and two were at Eckman Lake on 2/15 (JW). We need
more records--the number of January-April records in Lincoln County has
declined since 1985, but this may be because of reduced birding effort.
Few of you have probably had the pleasure of seeing a GREAT BLUE HERON
standing in the surf along the open beach in Lincoln County! D&BM were
treated with such a spectacle near Beachside State Park south of Waldport
on 2/1.
The "Gang of Three" MUTE SWANS has been absent from Lincoln County for
over six months, so RL's record of them at Siletz Bay on 1/22 is
interesting. But they haven't been noted since--where have they been?
Where are they going?
Seven adult, possible TRUMPETER SWANS flew over Sallys Bend to the
east on 1/18 (KM).
Many birders have had a chance to see the obliging
EMPEROR GOOSE at YBSJ (e.g., JS; CP; RL); it was last reported on 2/19
(JW).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.11 GEESE-DUCKS
The Cackling CANADA GOOSE lingers at Eckman Lake with the last report
on 2/16 (JW). The lone Taverner's Canada Goose at YBSJ was joined by a
second, but one became seriously entangled in fishing line and remains so
as of 2/25 (NM). If you see discarded fishing line, please pick it up
before wildlife become entangled in it.
About 15 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE along with three EURASIAN WIGEONS
were at BP on 1/23 (JS).
Olalla Slough near Toledo High School has been good for some colorful
ducks recently with GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELERS,
RING-NECKED DUCKS, and HOODED MERGANSERS detected there in late January and
early February (P&MD). 50 WOOD DUCKS were at a pond near Toledo the last
week in January (GH).
Male and female BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were seen at Siletz Bay on 1/15
(KM), and they were regularly noted in Alsea Bay in January (L&LS; JW). JW
had a good comparative look of male Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes at Alsea
Bay Port Docks on 2/16.
Five HARLEQUIN DUCKS were at the YBSJ on 1/25 (P&MD), and 23 REDHEADS
lingered at Sallys Bend on 1/31 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.12 RAPTORS-ALCIDS
Our first TURKEY VULTURE of the year was seen near South Yaquina Bay
Road on 2/17 (CP). A BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE at Boone Slough east of Newport
on 1/23 mobbed a RED-TAILED HAWK perched in a tree (JS).
A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was at South Beach State Park on 2/3 (PR). A
Sharp-shinned or COOPER'S HAWK was at the MSC on 1/30 (JL), and another
hunted JW's feeder at Yaquina John Point, south of Waldport on 2/11. We
haven't had any reports of accipiters from inland Lincoln County.
A brown (female or immature) NORTHERN HARRIER was near the MSC on 1/13
and 2/22; the one on the later date was mobbing an immature BALD EAGLE
(BL). During the 2/20 YB&N field trip to Ona Beach, LO et al. were treated
to two adult Bald Eagles flying by, a pair was also at Taft on 1/30 (PR),
and another pair flew together along the shore south of Waldport on 2/2
(D&BM). But the most ever reported together in recent times was the three
adults and two immatures at north Devils Lake on 1/17 (RW, fide RO).
The only MERLIN this month was one glimpsed at the MSC on 1/26 (RO).
Single PEREGRINE FALCONS were viewed at Yaquina Head on 1/1-3 (BLM), at
Eckman Lake on 1/31 (JW), at the MSC on 2/4 (PL, fide LO), and at the mouth
of Alsea Bay on 2/14 (SL). The MSC Peregrine was flying with a small bird
in its talons.
WHIMBRELS have not been reported this winter at Yaquina Bay, but L&LS
found one at Alsea Bay on 1/6, 23, and 28, and D&BM saw two hunting the
open beach between Little Creek and Patterson State Park south of Waldport
on 1/31.
BONAPARTE'S GULLS are often missed in January-February, but this
species was found at Yaquina Bay in early January (L&LS; KM) and at Alsea
Bay in mid-January (L&LS).
A record 381 CASSIN'S AUKLETS were found dead along 4.5 miles of
beaches near Thiel Creek in January by BLo and S&DB. This is greater than
the total found in any year during 1978-1992, and there are still 11 months
to go! The cause of this mortality is unknown. The good news is that BLo
reports that the die-off has greatly decreased by 2/16.
The first raft of COMMON MURRES near Yaquina Head was noted at 8:30 AM
on 2/3, and their first landing on their Head nesting areas was on 2/9 at
Colony and Flattop Rocks (MN).
Three ANCIENT MURRELETS washed ashore at Thiel Creek in January (BLo,
S&DB), and live ones were at Yaquina Head (13), Seal Rocks (2), and Yachats
(about 10) on 1/18 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.13 PIGEON-WARBLERS
The first BAND-TAILED PIGEON report of the year was two at a feeder in
Toledo on 2/22 (J&DC). We only had three records of BARN OWLS in all of
1990-1991, so the two owls that CP ferreted out at Hidden Valley on 1/31 is
most welcome. Three NORTHERN FLICKERS have occasionally been feeding at
LL's feeder in Waldport in late January.
