Menu of June-December 1995 (sections 95.73-95.126) 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 16
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95.73 June-August 1995
95.84 September 1995
95.92 October 1995
95.101 November 1995
95.114 December 1995
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95.73 June-August 1995 Sandpiper
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, Idaho Flats=large
embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science Center,
MSC Lagoon=lagoon just north of MSC Public Parking Lot,
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 just south of the Newport Airport south of
South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.74 LOONS-TUBENOSES
PACIFIC LOONS, COMMON LOONS, and RED-THROATED LOONS were all
noted again this summer, with Red-throats the rarest by far, Pacifics
very common, and Commons uncommon.
RED-NECKED GREBES were recorded more this summer than previously.
Our first June records were two at the YBSJ and one at Seal Rocks on
6/11 (KM) and one near the MSC on 6/16 (TK & JS); in July, one was at
Yaquina Head on 7/3 & 12 (BLM), near the MSC on 7/12 (EH), and at the
YBSJ on 7/22 (CP). These provide at least our fifth year with July
records.
The first HORNED GREBE of the season was at Seal Rocks on 7/25
(MC & PV), and the first PIED-BILLED GREBE report was of a juvenile at
Beaver Creek on 8/13 (KM). Pied-billeds nest in Lincoln Co.
On the 8/20 pelagic trip off Newport, four
BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, five
BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, and
10 NORTHERN FULMARS were discovered (GG).
FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS were relatively frequent this
spring--usually they are not found. In addition to the records in
previous Sandpipers, one was caught in a chain-link fence at Yaquina
Head on 5/14 (BLM), and five in May and one in early June were beached
along 4.5 miles of beach near Thiel Creek (BLo, S&DB). Our latest
records were one near Sallys Bend on 6/20 (JN), one about a half mile
off Newport's Nye Beach on 6/27 (JN), and four 3-4 miles off Yaquina
Head on 7/12 (RL & DP). None were reported during the 8/20 pelagic
trip off Newport (GG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.75 PELICANS-EGRETS
The first BROWN PELICAN was noted at Yaquina Head on 5/13 (BLM);
they were regularly spotted moving northward along our coast
throughout June (BLM; KM), July (JN; BLM), and August (BLM).
Just a few years ago we discovered flocks of
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS flying south in late summer, apparently in
migration. This year flocks of 7-13 were flying south over Yaquina
Head on 8/11, 13, & 25 (BLM) and south of Seal Rocks on 8/24 (DP).
SNOWY EGRETS are rare here, but one was between Criteser's
Moorage and the Toledo mill along upper Yaquina Bay from at least 8/26
to 8/30 (KM; CP; FS).
The first GREAT EGRET visited Alsea Bay (MA) and Yaquina Bay (KM)
on 7/9; six were counted at Siletz Bay on 8/25 (LO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.76 WATERFOWL
A misplaced, immature TRUMPETER SWAN was repeatedly seen from as
little as about 20 ft away at Eckman Lake from 6/8 to at least 8/21
(DF; RL; L&LS; KM; DBa; CP).
A few nonbreeding BLACK BRANT regularly summer. This year one
was at Idaho Flats on 6/25 (KM) and at Yaquina Head on 7/11 (BLM);
four were along the ocean beach north of Sandpiper Village on 7/27
(DP).
A late northerly migration of CANADA GEESE (probably the
introduced Western race) continued with flights noted along the coast
south of Waldport on 5/26 & 28 (D&BM) and at Newport (RBa) and Yaquina
Head (RL & DP) on 6/1.
A late male BLUE-WINGED TEAL was at Eckman Lake on 6/6 (RL)--a
female arrived at Eckman Lake on 8/13 (DF); perhaps they nested?
1-2 very well-described RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were at the YBSJ
on 7/9 & 23 (KM); 7/25 (MC & PV); 8/6 (SD; KM) and 8/22 (RK). These
may be our only summering female Red-breasteds with good details. Too
often Red-breasteds are reported in summer without awareness that they
can be easily mistaken for summer female/immature Common's, which are
locally abundant here in summer. See Kaufman (1990 Am. Birds 44:1203-
1205) for a discussion of summer ID problems for these two species.
One first-summer OLDSQUAW lingered at the HWY 101 Bridge at
Yachats on 6/14 (L&LS). As many as three HARLEQUIN DUCKS graced Seal
Rocks during 7 days in July (L&LS; DP) and on 8/5 (GK); one was at
Yaquina Head on 6/2 (RO) and 6/4 (CL & CC).
The male MANDARIN DUCK that had been at the "Quiet Water"
development at Yachats disappeared several weeks prior to 6/6 and
hasn't been reported there since (BB).
Waterfowl arrivals: flocks of 99 NORTHERN PINTAILS and
10 GREEN-WINGED TEAL flying south of Seal Rocks on 8/16 (DP) and
flocks of calling GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE migrating south over South
Beach in darkness on 8/22 & 23 (DP). Three flocks of
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were flying south (migrating ?) on 6/24 off YBSJ
(BLo) and on 6/30 off Yaquina Head (BLM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.77 RAPTORS
As noted in the May Sandpiper, NORTHERN HARRIERS may have nested
this year in the South Beach area. Our summer records include one at
the MSC Nature Trail on 6/20 (P&MD) and one at the YBSJ on 7/25 (MC &
PV). Additionally, KM spotted an immature with bright cinnamon
underparts at Idaho Flats on 7/23.
One PEREGRINE FALCON appeared at Yaquina Bay Bridge on 6/14 (PL);
one of two adults was reported to have caught a Common Murre at Boiler
Bay on 7/10 (fide RW); one was hunting Surfbirds at the YBSJ on 7/22
(CP); two were at the MSC on 7/22 (JS); one adult was at the MSC on
7/27 (PL); one was in SW Newport on 7/30 (RBa); one adult was north of
Yaquina Head on 8/5 (CP & DF); one was near Sandpiper Village on 8/5
(SD); and one was at Yaquina Head on 8/19 (BLM). A report of five
possible Peregrines flying in a flock at Yaquina Bay on 7/30 or 31
(DO) is curious because it is rare to find even two at a time here.
OSPREY put on a show at their South Beach State Park nest this
summer (D&MG) and were last noted there on 8/5 (BB).
A WHITE-TAILED KITE was near the Newport Airport on 6/8 (RL &
DP)--did kites nest there?
Two SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS were near Toledo on 8/26 (PR), and
MOUNTAIN QUAIL were found in the hills near Beaver Creek in late
August (DO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.78 COOT-SHOREBIRDS
One AMERICAN COOT lingered at the MSC Lagoon on 6/26 & 28 (RL &
DP). A man told KM that he had seen an adult coot and young (dark
with red down) crossing Beaver Creek Road on 7/9, but KM was unable to
find them. If true, this would be only the second nesting spot in
Lincoln County for them.
Shorebird departures updated from the May Sandpiper: COMMON SNIPE
at south Beaver Creek on 5/11 (L&LS), BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER at Seal
Rocks on 5/20 (L&LS), SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, DUNLIN, WANDERING TATTLER,
and WESTERN SANDPIPER near Sandpiper Village on 5/21 (L&LS),
SANDERLING near Sandpiper Village on 5/26 (L&LS), and a very late
DOWITCHER at the MSC on 6/4 (CL & CC).
Shorebird arrivals: GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Eckman Lake on 6/25
(RL), WESTERN SANDPIPER at Yaquina Bay on 6/26 (RL), SURFBIRD at Seal
Rocks on 7/2 (L&LS), SANDERLING near Sandpiper Village on 7/4 (L&LS),
BLACK TURNSTONE south of Seal Rocks on 7/6 (DP), SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
and LEAST SANDPIPER near Sandpiper Village on 7/7 (L&LS), DOWITCHER
SP. at Alsea Bay on 7/9 (KM), WANDERING TATTLER at Yaquina Head on
7/14 (BLM), BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER at Idaho Flats on 7/17 (EH),
RUDDY TURNSTONE near Sandpiper Village on 7/18 (L&LS; KM),
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER south of Seal Rocks
on 7/19 (DP)--both dowitcher species were also seen the same day at
the MSC (CL); LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Eckman Lake on 7/30 (DF),
WANDERING TATTLER at Yaquina Bay jetties on 8/5 (JP), RED PHALAROPES
(DF) and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES (D&MG) along the Lincoln Co. coast on
8/11, PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Eckman Lake on 8/13 (KM), MARBLED GODWIT
south of Seal Rocks on 8/16 (DP), and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER south of Alsea
Bay on 8/24 (DP) and north of Newport on 8/27 (RO & MH).
A colorbanded SNOWY PLOVER was discovered just south of Alsea Bay
along the ocean beach on 8/24; it is a "coastie" as it hatched this
year near the Siltcoos River (Lane Co.)(DP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.79 SKUA-TERNS
During the 8/20 pelagic trip off Newport, a SOUTH POLAR SKUA, a
POMARINE JAEGER, three POMARINE JAEGERS, and 13 LONG-TAILED JAEGERS
were observed (GG)!
DF found a juvenile FRANKLIN'S GULL at the YBSJ on 7/30, and it
was confirmed the same day by CP. It was also relocated on 8/6 (SD).
Most summering BONAPARTE'S GULLS are in immature plumage (sans
completely black heads); on 5/26, D&BM only saw one in breeding
plumage along the beach south of Waldport; on 5/29, KM saw 145 in
nonbreeding plumage at Idaho Flats; on 6/4, CL & CC spotted about 150
at the MSC with only 10 having black heads.
The last migrant HERRING GULLS may have been four immatures at
Idaho Flats on 5/29 (KM), although KM saw one lingering adult at Seal
Rocks on 7/18. The first HEERMANN'S GULL was espied on 7/1 near
Waldport (MA).
Five ELEGANT TERNS (rare here), 1 ARCTIC TERN, and about 100
COMMON TERNS were at the mouth of Alsea Bay on 8/28 (DF).
One FORSTER'S TERN was seen from the MSC on 7/25 (MC & PV); this
tern is rare or at least very underreported here. MC promptly
reported this on Oregon Birder's On-Line (OBOL), and responded via
e-mail with details within two days of their sighting--which is the
quickest response for a Lincoln County Review Species!
A first-of-season CASPIAN TERN adult with a flying juvenile was
recorded at Yaquina Head on 7/9 (BLM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.80 ALCIDS
TUFTED PUFFINS were scarce this summer at Yaquina Head, but 2-3
were there on 6/3-4 (RO; CL & CC). The good news is that this is the
first summer where a pair nested on the mainland (RL & DP)--the bad
news is that this nest isn't visible from the mainland.
The largest concentration of RHINOCEROS AUKLETS was 13 at Yaquina
Head on 6/30 (DBa); usually only five or less were reported there this
summer (BLM; KM).
A very early ANCIENT MURRELET was at Yaquina Head on 7/1 (BLM);
this equals their previous earliest date.
MARBLED MURRELETS were noisy in early August evenings flying
inland near SS's Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) home.
The first-of-season flightless COMMON MURRE chicks were seen
leaping off Yaquina Head to swim off with their fathers on 6/28 (RL &
DP). At Thiel Creek, the first beached murre chick was found on 7/7;
in July, a total of 41 adult and 227 murre chicks washed ashore (BLo,
S&DB). Many murres die every summer and are beached here (e.g., 1991
Condor 93:516-525), but it is too early to say if the numbers this
year were unusually high or low.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.81 DOVE-FLYCATCHERS
One MOURNING DOVE was near Parker Slough just downstream of River
Bend in Yaquina Bay on 7/9 (KM), and two were noted along North and
also South Yaquina Bay Road in mid-July (CP); it is unclear if they
nested there. They were also present at Sandpiper Village throughout
June and July (L&LS), so they probably nested.
Our first SPOTTED OWL report in a long while was one being mobbed
by Steller's Jays at Drift Creek Wilderness northeast of Waldport on
5/31 (EH).
The year's first COMMON NIGHTHAWK was reported late: 6/12 at
Logsden (BLl). VAUX'S SWIFTS nested again this summer in the chimney
of CP's Toledo home; the last report of them was on 8/22 in Newport
(RO).
CP found a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER nesting with a RED-BREASTED
SAPSUCKER in the Five Rivers area of SE Lincoln Co. in early June; JS
& TK confirmed it on 6/16. The hybrid young fledged on 6/27 (CP).
A PILEATED WOODPECKER nested in a large tree at Logsden on 6/8
(BLl), and MD spotted one in north Toledo in the exact same place as
she found one in June 1992!
A HAIRY WOODPECKER brought young fledglings to DGi's Newport home
on 6/5 and the deck of J&JG's Yachats home on 6/18. A
DOWNY WOODPECKER was near Yachats in early July (SL).
Lincoln County's third SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was discovered
at Yaquina Head on 5/29 & 30 (BLM); it was photographed and details
were sent to the Oregon Bird Records Committee, so that it may provide
one of the few Oregon records of this species.