Our earliest spring RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in previous years was noted on
2/5 in 1989; our second earliest record is this year with the first at
Yachats on 2/10 along with an ANNA'S (J&JG). But the number of Rufous
records this year during 2/10-15 seems unprecedented with other reports for
Sandpiper Village just north of Waldport (L&LS), Beaver Creek (LO), and
Toledo (J&DC).
COMMON RAVENS aren't very common in much of Lincoln County. Thus, it
is of note that D&BM detected them during 16 days from 1/14 through 2/13
near D&BM's home not far from the beach, just south of Waldport. At
Neskowin, one raven was doing aerial "flips," and two flew together on 1/26
(SS). Two ravens were also seen engaged in aerial maneuvers by D&BM south
of Waldport on 2/2. These flights may be for courtship.
GRAY JAYS were again discerned in the 35th Street area of South Beach
on three days during January (EH); at Neskowin, four were viewed on 1/24
(SS).
Some AMERICAN ROBINS overwinter in Lincoln County, but others arrive
in late January-early March. This year D&BM counted one's and two's south
of Waldport until 2/9, when 19 arrived. In Logsden, ML remarked that they
had become abundant by 2/14.
On 2/7, CP found at least 30 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in hills west of
Siletz, and, on 2/12, CP beheld 14 gracing a recent clearcut area near
South Yaquina Bay Road. Although many bluebirds are raised and banded in
the Corvallis area, CP didn't see any bands on any of these bluebirds.
HERMIT THRUSHES are sometimes overlooked, but they were recorded daily
in early January at Sandpiper Village (L&LS).
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS don't usually overwinter here, but, in
addition to the reports in last month's Sandpiper, we had another at Toledo
on 1/23 (JS) and one at the MSC on 2/11 (DFx, fide RO).
One TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at the MSC on 2/11 (DFx, fide RO).
This is the second winter in a row that one has been found there.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.14 JUNCO-PARAKEET
The status of DARK-EYED JUNCOS in Lincoln County depends upon where
you are. South of Waldport, D&BM list them as the most numerous bird at
their feeders, and they are singing. In south Newport, only one's and
two's remain (RB).
One WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was noted at Neskowin on 2/1 (SS). Another
lingers at Yaquina John Point, south of Waldport through mid-February (JW),
and this species was also noted at Sandpiper Village during six days in
January (L&LS).
The first spring RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS for Logsden were noted on 2/9
(ML).
We've had few WESTERN MEADOWLARK records this winter, but it was noted
at Yaquina Head during four days in mid-January (BLM), near the YBSJ on
1/23 (JS), and near the MSC on 2/16 (fide BL).
A flock of about 12 PURPLE FINCHES and HOUSE FINCHES were at feeder
at Bayshore on 2/20 (LH). An influx of House Finches seems to have
occurred in the first or second week of February near Waldport (D&BM)
and in Newport (RB).
Some PINE SISKINS were in the Waldport area in late January (LL; JW;
D&BM) and at feeders in Toledo in early February (J&DC; CP). At Bayshore,
just north of Waldport, many seemed to return on 2/20, with a flock of 20
at a feeder (LH).
The same feral PARAKEET has apparently survived the winters of
Neskowin, where it has been seen coming to feeders the past four years
(BT).
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management
(MN, GM), Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon,
David Fix (DFx), Jim & Janice Gerdemann, Hendrik Herlyn, Gary Hettman,
Lindy Hillis, Eric Horvath, Rich Hoyer, Lola Landis, Pete Lawson,
Janet Leonard, Bob & Martha Llewellyn, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo),
Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler,
Nancy Morrissey, Michael Noack, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo,
Paul Reed, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons,
Betty Trowbridge, Rachel Wallen, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
93.15 March 1993 Sandpiper 14(3)
Abbreviations: MSC=Marine Science Center, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South
Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.16 SPRING
Tis the season, and DM (who lives near the ocean south of
Waldport) aptly wrote the following on 3/15:
"Spring is really in the air. Lately while I work on the weeds in our
flower beds I am entertained by a variety of bird sounds. There is a
flicker drumming away on a dead cedar nearby or 'singing' in his own
peculiar way. Indeed, within a half hour, I have heard all three of his
different calls.
"Only ten feet away our 'yellow' House Finch is singing his heart out
while the juncos and towhees keep up a constant chatter. A Song Sparrow on
the huckleberry down the row joins in with a song. The robins call, and
the starlings whistle. Somewhere in the woods, a raven sounds off, and all
around the crows are gathering nest material and talking about it. The
siskins begin talking about leaving for some other feeding station and then
all at once they do just that, jabbering as they do."
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.17 CORMORANT-WATERFOWL
Many birds are or have already changed into breeding
dress--PELAGIC CORMORANTS in breeding plumage were noted on 2/1 at Yaquina
Head (BLM).