DF heard what he identified as a CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER south of
Waldport on 6/19; this species is supposed to be east of the Cascades.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.82 MARTINS-THRUSHES
A pair of PURPLE MARTINS nested at Siletz Bay near Kernville on
6/16 (JS & TK), several were near Waldport in mid-June (L&LS) and on
7/3 (DF) and 7/14 (MA), and they were last reported at the MSC on 8/29
(RO). EH put up some martin boxes on the north side of the MSC a
couple of years ago--it appears to have paid off as four pairs nested
in them. It is unclear if the ODFW boxes put up along the MSC Nature
Trail were used this year--maybe next year.
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were rarely reported. L&LS noted
them at Eckman Lake on four days in June and July, and KM found 1-2 at
Yachats on 7/16.
The eastern BLUE JAY was last reported by VO at Thiel Creek on
5/31.
BUSHTITS were noted near Tidewater (Alsea River) in early June
(DOl), at South Beach State Park on 6/17 (RBr), and at Sandpiper
Village on 8/13 (JGr).
The distribution of the nesting of HERMIT THRUSHES in the Coast
Range is unclear because birders can confuse the calls of Hermits with
Swainson's Thrushes. However, on 6/7, CP found Hermits along with
VARIED THRUSHES and Swainson's on top of Grass Mt. (Benton Co.), about
19 mi east of Waldport.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.83 VIREO-HOUSE FINCH
A SOLITARY VIREO that was possibly of the eastern race was at
Thornton Creek on 8/26 (DF). Our only YELLOW WARBLER report was for
one near mouth of D River, Lincoln City on 6/4 (AC). WESTERN TANAGERS
graced SG's Newport home several times in early July and J&ST's Seal
Rocks home in mid-August.
DARK-EYED JUNCOS nest at some locations here but are migratory
elsewhere; the first returned to D&MG's residence at Lost Creek north
of Ona Beach on 8/18.
At their home south of Waldport, D&BM noted a menage a trois
among a female and two male HOUSE FINCHES. DM writes: "For long
intervals of time they were on the wing flying in close formation and
twittering excitedly. Occasionally they came to rest and to feed at
our feeders. Then it was apparent that one male and the female were
quite comfortable with each other. The male was alert to attempts by
the second male to intrude and generally acted to frustrate these
attempts. Whenever the second male slipped by the guard, the female
would take off again with both males close behind."
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at
Yaquina Head), Betty Bahn, David Bailey (DBa), Range Bayer (RBa),
Roy Brown (RBr), Sara & Don Brown, Catharina Coenen, Alan Contreras,
Marcia Cutler, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon,
Jim & Janice Gerdemann, David & Marge Gilbert, Don Giles (DGi),
Greg Gillson, Steve Gobat, Jill Grover (JGr), Eric Horvath,
Marcia House, Ted Kenefick, Georges Kleinbaum, Ray Korpi, Pete Lawson,
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe,
Chris Lundberg, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobbi Mohler, John Neiger,
Dorothy Olson (DOl), Robert Olson, Dane, Laimons, & Vicki Osis;
John Pendleton, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Floyd Schrock,
Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons,
Jim & Shirley Thielen, Paula Vanderheul, Rob Whipple, and Orr Wieman.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.84 September 1995 Sandpiper
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, Idaho Flats=large
embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science Center, Sandpiper
Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north of Waldport,
Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport south of South
Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina
Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.85 SHEARWATERS-WATERFOWL
This summer few observers have apparently looked for shearwaters
from land; however, on 9/10, SD saw a SOOTY SHEARWATER near the YBSJ
and could see more out over the surfline.
The rare SNOWY EGRET reported last month along Yaquina Estuary
between Criteser's Moorage and the Toledo Mill has continued to be
seen by many observers (JS; MC & PV; AF; RH & HH) and was last
reported on 9/23 (SD).
The rare TRUMPETER SWAN at Eckman Lake has put on quite a show
(JS; RH & HH; L&LS; KM; SD) and was last noted on 9/26 (RL).
Some days, a lot of stuff passes through. On 9/3, at least
11 flocks of ducks or geese flew south past Yaquina Head; some flew in
lines, others in V's with as many as about 200 birds/flock (BLM). On
9/2, 3, & 4; RL spotted WESTERN CANADA GOOSE flocks flying south at
sunrise past his Eckman Lake home.
Fall waterfowl arrivals (all at Eckman Lake) include:
AMERICAN WIGEON and NORTHERN SHOVELERS on 8/27 (KM), RING-NECKED DUCK
on 9/4 (KM), and GADWALL on 9/14 (RL).
A female BLUE-WINGED TEAL with a brood of seven half-grown young
that were likely not yet able to fly graced the Lincoln City Sewage
Ponds on 8/29 (DF). This may be our best record for their nesting in
Lincoln County, although we have had reports in other years of
Cinnamon Teal and possibly Blue-wings nesting near Logsden. A male
Blue-winged and a pair of CINNAMON TEAL were at Eckman Lake on 9/3
(AF), and two Blue-wings were also there on 9/20 (DF).
L&LS found 1-4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS at Seal Rocks during six days in
August. On 9/7 & 8, DP found two color-banded females at Seal
Rocks--both had been banded as hatch-year birds in Glacier National
Park, Montana! Thus, while some nest in Tillamook County, these and
the female that LO found at the YBSJ on 3/6 and that was watched until
3/14 by RL & DP have come from Montana! Keep your eyes open for more
color-banded Harlequins!
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.86 RAPTORS-COOT
One WHITE-TAILED KITE was detected at Idaho Flats on 9/14 (RL &
DP). Our first fall MERLIN was at Siletz Bay on 9/3 (RG, fide BT),
and a PEREGRINE FALCON visited Seal Rocks on 8/17 (L&LS).
An OSPREY was stilling carrying a fish inland near the YBSJ on
9/2 (MC & PV). Another Osprey was chasing a BALD EAGLE near Seal
Rocks on 9/17 (ST).
MOUNTAIN QUAIL are under-reported but a covey was inland near
Carmel Knoll, NE of Yaquina Head, on 9/17 (CP). CP notes that this
appears to have been a good year for them as he has seen them at
several places, and BSl has also noted several coveys near Yachats.
The first fall AMERICAN COOT visited Eckman Lake on 8/23 (L&LS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.87 SHOREBIRDS
A rare SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER in juvenile plumage appeared at
Tokyo Slough (near Toledo), Yaquina Estuary on 8/29 (DF).
A juvenile Red Knot was revealed at YBSJ on 8/28 (EH). A MARBLED
GODWIT and four Red Knots were at Seal Rocks on 9/3 (AF); the same day
two Marbleds and a Red Knot were also at Siletz Bay (RG, fide BT), and
a Marbled was south of Seal Rocks on 9/26 (DP).
RUDDY TURNSTONES were between Seal Rocks and Sandpiper Village
during six days in August (L&LS) and on 8/25 (EH) and 9/3 (AF).
Shorebird arrivals: two WILLETS at Idaho Flats on 8/14 (EH) and a
COMMON SNIPE at Zeek's Marsh near the mouth of Beaver Creek on 9/4
(KM).
Six BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were watched between Seal Rocks and Alsea
Bay mouth on 9/20 (RL), and four were heeded at Sandpiper Village on
9/23 (SD).
EH discovered a color-banded WESTERN SANDPIPER near Seal Rocks on
8/25.
The island/sand bar at the south end of Eckman Lake has been good
for shorebirds with two PECTORAL SANDPIPERS on 9/7 (RH & HH) and
GREATER YELLOWLEGS and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS in attendance on 9/16
(SL).
Our latest report of a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was one heard at
Idaho Flats on 9/7 (RH & HH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.88 JAEGER-TERNS
September is a good time to look for jaegers harassing terns at
the mouths of our estuaries. On 9/5, DF spotted two POMARINE JAEGERS
hassling Common Terns and Arctic Terns at the mouth of Alsea Bay.
In past falls, loose flocks of flying gulls milling around
catching mating swarms of flying insects in mid- to late September
have often been noted. This year, RL saw such flocks at the MSC on
9/18 & 19 and at Alsea Bay on 9/10. The MSC flocks included
WESTERN GULLS, BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and EUROPEAN STARLINGS. These
flocks occur on warm days after most of the insectivorous birds such
as swallows and flycatchers have headed south.
Our first fall MEW GULL report was for the Sandpiper Village
beach on 8/18 (L&LS).
ELEGANT TERNS were reported in last month's Sandpiper, and two
were also at YBSJ on 8/26 (AF).
COMMON TERNS were in evidence at the Alsea Bay mouth, where 55
were counted on 9/4 (KM), 50 visited on 9/5 (DF) and 26 were flying in
a tight flock on 9/7 (RH & HH); six were at YBSJ on 9/16 (LO).
One ARCTIC TERN was noted at the Alsea Bay mouth on 9/5 (DF), and
2 flew over Idaho Flats on 9/10 (SD).
Our last report of CASPIAN TERNS was of two at Idaho Flats on
9/23 that were still begging (SD)!
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.89 ALCIDS-OWLS
It has not been an extraordinary year for COMMON MURRES washing
ashore like they customarily do each summer here. The 54 adults and
292 chicks found beached along 4.5 mi of beach near Thiel Creek from
June-August (BL, S&DB) are slightly below their 1978-1990
June-September averages (1991 Condor 93:518). The low number of
chicks this summer is hard to interpret because it may either mean
that murre nesting success was good with fewer dying or that their
nesting success was low with fewer hatching and surviving to fledging,
so that fewer could die at sea. This is a case where beached bird
data, alone, are insufficient to monitor nesting success.
KM counted 124 MARBLED MURRELETS at Seal Rocks and Yachats on
8/27, and two were viewed at Yaquina Head on 9/2 (MC & PV).
On 8/27, KM spotted eight RHINOCEROS AUKLETS at Yachats with one
still having the breeding season "horn" on its bill. A Rhino near the
Embarcadero in Yaquina Bay on 9/10 (SD) is noteworthy for being so far
inland (about 1.25 mi).
DF discerned about 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS feeding on cascara
(chitum) fruit at Thornton Creek on 9/19 and writes that this is the
most that he has seen there in recent years.
MOURNING DOVES continued to haunt Sandpiper Village through
August (L&LS).
BARN OWLS are uncommonly noted, but EH found one at Cascade Head
Ranch (Tillamook Co.) on 8/27 & 28.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.90 NIGHTHAWK-PIPIT
On 8/2, EH espied a COMMON NIGHTHAWK nest on top of Table Mt. NE
of Waldport with two downy young and a parent giving the broken wing
distraction display.
The last VAUX'S SWIFTS reported were 3-4 over RL's Eckman Lake
home on 9/3, and the first male ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD returned to Yachats
on 9/25 (BSl).
On 9/11, NM saw about a dozen, and the next day DP & RL noted
about six HORNED LARKS near the new USFWS building at the MSC. This
species is rare here.
The last PURPLE MARTINS were noted on 9/3, flying over EH's South
Beach home.
AMERICAN PIPITS have put in a good showing within about a quarter
mile of the coastline in early (9/3) to late September at Yaquina Head
(maximum of about 15)(BLM), between Seal Rocks and Waldport (maximum
of 16)(DP; RL), and along the beach at Sandpiper Village on 9/23 (at
least 100)(SD).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.91 THRUSHES-SPARROWS
AMERICAN ROBINS appear to be partially migratory here, but it is
not clear if a large, noisy flock of adults and juveniles flying
around north Toledo on 9/15 (P&MD) were migrating or not.
50 or more CEDAR WAXWINGS were often flying around north Toledo
on 9/10-14, but fewer were seen thereafter (P&MD).
A NASHVILLE WARBLER was west of Toledo on 9/3 (RG, fide BT). Our
latest BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER and WESTERN TANAGER was in north
Toledo on 9/14 and 9/16, respectively (P&MD). The season's first
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER arrived in north Toledo on 9/14 (P&MD).
A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK was a window casualty at Tidewater in
early September (DO).
Our first fall FOX SPARROW was inland near Carmel Knoll on 9/17
(CP). DARK-EYED JUNCOS do not nest throughout the county, but they
nested at J&DC's home in north Toledo this summer.
OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management Staff at Yaquina
Head), Sara & Don Brown, Jess & Doris Crabtree, Marcia Cutler,
Pat & Meagan Dickey, Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd,
Roy Gerig, Hendrik Herlyn, Eric Horvath, Rich Hoyer Jr.,
Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield,
Nancy Morrissey, Dorothy Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo,
Dave Pitkin, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons,
Betty Slauson (BSL), Shirley Thielen, Bill Tice, and Paula Vanderheul.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.92 October 1995 Sandpiper
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=man-made
lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, Idaho Flats=large embayment
just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science Center, Ona Beach State
Park=park halfway between Newport and Waldport along HWY 101, 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 just south of the Newport Airport south of South
Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina
Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.93 GREBE-HERONS
An EARED GREBE visited the YBSJ where they are rare on 10/21
(AF).