AMERICAN BITTERNS are often missed in Lincoln County, but L&LS found
one at Eckman Lake on 2/13 & 19. A few GREEN-BACKED HERONS overwinter at
least sometimes near Toledo, but usually not at Alsea Bay. Since migrants
usually arrive in late April, the one seen on 2/15 at Alsea Bay (L&LS) and
at Eckman Lake on 2/28 and 3/9 and daily thereafter (JW) may have
overwintered. A GREAT EGRET continues to linger in the Alsea Bay area,
with one last noted in mid-March (JW; L&LS; RL), and one was also at Siletz
Bay on 2/26 (JC&DC).
On 3/7, KM noted few GREAT BLUE HERONS at Yaquina Bay. Such a
seasonal "decline" in numbers is expected now because many are now
incubating eggs (the first should hatch about 4/15), so about 1/2 of their
breeding population will be at their nesting colonies until late May.
One TUNDRA SWAN floating on Yaquina Bay on 3/10 (RL) was unusual for
this time of year. The EMPEROR GOOSE at YBSJ lingered to 3/9 (JW).
A CANADA GOOSE with 143R on its white neck collar was at Eckman Lake
on 3/19 (L&LS). It will be interesting to see if this particular bird
sticks around--look for its collar and please report the color and number
of any one you see. Speaking of Canada Geese, up to 20 remain along
Yaquina Bay between Newport and Toledo (P&MD; KM)--they have favored Alsea
and Siletz Bays in the past, but their population explosion now appears to
be pushing them to less favored sites. Unfortunately, the increase in the
introduced Western subspecies here may become like the nuisance that Canada
Geese have become in some areas of the East Coast (e.g., see Doug Stewart's
article, "No Honking Matter," p. 40-43 of Dec/Jan issue of National
Wildlife).
1-3 BARROW'S GOLDENEYES promenaded daily in February and early March
at Alsea Bay (JW; L&LS). REDHEADS are best known in Lincoln County from
Sallys Bend just east of the LNG Tank where they have been regularly found
this winter (KM), but TM discovered one at the unlikely location of Newport
Reservoir on 2/27. RING-NECKED DUCKS were at Newport Reservoir on 2/27
(TM) and were frequently near Toledo High School this past month (P&MD).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.18 BALD EAGLE-ALCIDS
D&BM had the luxury of sitting on their back porch just south of
Waldport and studying a BALD EAGLE perched on a nearby cedar snag on 3/14;
the next day an immature perched near J&ST's home at Seal Rock. On 2/12,
an adult visited Yaquina Head and upset the gulls after flying around a
couple of minutes (BLM).
TURKEY VULTURES frequented Elk City and Hidden Valley in early March
(JSt).
A COOPER'S HAWK was at Sandpiper Village just north of Waldport on
2/10 (L&LS), a pair flew by the Tarry-Awhile Inn south of Waldport on 3/8
(MH&TD), and another was south of Toledo on Sunny Ridge Road on 3/13 (CP).
One SHARP-SHINNED HAWK graced Eckman Lake on 2/26 (RL), and another was in
Toledo on 3/5 (CP).
A MERLIN made a mock attack on a Northern Flicker in Toledo on 3/13
(MH&TD). A PEREGRINE FALCON put on quite a show on 3/11 at the Newport
Bayfront when it streaked over several people to snatch a Rock Dove (CP).
One was also at Yaquina Head on 2/19 and 23 (BLM).
JS listened to five VIRGINIA RAILS at Beaver Creek on 3/7.
A SPOTTED SANDPIPER continued to regularly be noted at Eckman Lake
(KM; JW). 1-2 WHIMBRELS remain at Alsea Bay (L&LS; JW).
Our last report of a THAYER'S GULL was for 3/7 at Yachats (KM).
As previously noted, adult COMMON MURRES come into breeding plumage
early in the winter, and younger ones less than about 5 yrs old come into
breeding plumage later, if at all. On 1/31, KM did a careful study of the
26 murres in the water near their nesting area at Yaquina Head and found
that all but two were in full breeding plumage. Immatures are more likely
to stay away from nesting areas, especially this early in spring.
The first live RHINOCEROS AUKLET detected this spring was at Yaquina
Head on 2/28 (KM); a dead one washed up at Thiel Creek on 2/15 (BL, S&DB).
Also washing up there in February were 31 CASSIN'S AUKLETS
and two ANCIENT MURRELETS (BL, S&DB).
Although JM was sure that he saw three TUFTED PUFFINS on 2/23 between
the LNG tank and Idaho Point in Yaquina Bay, they could not be relocated,
and they are considered hypothetical because this would be our first
February record (they usually arrive in April) and they have not been
reported previously inside Yaquina Bay.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.19 HUMMINGBIRD-THRUSHES
Although RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS arrived at several sites in early
February, they first appeared at SS's Neskowin home on 3/11.
The first VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were noted at Beaver Creek on 3/7 (JS)
and at the MSC on 3/9 (P&MD). But at some other locations they didn't
arrive until much later; for example, on 3/19 in Toledo (CP) and SW Newport
(RB) and on 3/20 at Neskowin (SS). After arriving, they have been absent
at SW Newport for a week, but that is the way a lot of birds are after
arriving--they may not occur every day.
Our first TREE SWALLOWS were at Eckman Lake on 3/4 (JW) and Thiel
Creek on 3/13 (LO).
You may remember that there was a mass mortality of swallows in
California early last year. A summary of the findings was recently
published by E. E. Littrell (1992 Cal. Fish & Game 78[3]:128-130). It
appears that they died because they got caught in too cold of weather for
them to survive. There is definitely a risk if they come back too soon.
Two GRAY JAYS were at 35th Street in South Beach on 3/7 (JS)--the only
report of them this month. A BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE started singing and
checking out CP's bird houses in Toledo on 1/30.
HERMIT THRUSHES have not been reported much this winter (e.g., L&LS
found them during only three days in February at Sandpiper Village), but
JC&DC found one at Devils Lake on 2/26 and S&DB reported two at South Beach
on 3/13.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.20 WARBLERS-EVENING GROSBEAK
TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS don't appear to have been very common or abundant
here this winter, so 20 seen at Mike Miller Park on 3/20 is of interest
(CP). At the MSC, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS are lingering (EH).
A SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO was appreciated south of Waldport on
3/4 & 9 (D&BM), and another was at South Beach on 3/13 (MH).
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS remain this month at Sandpiper Village (L&LS)
and south of Waldport (JW). On 2/26, JC&DC skillfully found a
SWAMP SPARROW and two LINCOLN'S SPARROWS on the road to Cascade Head.
One WESTERN MEADOWLARK was at Yaquina Head on 2/23 (P&MD), where BLM
staff also saw two during six days in February. Two were also singing on
the Oregon Coast Aquarium roof on 2/23 (BLl).
The orange HOUSE FINCH that CP saw at his Toledo feeder is only the
second one that he has seen there. There is a lot of variety in the
coloration of male House Finches; so much so, that they are sometimes
mistaken for other species, such as the Cassin's Finch. DM describes this
color variation for the House Finches in his neighborhood south of
Waldport: "Ours include one male ("yellow") with bare touches of yellow on
forehead, cheek, and throat; a couple of orange birds, and several more
with different shades of red--even as intense as a Cardinal. The extent of
color varies. At least one red bird is as limited in color as is the
"yellow" bird. A couple others, including the most cardinal-colored, have
extensive washes of color over the head and back and more intense color in
tufts on the forehead and eyebrows. Yet others show red or orange forehead
tufts and eyebrows, more limited color in throat and breast, and none on
top of head or back."
EVENING GROSBEAKS have been very noticeable in mid-March in the Toledo
area (P&MD; CP).
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management
(MN, GM), Dave Copeland, Jack Corbett, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Todd Dunkirk,
Mark Hedrick, Eric Horvath, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe,
Jonathan Mee, Kathy Merrifield, Gary Meyer, Terry Morse, Dawson and Bobby
Mohler, Michael Noack, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Joe Steenkolk (JSt),
Jim & Shirley Thielen, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
93.21 April 1993 Sandpiper 14(4)
Abbreviations: MSC=Marine Science Center, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South
Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.22 LOON-HERON
The more time you spend watching birds, the more you are apt to see.
The afternoon of 4/4 at Sallys Bend (the embayment just east of the LNG
Tank at Yaquina Bay), a diligent KM chanced upon seeing a harbor seal with
a LOON's foot hanging out of its mouth, but there wasn't enough of the loon
visible to identify. Gulls were mobbing the seal, who was having so much
difficulty swallowing the loon, that it dove to escape.
P&MD saw two WESTERN GREBES doing a courtship dance at Yaquina Bay on
3/26. 240 HORNED GREBES were counted at Yaquina Head on 3/13 (KM); this is
many more than are usually seen. The latest EARED GREBE was at Yaquina Bay
on 4/10 (KM).
On 4/8 at dusk, DF saw 400 BRANDT'S CORMORANTS roosting on the largest
rock offshore of Seal Rocks--a noteworthy concentration here. They first
landed on their Yaquina Head nesting areas on 3/3 (BLM).
In mid-April, 1-2 GREAT EGRETS were still at Alsea Bay (DO; RL; CP),
near Idaho Flats (the embayment just east of the MSC)(EH; P&MD; CP), and
Siletz Bay (RL).
A GREAT BLUE HERON flock of 14 stood at attention at Alsea Bay on 4/16
(DO). Our first spring migrant GREEN HERON was at Idaho Flats on
4/5 (P&MD).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.23 SWAN-QUAIL
Two SWANS were in fields along Newport-Toledo road on 4/3-6 (JC).
What you see may not agree with what you think you should see. Tis
springtime, so migrants should be going north, right! Nevertheless, on
4/15, RB saw a flock of about 50 CANADA GEESE flying SOUTH into a strong
headwind past Newport, and he telephoned RL in hopes that the geese would
turn into Yaquina Bay, so that RL could identify the subspecies. No such
luck; RL drove out to YBSJ and saw them vanishing down the coastline, still
flying south.