During the 10/7 pelagic trip from Newport,
71 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 224 NORTHERN FULMARS,
11 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 11 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS,
2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, and 10 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS were noted
about 30-52 miles offshore (GG & MH et al.).
Perhaps the last GREEN HERONS to be reported this year were at
Eckman Lake on 9/30 (SL) and near Five Rivers in SE Lincoln County on
10/10 (CP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.94 SWAN
The TRUMPETER SWAN continues to linger at Eckman Lake (SL; BC;
MC; RL; L&LS; KM) through at least 10/21 (BSl). It is hanging around
with the domestic geese and ducks and taming down--on 10/8, RL had to
take care to drive around it as it was on the road!
Maybe it is having an identity crisis. Remember the story about
the Ugly Duckling that turned into a beautiful swan? Perhaps this
swan that hangs around with domestic waterfowl is regressing and
wishes it was an Ugly Duckling again, so it could fit in . . .
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.95 OTHER WATERFOWL
Several flocks of WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew over South Beach
during the early morning of 9/28 and 10/3 (DP).
A flock of 32 CACKLING CANADA GEESE appeared to make their
land-fall at SW Newport on 10/27 (RB); the flock flew inland over the
YBSJ and then eastward over the MSC a few minutes later (DP). Too bad
that we didn't have an observer on a boat to first spot the flock and
another observer on a ridge east of Toledo to see if the flock
migrated eastward across the Lincoln Co. Coast Range as they appear to
have done in other falls (1995 Oregon Birds 21:10-12).
Arriving ducks: EURASIAN WIGEON at Idaho Flats on 10/1 (KM),
GREATER SCAUP at Sallys Bend on 10/7 (MC), CANVASBACK and BUFFLEHEAD
at Eckman Lake on 10/15 (KM), and RUDDY DUCK at Yaquina Bay on 10/20
(PR).
On 10/11, 15, & 16, DF did some seawatches at Waldport and saw
flocks of 30-250 SURF SCOTERS flying south in loose V-formations about
once every five minutes. On 10/15, KM also saw flocks of 90 and
200 scoters flying south past Yaquina Head; the first flock was about
50% Surfs, 25% WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and 25% BLACK SCOTERS; the second
flock was about 70% Surfs and 30% White-wings.
As many as five HARLEQUIN DUCKS promenaded at Seal Rocks during
six days in September (L&LS); two were at Seal Rocks on 10/7 (MC), one
was at YBSJ on 10/21 (EH; PR), and three males and a female were at
the YBSJ on 10/15 (KM).
HOODED MERGANSERS often become more numerous and common here in
fall, especially at Eckman Lake, and this year is no exception. On
10/7, MC remarked that she had never before seen them at so many
Lincoln County locations.
KM used bill shape and nostril position to identify
36 female-type COMMON MERGANSERS at Idaho Flats and one female
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER at Sallys Bend on 10/1 and three female-type
Commons at Idaho Flats on 10/15. In the next few weeks, Red-breasteds
(especially males) should be arriving in numbers.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.96 RAPTORS
A WHITE-TAILED KITE continues to frequent the South Beach area
with one hunting the MSC on 10/2 (DP).
A brown (female or immature male) NORTHERN HARRIER was at Idaho
Flats on 10/5 (DP). In the past at South Beach, only four of 26
harriers in fall and winter were adult males (which are gray), but
near Logsden, BLl has seen relatively more adult males.
The latest report of an OSPREY was 10/23 over Thiel Creek (RL).
Last winter, one lingered in the Newport area--will one do so this
winter?
A MERLIN flew by RB's Newport apartment twice the morning of
10/27.
One PEREGRINE FALCON scouted Idaho Flats on 10/21 (AF). On
10/22, PS saw a light-phase adult Peregrine at Yaquina Head perch for
20 minutes before flying out over the ocean, where it pursued and
caught a lone, flying scoter that was flying too high to dive. PS
writes: "They tumbled together briefly, then the [Peregrine] started
back carrying the disabled prey. As it came in, it kept losing
altitude; its cargo was not very aerodynamic. Finally the falcon had
to drop the duck in the sea. It came on in without looking back."
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.97 QUAIL-JAEGERS
MOUNTAIN QUAIL were at Yachats on 10/21 (BSl), and two
CALIFORNIA QUAIL visited Salishan south of Lincoln City on 10/23 (RE).
A RUFFED GROUSE was drumming at Beaver Creek in mid-October (LO).
Anyone else heard them drumming in fall?
Our only rail or Sora report was for a VIRGINIA RAIL at Five
Rivers on 10/10 (CP).
An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER strode the Sandpiper Village beach on
9/2 (L&LS). A RED KNOT was spotted at Siletz Bay on 10/8 (PS), and a
juvenile was discovered at Idaho Flats on 10/21 (EH).
A WILLET was at Idaho Flats on 10/21 (EH). Five MARBLED GODWITS
were at Siletz Bay on 10/8 (fide HN), and two were on the beach south
of the YBSJ on 10/22 (PS & JM).
An unhealthy LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER dropped down in SS's Neskowin
(Tillamook Co.) yard on 10/29.
Last reports: RUDDY TURNSTONE at Seal Rocks on 9/4 (L&LS),
WANDERING TATTLER at Seal Rocks on 9/24 (L&LS), and PECTORAL SANDPIPER
at Eckman Lake on 10/15 (KM).
Sometimes up to 50 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS will flock in winter
along our coast, but the most reported so far this fall were four at
Boiler Bay on 10/8 (BC) and 22 on a headland near Devil's Punchbowl
(Otter Rock) on 10/22 (PS & JM).
Nine unidentified jaegers, one LONG-TAILED JAEGER, and 16
POMARINE JAEGERS were noted during the 10/7 pelagic trip from Newport
about 30-52 miles offshore (GG & MH et al.).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.98 GULLS
On 10/1, KM counted 410 CALIFORNIA GULLS at Idaho Flats.
AF spent some time sorting through the gulls on 10/21 and found
eight species at the Yachats River mouth, including
560 CALIFORNIA GULLS, 280 RING-BILLED GULLS, 115 HERRING GULLS, and
two THAYER'S GULLS. The same day at Idaho Flats, he found 10 gull
species, including 860 Ring-bills, 540 Californias, 450 Herring Gulls,
7 Thayer's Gulls, and the season's first juvenile GLAUCOUS GULL; the
remaining species were HEERMANN'S GULL, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL,
WESTERN GULL, MEW GULL, and BONAPARTE'S GULL.