BRANT winter at Yaquina Bay, but at Alsea Bay they are spring
stragglers, and they were noted there on 3/27 (L&LS).
Our latest EURASIAN WIGEON records are for Alsea Bay: 3/31 (L&LS) and
4/4 (KM). WOOD DUCKS are spreading out from winter haunts: some were north
of Toledo and at Beaver Creek on 3/26 (JS), at Eckman Lake on 3/29 (RL), at
Mike Miller Park on 4/20 (PR), and near Idaho Point on 4/12 (P&MD). Also
at Mike Miller, a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS that may stay to nest was
discovered on 4/14 (P&PR). BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were noted east and west of
the Alsea Bay Bridge throughout March (L&LS).
Although an occasional OSPREY visits Lincoln County in winter, they
are primarily a summer resident, and the first was espied at Eckman Lake on
4/2 (RL).
In keeping with their usual spring influx, PEREGRINE FALCONS were
often recently reported in the Yaquina Head (BLM) and Newport areas (RL;
RB).
QUAIL are underreported in Lincoln County, but S&SW and L&LS found
MOUNTAIN QUAIL at Sandpiper Village just north of Waldport on several days
in March-April. CP heard their loud distinctive call near Toledo on 4/14.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.24 SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS
KILLDEER are regularly around but are often taken for granted. DP
(fide RL) provides one of our few nesting records by discovering a nest
being incubated at the MSC on 4/16; by 4/19, DP found that the eggs had
hatched, and he saw one chick.
The latest report of a COMMON SNIPE was for Thornton Creek on 4/9
(DF); our latest ROCK SANDPIPER was at Driftwood Beach State Park on 3/7
(L&LS). Some GREATER YELLOWLEGS overwinter here, but a flock of 17 at
Alsea Bay on 3/26 were probably migrants (JS).
This may be a good year for WHIMBRELS because about 50, which is more
than normal, walked the ocean beach north of Thiel Creek in late April
(S&DB).
Spring firsts: RED PHALAROPE at Yaquina Head on 3/29 (BLM);
MARBLED GODWIT at Idaho Flats on 4/9 (CP); and BONAPARTE'S GULL at Sallys
Bend on 3/21 (KM). Four Bonaparte's in breeding and one in transition
plumage were at Idaho Flats on 4/15 (CP).
A molting, immature possible ROSS' GULL was reported west of the
Yaquina Bay Bridge on 4/18 (DF) and relocated on 4/19 (MH).
Our latest BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at Yaquina Head on 4/10 (KM); 52
were at Yachats on 4/4 (KM). Our most contested arrival date for any
species this month was for the CASPIAN TERN, whose earliest records were
all at Alsea Bay. L&LS pick up the honors with the first on 3/24, EH saw
them the next day, and JG found them a few days later.
The numbers of beached birds along 4.5 miles of beaches near Thiel
Creek was low in March; the most numerous mortalities were three
CASSIN'S AUKLETS and six COMMON MURRES (BLo, S&DB). Murres usually first
land on their Yaquina Head nesting islands in early February, but the
first day that they remained on Colony Rock all day this year was
3/10 (BLM).
21 MARBLED MURRELETS at Seal Rock on 4/4 (KM) is perhaps our largest
concentration so far this spring.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.25 OWLS-WRENS
Owls are often underreported, but JS heard a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL in
Toledo on 3/28, and BLo had a GREAT HORNED OWL south of Thiel Creek in
mid-April.
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS remained at Sandpiper Village to at least 4/19
(S&SW)--will they stay to nest?
Other firsts: MOURNING DOVE at Sandpiper Village on 4/4 (S&SW),
BAND-TAILED PIGEON at RL's Waldport feeder on 3/25, PURPLE MARTIN at about
Milepost 7.5 along North Yaquina Bay Road on 4/5 (CP), BARN SWALLOW near
Eddyville on 4/5 (CP), NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS flying to and fro
from holes in the sandstone cliff at Idaho Point on 4/7 (CP), and
CLIFF SWALLOW at Thornton Creek on 4/5 (DF).
We have few records of birders actually seeing swallows migrating in
spring. Swallows are usually seen milling around feeding, not showing a
directed flight direction. However, on 4/19, RB was lucky enough to see 50
swallows mostly in small flocks of 2-8 birds (but with one flock of 21) all
flying purposefully north before 8 AM, with few seen after 7:45 AM.
Almost all were VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.
D&BM regularly watch the birds at Seabrook Lane just south of Waldport
and have noted that their flying COMMON RAVENS are daily harassed by
AMERICAN CROWS and that a raven sometimes rolls over in flight to present
its talons to its tormenter! Crows continue to be busy with the nesting
season and gathering nest material in Waldport on 3/20 (LL).
HOUSE WRENS arrived on 4/16 at Thornton Creek (DF). BEWICK'S WRENS
call with a lot of volume, but they can be difficult to find sometimes as
TD discovered at Newport on 4/17. Our only MARSH WREN was one reported by
JW at Eckman Lake on 3/29.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.26 PIPIT-FINCH
Two AMERICAN PIPITS were at Logsden on 2/22 (BL). WESTERN BLUEBIRDS
have been noted several times this winter in inland, central Lincoln
County, but BSl saw 15-20 in a flock near Yachats on 1/20. CP's sighting
of a HERMIT THRUSH at Rocky Point near Saddle Bag Mt. on 4/15 is our latest.
A female WILSON'S WARBLER south of Waldport on 3/23 is our first March
record (D&BM); arrivals on 4/14 at Toledo (CP) and Thornton Creek (DF) are
more in line with when they usually first appear.
More arrivals: ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on 4/1 in Newport (TD);
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER on 4/16 at Thornton Creek (DF);
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Eckman Lake on 3/29 (JW); and, at CP's Toledo
feeder, a spring migrant LINCOLN'S SPARROW on 4/20 and a CHIPPING SPARROW
on 4/23.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at South Beach was noted as recently as 4/22
(S&DB); they were also at Sandpiper Village in March (L&LS).
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS have become common at many sites in April (DO;
D&BM; RO). Although WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS winter at some coastal sites,
many more are migrants and SS saw her first ones of the spring for her
Neskowin home on 3/29, which is also about when they arrive at many Lincoln
County sites.
SAVANNAH SPARROWS were singing at YBSJ on 4/7 (CP) and 4/8 (P&MD); in
April, they were also showing up or being conspicuous at the MSC (RO).
Last reported dates: FOX SPARROW on 4/10 at Thornton Creek (DF), and a
SLATE-COLORED JUNCO on 3/27 south of Waldport (D&BM).
Five WESTERN MEADOWLARKS at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 2/16 (BL) may be
the biggest number this winter.
Our earliest report of a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD was at Newport on 4/20
(RB).
One orange and two yellow HOUSE FINCHES were at the MSC on 3/22 (TM),
and one was also at Sandpiper Village on 3/8 (L&LS).
A male LAPLAND LONGSPUR appeared at Yaquina Head on 3/15 (BLM).
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management at
Yaquina Head (MN, GM), Jesse Crabtree, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Todd Dunkirk,
Darrel Faxon, Mark Hedrick, Jill Grover, Eric Horvath, Lola Landis,
Bob Llewellyn, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Gary Meyer,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse, Michael Noack, Dorothy Olson,
Robert Olson, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul & Pat Reed, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Betty Slauson (BSl), Jean Weakland,
Sue & Selmer Westby.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
93.27 May 1993 Sandpiper 14(5)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Driftwood Beach SP=State Park about
1/2 way between Seal Rocks and Waldport, 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, Sandpiper
Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north of Waldport,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty, YJP=Yaquina John Point west of HWY 101 and
just south of Waldport.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.28 GREBES-WATERFOWL
CLARK'S GREBES have been scarce, but one was noted at Yaquina Bay on
5/2 (KM). A PIED-BILLED GREBE was last at Eckman Lake on 4/30 (JW; L&LS);
they nest at a few sites in Lincoln Co., but not at Eckman Lake.
A BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS was seen from a boat just offshore of Newport
on 5/8 (CP).
BROWN PELICANS used to be rare here in spring, but beginning in 1982,
stragglers have been regularly found in April and May. This year the first
was found at Yaquina Head on 4/10, with up to four counted on three later
days in April (BLM); elsewhere, one was detected at YBSJ on 4/26 (JW).
Our latest GREAT EGRET was at Alsea Bay on 4/26 (RL).
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are often missed in Lincoln Co. but CP
discovered and studied two immatures just NE of Sallys Bend on 5/10.
The three MUTE SWANS last seen at Siletz Bay on 1/22 (RL) were
discovered at Bay City on Tillamook Bay on 3/21 (fide HN). Perhaps they
are dividing time between Tillamook and north Lincoln counties.
A pair of MANDARIN DUCKS (see p. 91 of the National Geographic Field
Guide) that probably escaped or were released from captivity were seen at a
beaver pond along the Cape Perpetua AutoTour route the first week in May
(fide RD). On 5/10, only the male was seen (fide RD), and, on 5/14, RD
also found only the male, but it was calling to another unseen bird, so
perhaps they may be nesting there. They are closely related to Wood Ducks.
A male WOOD DUCK was at Mike Miller Park on 5/9 (PR), where they may
nest.
CINNAMON TEAL haven't been reported this spring until L&LS found some
at Alsea Bay on 4/23, P&MD detected a pair at Idaho Flats on 5/3, and JW
noted a pair at Beaver Creek on 5/4.
Waterfowl departures include: REDHEAD at Eckman Lake on 4/3 (L&LS),
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at Alsea Bay on 4/13 (L&LS), GREEN-WINGED TEAL at
Yaquina Bay on 5/2 (KM), RING-NECKED DUCK at Eckman Lake on 5/2 (KM),
NORTHERN SHOVELER and NORTHERN PINTAIL at Idaho Flats on 5/3 (P&MD), and
GADWALL at Siletz Bay on 5/4 (BB, JC, PP, WY).