During the 10/7 pelagic trip from Newport, 88 California Gulls
were counted about 30-52 miles offshore (GG & MH et al.), so they were
not just numerous onshore.
The abundance of Californias during these observations fits in
with their migratory peak as KM found maximum abundances of
Californias at Ona Beach and Yachats in October, but peaks for
Ring-bills at these two beaches were not well-defined (1994 NW
Naturalist 75:24-29).
On 10/11, DF saw a tight flock of 47 HEERMANN'S GULLS about two
miles south of Waldport; that is a large concentration for them.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.99 ALCIDS-SAPSUCKERS
COMMON MURRE mortalities tailed off in September with six adults
and six juveniles found along 4.5 mi of beach at Thiel Creek in
September, along with one MARBLED MURRELET (BLo and S&DB).
Ten PIGEON GUILLEMOTS at Yaquina Head on 10/15 (KM) is a large
fall number for this species that used to be considered very rare here
in winter.
Two XANTUS' MURRELETS were detected during the 10/7 pelagic trip
out of Newport at about 40 miles from shore in 200 fathoms of water
(GG & MH et al.).
Late RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were singletons at Yaquina Head on 10/15
(KM) and at Boiler Bay on 10/22 (PS & JM). And our latest
MOURNING DOVE was at Sandpiper Village on 9/5 (L&LS).
At some lowland sites, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS are absent in
summer and arrive in fall. One was at Beaver Creek on 10/19 (LO), and
another first arrived the same day at Lost Creek, two miles north of
Ona Beach (D&MG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.100 JAYS-GOLDFINCHES
A few GRAY JAYS move into the lowlands in fall and winter; three
were at BSl's Yachats home on 10/21, and DF noted some near his
Thornton Creek home from late August through early October.
The first HERMIT THRUSH of the fall was at Ona Beach on 10/7 (MC)
and another was also seen at Beaver Creek a few days later (LO).
10 AMERICAN PIPITS at Yachats on 10/19 (BSl) are our latest
report, but a few often linger into November and occasionally even
into December.
A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER at Beaver Creek on 10/21 (PR) is
about a week later than our previous latest record for them.
Two PALM WARBLERS visited Nelscott (Lincoln City) on 9/24 (fide
HN), two were also at the YBSJ on 10/2 (fide HN), and one was at the
MSC on 10/21 (AF).
The first WESTERN MEADOWLARK of fall returned to the YBSJ on 10/1
(CP).
Frustrated by Steller's Jays emptying their Lost Creek feeders,
D&MG set up a "finch" feeder, which only dispenses thistle seed from
tiny slots. The jays leave it alone and a week after setting it up
AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES discovered it, with up to ten visiting daily.
D&MG note that thistle seed is expensive but seems to last a long
time.
OBSERVERS.--Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Barbara Combs,
Marcia Cutler, Raylene Erickson, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd,
David & Margaret Gilbert, Greg Gillson, Eric Horvath, Matt Hunter,
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe,
Judy Meredith, Kathy Merrifield, Harry Nehls, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Betty Slauson (BSl), and Paul Sullivan.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.101 November 1995 Sandpiper
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,
Eckman Lake=man-made lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, Eckman
Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, Hidden Valley=valley
with freshwater sloughs draining into Yaquina Estuary between Newport
and Toledo, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, Idaho
Slough=freshwater slough south of Idaho Point Road at the SW corner of
Idaho Flats, MSC=Marine Science Center, MSC Lagoon=lagoon just north
of MSC Public Parking Lot, 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 just south of the
Newport Airport south of South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between
Toledo and Eddyville, and YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.102 ON-LINE BIRD FIELD NOTES
This month marks the first anniversary of this field notes column
being available through Oregon Birders On-Line (OBOL), an e-mail
discussion group. Previously, we shared our field notes with YB&N
nonmembers outside of Lincoln County by donating copies of the
Sandpiper to field note editors for Oregon Birds, American Birds, and
Portland Audubon.
Posting the field notes "on-line" has led to several changes.
One is that we are now getting field notes through OBOL from about
3-8 birders each month who are not YB&N members and who would before
either not send any notes at all or wouldn't send them until months or
years later. This new source of field notes makes it possible to have
a much more comprehensive field notes column each month than was
previously imaginable. These additional observers have also increased
the total number of monthly contributors regularly to 30 or more, with
as many as 57 in the June-August 1995 Sandpiper.
A second change is that the potential readership for our field
notes has approximately doubled. YB&N has approximately 150 members,
and, a few weeks ago, OBOL had 217 subscribers. Of course, not
everyone that receives a paper or e-mail copy reads the field notes,
but the potential is there. While there could be some concern that
YB&N may lose some members because some people may just want to see
the field notes on-line for free, this doesn't appear to be a problem
because I know of only seven YB&N members who also subscribe to OBOL.
I suspect that we won't lose many members because only our field notes
are posted on-line, and members are also interested in the other local
items and activities in the Sandpiper.
The third change is that going on-line has led to Lucy Biggs
graciously placing our field notes onto the WWW OBOL Home Page, so
back columns are now available for reference to a much greater
audience. Before, only the Marine Science Center Library had back
copies, although they weren't catalogued.
Lastly, recognizing that our field notes audience now extends far
beyond Lincoln County, I have tried to be more descriptive about the
locations of sightings. Doing so has had the side benefit of also
helping YB&N members who are new residents of Lincoln County to locate
birding sites.
All in all, going on-line with this field notes column has been a
worthwhile learning experience. Doing so has not been onerous because
posting the field notes on-line is easier and takes less time (about
25 minutes) than printing and distributing the Sandpiper (several
hours). While print copies will always be useful, electronic copies
allow additional people today (and in the future) read about what we
have seen.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.103 GREBE-TUBENOSES
The only EARED GREBE report was for one at Sallys Bend on 11/19
(KM).
During the 11/4 pelagic trip out of Newport, 51 NORTHERN FULMARS,
65 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, nine BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, and three
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS were reported (MH).
Boiler Bay is a good place to see pelagic birds from shore. On
11/11, DF saw 4-5 fulmars at a time, and TS saw two fulmars,
10 Sooties, and a Short-tailed. On 11/18, TK saw a Sooty there.
A few shearwaters were also seen flying near the Lincoln City
surfline on 11/24 (FS) and near Nye Beach (Newport) along with a
LEACH'S STORM-PETREL on 11/26 (DF).