One very out-of-place SURF SCOTER flew over Thornton Creek on 5/6
(DF), the first in over 18 years of observations.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.29 EAGLE-COOT
Seven BALD EAGLES (at least three of which were mature) flew over
Neskowin from the Cascade Head area on 4/30 (SS). An adult and an immature
soared together over the mouth of Cummins Creek at Neptune State Park (Lane
Co.) on 4/20 (D&BM). A Bald Eagle was also seen during four days in April
at Yaquina Head (BLM).
Accipiters are often overlooked, but this is one of our best months
for reports; most were along the coast. A COOPER'S HAWK was at Thornton
Creek on 4/27 (DF), near Yachats on 5/6 (AI), and at Beaver Creek on 5/8
(LO); a SHARP-SHINNED was at Sandpiper Village on 4/9 and 4/23 (L&LS) and
at Newport on 5/9 (RO), and a Cooper's or Sharp-shin was in Newport on 5/9
(TM).
A MERLIN was being harassed by Barn Swallows on 4/27 along the MSC
Nature Trail (RO), and another was just north of Waldport on 5/2 (DF).
A RING-NECKED PHEASANT, which is rare in Lincoln Co., was heard at
Yaquina Bay on 4/25 and 5/2 (KM).
The latest AMERICAN COOT was noticed at Alsea Bay on 4/24 (L&LS);
there is only one known nesting site for them now in Lincoln Co.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.30 SHOREBIRDS
L&LS discovered a HUDSONIAN GODWIT in breeding plumage at Driftwood
Beach SP on 5/2; they are familiar with them from the Mid-west.
Unfortunately, it had left by the next day (DF).
Four recently hatched KILLDEER were at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 4/24
(BL). Eight SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were near Seal Rocks on 4/25 (TD).
On 4/30, 34 WHIMBRELS were at Nelscott (RG) and 70 were at Thiel Creek
(BLo), but the biggest count was 210 at Yaquina Bay on 4/28 (DP), where a
few hundred are often noted during spring migration.
The latest COMMON SNIPE was in north Lincoln Co. on 5/4 (BB, JC, PP,
WY); they nest in marshes on Saddle Bag Mt. in the NE corner of Lincoln Co.
Shorebird arrivals include: WANDERING TATTLER at Depoe Bay on 4/23
(BB, DC, PS) and a few days later at Seal Rocks (TD) and Yachats (SL); and
LONG-BILLED CURLEW & RED KNOT at Idaho Flats on 4/23 (BB, DC, PS).
Phalaropes appear to have been rather scarce this spring, and our only
report this month was of a RED PHALAROPE at Idaho Flats on 5/17 (BH).
SPOTTED SANDPIPERS are typically found in freshwater areas throughout
most of the year, but in May migrants show up in a variety of locations and
this year is no exception. Sallys Bend harbored some on 5/10 (CP), and 12
were also there on 5/23 (EH).
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS are rare in spring, but DP detected one at
Nestucca Bay on 4/24.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.31 GULLS-ALCIDS
An adult SABINE'S GULL was discovered from a boat off Depoe Bay on
5/16 (RO).
A first year GLAUCOUS GULL with a noticeable bicolored bill was
observed in Newport on 4/30 (BB, DF, and CP); they also noted that several
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS were very white. Another immature Glaucous with a
bicolored bill was at Idaho Flats on 5/10 (RO). A whitish gull isn't
necessarily a Glaucous Gull; as Rich Stallcup points out in the Winter 1982
Point Reyes Bird Observatory Newsletter, many Glaucous-wings can appear
chalky white in spring because their plumage is very worn and thereby
becomes lighter colored. Thus, looking for the Glaucous' bicolored bill is
important in making a correct identification.
The only BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE reported was an oiled one dead on a
beach at Thiel Creek on 4/2; an oiled COMMON MURRE was also found there on
4/17 (BLo, S&DB).
49 CASPIAN TERNS at Idaho Flats on 5/10 (TM) may oversummer as
nonbreeders.
MARBLED MURRELETS were conspicuous on 5/2 with 65 at Yachats, 34 at
Seal Rocks, and four at Yaquina Head (KM). Seven RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were
beheld at Yaquina Head on 5/2 (KM), where several TUFTED PUFFINS were also
appreciated in April and early May (BLM; KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.32 SWIFT-DIPPER
VAUX'S SWIFTS arrived in Neskowin on 4/19 (SS). In early May, 100's
were flying to and fro from an old chimney along Hill Crest in Toledo
(fide CP); CP reports that there were so many, and they were so
rambunctious that soot and droppings got into the house, which didn't
impress the residents.
Our latest ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was reported on 4/2 near YJP (D&BM).
At Thornton Creek, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS built a nest last year on a
chain holding up a hanging flower basket under the eaves of DF's home; this
year, the same nest was re-used and a brood of Rufous' were fledged by
4/29. At the MSC, a female Rufous was feeding two young in a nest at the
end of a foxglove stalk on 5/2 (DP).
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS appear to be declining, but AI found one near
Yachats on 4/27, and LO discovered one at Beaver Creek on 5/8.
Flycatcher arrivals include: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER on 4/18 at Drift
Creek Wilderness (EH), HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER at Thornton Creek on 4/27 (DF),
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at Thornton Creek on 5/5 (DF), and OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER at Toledo on 5/11 (CP).
Nine WESTERN KINGBIRDS were tallied south of Lincoln City on 4/30 (BB,
DF, CP); other counts include two at the MSC on 5/3 (P&MD) and four on the
beach at YJP on 5/5 (JW). One lingered at Idaho Point on 5/23 (EH).
Last year, PURPLE MARTINS nested in a loudspeaker at the abandoned
Ore-Aqua site just west of the MSC. This year EH built and put up some
martin houses west and east of the Wecoma Dock at the MSC, and a martin was
noted at the public parking lot on 5/15 (RB) and 5/19 (RO), so, hopefully,
they will stay and nest.
WESTERN-SCRUB JAYS are typically a vagrant during May-October in
Lincoln Co.; this year CP found one at his feeder in Toledo on 5/23.
AI has been recently seeing and hearing an AMERICAN DIPPER along the
Yachats River.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.33 THRUSHES-STARLING
VARIED THRUSHES departed Sandpiper Village on 4/9 (L&LS), although
they nest in Lincoln Co. forests.
Arriving species include SWAINSON'S THRUSH at Thornton Creek on 5/8
(DF), AMERICAN PIPIT at MSC on 4/27 (EH), and CEDAR WAXWING at YJP on 5/17
(JW).
Killdeer and hummingbirds aren't the only birds to already have young
out and about--AMERICAN ROBINS and EURASIAN STARLINGS brought off a brood
in Newport by 5/25 and 5/15, respectively (RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.34 VIREOS-HOUSE FINCH
Other arrivals: SOLITARY VIREO at Beaver Creek on 4/23 (BB, DC, PS),
WARBLING VIREO at Thornton Creek on 4/29 (DF), YELLOW WARBLER at Beaver
Creek on 4/30 (BB, CP, DF), HERMIT WARBLER at YJP on 5/11 (JW),
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER at Neskowin on 5/2 (SS), WESTERN TANAGER at
Thornton Creek on 4/29 (DF) and Thiel Creek on 4/30 (VO), and
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK near Yachats (AI) and at Toledo (CP) on 5/3 and at
Tidewater on 5/9 (DO).
One well-observed HARRIS' SPARROW was at 3 Rocks Road near Salmon
River on 5/4 (BB, JC, PP, WY). Departing WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were at
YJP on 4/10 (JW), Sandpiper Village on 4/15 (L&LS), and 4/16 at Logsden
(BL).
Although GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS overwinter at some sites in Lincoln
County, they are spring migrants at many other sites; for example, they
arrived on 4/14 at Neskowin (SS) and on 4/19 at Sandpiper Village (L&LS).
They became quite abundant and often were singing the last week in May but
were hard to find after about 5/5.
The latest WESTERN MEADOWLARK was at the MSC on 4/9 (EH), and the
first NORTHERN ORIOLE was reported at Thornton Creek on 5/2 (DF).
Yellow or orange HOUSE FINCHES are usually only found along the coast,
but DO discovered one in Tidewater on 5/7.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.35 PINE SISKIN
Whither goest thou, Siskin! PINE SISKINS are nomadic and, in Lincoln
Co., are sometimes are abundant, sometimes common, and sometimes rare. The
1992-1993 winter was one in which they were abundant.
The question is where did they come from? Are they local birds that
have just flocked together?
No, it appears that at least some of them have travelled from very
long distances! In Portland's April 1993 "Audubon Warbler," HN reports
that one banded on 18 May 1990 in Minnesota was recovered in Portland on 16
Dec. 1992!
But that's not all! One banded as an adult on 25 January 1990 in
Alaska was recovered after it flew into a window in Waldport on 30 December
1992 (fide RL)! Evidently, that bird tried the Alaskan winter and decided
to try Oregon this time around!
By mid-May, most siskins seemed to have left.
* * * * * * * * * * *
93.36 EVENING GROSBEAK
EVENING GROSBEAKS arrived near Yachats on 4/19 (AI), at Thiel Creek on
5/8 (LO), and at YJP on 5/10 (JW), although they reside at other sites like
Toledo throughout the winter.
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Barb Bellin, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land
Management (MN, GM, KMa, DR, L&JC), Larry & Joann Clark, Dave Copeland,
Jack Corbett, Ray Davis, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Todd Dunkirk,
Darrel Faxon, Ruth Goodrich, Bill Hastie, Eric Horvath, Alice Ivey,
Bob Llewellyn, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe,
Kristin Mangold (KMa), Kathy Merrifield, Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler,
Terry Morse, Harry Nehls, Michael Noack, Dorothy Olson, Robert Olson,
Laimons & Vicki Osis, Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Dave Pitkin,
Donna Ralston, Paul Reed, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Paul Sullivan, Jean Weakland, Walt Yungen.
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