But tubenoses are not immortal; during October along 4.5 mi of
beach near Thiel Creek, BLo and S&DB found six fulmars, one Sooty
Shearwater, and one FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.104 PELICANS-EGRETS
On 11/16, JC spotted two large white birds with black in the
primaries and secondaries of their wings flying over his Toledo home.
He noted that they seemed much larger than Snow Geese, so they were
probably AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. This is only our third report of
this species.
A flock of 325 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS flew south past Yaquina
Head on 10/29; about 80% were immatures (KM). Also, four flocks with
as many as 60 Double-crests were flying south past Newport in apparent
migration during 10/30-11/19 (RB). At first, I thought that they were
late, but in looking back at last year's Sandpiper, these flocks are
about right on time. These flocks could be very easily mistaken for
geese on first glance.
On 11/5, GL, JG, and TK spotted a SNOWY EGRET on the oyster rafts
at Oregon Oyster along Yaquina Estuary between Newport and Toledo;
this is presumably the same one that had been seen about a month
earlier closer to Toledo.
Our first CATTLE EGRET this fall was reported near Bayview
Pasture on 11/9 (fide HN), and another was about a mile north of
Boiler Bay on 11/18 (RK).
I have read that herons and egrets are sometimes fed by fishermen
in Florida. A GREAT EGRET near people on the Embarcadero dock in
Newport during the YB&N 11/19 field trip appeared tame enough to be
able to approach people for food. But we didn't see if this actually
happened or not.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.105 CANADA GEESE
Since the ODFW's release of CANADA GEESE along the Oregon Coast,
they have become common at our estuaries, Devils Lake, and Eckman
Lake. But they are normally absent at Beaver Creek, so a flock of
40 there on 11/5 (LO) is noteworthy.
Canada Geese sometimes cross the Lincoln County Coast Range
during migration (1995 Oregon Birds 21:10-12), and this can lead to
their flying in unexpected directions. For instance, we anticipate
that migrating geese will fly south this time of year, but DF spotted
four flocks with a total of about 700-800 Canada Geese flying
north-northeast over Thornton Creek during 10/25-28.
More to be expected, flocks of 100-150 geese that were probably
Canada's were flying south just off Waldport on 10/17 & 28 (D&BM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.106 BLACK BRANT
Although one BLACK BRANT that may have oversummered was noted at
Yaquina Head on 10/9, the first sign of their fall migration was eight
at Yaquina Head on 10/20 (BLM), which is a couple of days before our
earliest arrivals in other years. At Yaquina Bay, 12 were first
reported on 11/4 (MH), and Idaho Flats hosted 67 on 11/12 and 175 on
11/21 (DP).
As of 11/21, DP has been using a 20X telescope along the MSC
Nature Trail to read the leg band numbers for 20 different Brant. He
is hoping to be able to discover how long they will remain. If you
read any Brant bands, please call Dave, a USFWS Biologist, at
867-4550.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.107 OTHER WATERFOWL
MA saw a flock of 13 TUNDRA SWANS, the first of the season,
flying over Alsea Bay on 11/1.
The TRUMPETER SWAN at Eckman Lake was often spotted this month
(SL; TS; BSl; PV; RL; L&LS) with the last report on 11/24 (FS). Also
at Eckman Lake, a GR. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was lingering on 10/31 and
11/14 (RL).
As many as three EURASIAN WIGEON were noted at Eckman Lake on
11/3 (DMi) and 11/13 (SL); and a hybrid American X Eurasian Wigeon was
at Idaho Flats on 10/29 (KM) and at Bayview Pasture on 11/11 (TS).
At Seal Rocks, L&LS spotted as many as 10 male and four female
HARLEQUIN DUCKS during 10 days in October, KM found four on 10/29, and
DP counted nine on 11/12. At YBSJ, there were two on 11/4 (MH), five
on 11/12 (RH, AC, and HH), six on 11/18 (RK), and three on 11/19 (KM).
Mixed species flocks of BLACK SCOTERS, SURF SCOTERS, and
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS continued to pass southwards past Yaquina Head on
10/29 (KM).
Fall waterfowl arrivals include RUDDY DUCK at Eckman Lake on 10/5
(L&LS), two OLDSQUAWS migrating past Yaquina Head on 11/5 (GL, JG, and
TK), and COMMON GOLDENEYE and 22 REDHEADS at Sallys Bend on 11/19
(KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.108 RAPTORS-GROUSE
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS have been rarely reported here in recent
years, but CP discovered one near the town of Siletz on 11/12. CP
(fide BT) also spotted a rare RED-SHOULDERED HAWK on 11/23 & 24 at
Hidden Valley.
We had just one WHITE-TAILED KITE; it was near Newport Airport on
11/6 (BLl).
A brown NORTHERN HARRIER hunted the MSC area on 10/29 (KM),
11/3 (DP), and 11/15 (NM).
Our only recent NORTHERN GOSHAWK was at Thornton Creek on 11/9
(DF), but a COOPER'S HAWK or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK has regularly been
eyeing LO's aviary at Beaver Creek in mid-November. A Sharp-shin was
at the MSC on 11/21 (DP).
Last raptor reports include TURKEY VULTURE in mid-Lincoln County
on 10/6 (L&LS) and an OSPREY three miles up the Yachats River on 10/23
(TBD&DD).
A pair of adult BALD EAGLES in a snag south of Sallys Bend during
the 11/19 YB&N field trip was perched so close together that we first
thought that there was only one!
BLl and C&DH were lucky to be able to use a spotting scope to
study a MERLIN eating its prey in a tree outside of C&DH's Newport
home on 11/4. Singletons were at Yaquina Head on 10/9 & 21 (BLM).
A juvenile PEREGRINE FALCON visited the Newport Bayfront on
11/20 (PL) and a banded immature bathed in a puddle at the YBSJ
on 11/24 (FS). A Peregrine was also recorded at Yaquina Head during
four days in October (BLM).
A MOUNTAIN QUAIL was in an apple tree at Logsden on 11/7 (BLl),
and they were also near Yachats this month (BSl). A RUFFED GROUSE was
busy feeding on LO's holly berries at Beaver Creek in mid-November.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.109 SHOREBIRD HIGH TIDE ROOSTS
GG notes that many shorebirds are coming up to Drift Creek
Meadows by Gorton Road (Lincoln City) at high tide with at least
35 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and a couple hundred peeps on 11/5. This was
the location where the Mountain Plover was discovered in February
1983, and this site appears to be the main high tide shorebird
roosting area at Siletz Bay.
On 11/11, TS visited Bayview Pasture, which has also been a
popular area for roosting and feeding geese and shorebirds at Alsea
Bay in past winters. He found 20 Black-bellied Plovers, 60 DUNLIN,
10 DOWITCHERS, 20 LEAST SANDPIPERS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and a
COMMON SNIPE.
A similar high tide roost is not known for Yaquina Bay, although
Hidden Valley has potential, and there was a report a few winters ago
of a large concentration of shorebirds about a mile south of YBSJ in
the dunes and beachgrass.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.110 OTHER SHOREBIRDS
A flock of 11 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS congregated at Stonefield
Beach (Lane Co.) on 11/10 (DP).
A PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER was noted at the YBSJ on 11/9 (fide HN);
they are uncommonly reported here.
ROCK SANDPIPERS were detected at three sites. At YBSJ, a
singleton and a flock of 12 were noted on 11/5 (GL, JG, and TK), and
two were viewed on 11/12 (RH, AC, and HH). At Depoe Bay, one was
found on 11/11 (TS), 11/12 (RH, AC, and HH) and 11/18 (RK). At Seal
Rocks, three were counted on 11/12 (DP).
Two WILLETS were at the MSC Lagoon on 11/12 (RH, AC, and HH),
which has been their favorite Yaquina Bay haunt the past few winters.
Our only record of PHALAROPES was of some flying near the Lincoln
City surfline on 11/24 (FS).
Latest shorebird reports include a WANDERING TATTLER at Seal
Rocks on 10/5 (L&LS), RUDDY TURNSTONE at Yaquina Head on 10/11 (BLM),
MARBLED GODWIT near Sandpiper Village on 10/24 (L&LS), and a WHIMBREL
at Mooloch Beach just north of Yaquina Head on 11/12 (RH, AC, and HH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.111 JAEGERS-DOVES
Two POMARINE JAEGERS were noted off Newport during the 11/4
pelagic trip (MH), and a PARASITIC JAEGER was spotted at Boiler Bay on
11/18 (RK).
Perhaps our last BONAPARTE'S GULL of the fall was at Eckman Lake
on 11/13 (SL).
When the Beaver Creek pastures first flooded in early November,
many MEW GULLS arrived, but most have since left (LO). Could they
have been feeding on earthworms forced out by the water?
On 11/5, there was a steady stream of BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES
flying past Boiler Bay (GL, JG, and TK).
ANCIENT MURRELETS were the most abundant alcid this month. At
Yaquina Head, at least 30 on 10/29 and 50-100 on 11/19 were camped
(KM). At Boiler Bay, there were 50-60 on 11/11 (DF; TS), 80-100 on
11/12 (RH, AC, and HH), and 80 on 11/18 (TK fide RK). Additionally,
within four miles of YBSJ during the 11/4 pelagic trip, 25 flew south
(MH).
In mid-November, SS continued to hear calling MARBLED MURRELETS
flying by her Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) home.
Our latest reports of RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and CASSIN'S AUKLETS
were 1-2 at Boiler Bay on 11/5 (GL, JG, and TK). During the 11/4
pelagic trip from Newport, 19 Rhinos were noted, with most (12) seen
four miles or more offshore (MH). Seven Cassin's and two Rhinos
washed ashore near Thiel Creek in October (BLo, S&DB).
Other last reports include two PIGEON GUILLEMOTS at Yaquina Head
on 11/19 (KM) and BAND-TAILED PIGEON and MOURNING DOVE at Bell Hill
between Toledo and Newport on 11/11 (JB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.112 OWLS-WARBLERS
The first SHORT-EARED OWL of the season was flying over Yaquina
Bay near the MSC on 11/12 (AC). GREAT HORNED OWL records include one
at Yaquina Head on 10/20 (BLM), a well-observed one at Yachats on 11/1
(BSl), and a pair regularly calling near Waldport in mid-November
(MA). A NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL perched on a sun-lit branch at Cascade
Head (Tillamook Co.) on 11/2 (SS).
On 10/26, BM was entertained by a bee feeding at her hummingbird
feeder just south of Waldport that chased off an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD!
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS show up more here in the lowlands in
fall, and one was at Beaver Creek on 11/4 (LO).
Two rare HORNED LARKS were heard flying over YBSJ on 11/19 (M&MDe
fide CP).
COMMON RAVENS (which are uncommon to rare along the coast)
visited Sandpiper Village during eight days in October (L&LS).
AMERICAN ROBINS become pretty scarce at many places here in
winter, so SS was surprised by one arriving at her Neskowin yard on
11/12 to feed on the holly berries.
At least 50 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS at Thornton Creek on 11/9 (DF)
may be our largest flock ever.
1-2 PALM WARBLERS skulked at the MSC on 11/9 (fide HN) and 11/18
(RK).
At Hidden Valley, DF discovered a lingering ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER and a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT on 11/19. Most birds of both
species have already left, but in past winters singleton Orange-crowns
have occasionally been reported. However, for our records through
1992, we did not have a single November or December record of
yellowthroats.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.113 SPARROWS-HOUSE FINCH
D&BM spotted and photographed a male HARRIS' SPARROW at their
feeder just south of Waldport that was present from 11/2 to at least
11/18. They promptly reported it, and, consequently, several other
observers (RH & HH; TS) also got a chance to see it. We have few
records of this species, but most of them have been in the Waldport
area.
We have a tie for the first WHITE-THROATED SPARROW of the season;
on 11/4, MA espied one at Alsea Bay and J&DC also noted one of the
tan-striped form at their Toledo feeder. Starting in 1981, they have
been regularly reported in Lincoln County each winter.
A SWAMP SPARROW was detected at Idaho Slough on 11/5 (GL, JG, and
TK) and near Toledo on 11/12 (CP). We still have too few records of
them to know their status.
The YBSJ has the short grass and sometimes the harsh winter
climate that a few birds seem to like. A SNOW BUNTING hopped around
the YBSJ on 11/1 (SM), 11/20 (SD & RG), and 11/22 (CP), and a
LAPLAND LONGSPUR was noted there on 11/19 (CP, M&MDe).
However, the marsh just south of the YBSJ road is milder, and CP
first found a BOBOLINK there on 11/12, and it was relocated the next
day by CP & DF. This may be our first record since 1986.
Hopefully, this will be a good winter for WESTERN MEADOWLARKS
like last year. They were noted at Bayview Pasture on 10/9 (L&LS),
and, in late October, as many as five were detected at Yaquina Head
(BLM).
HOUSE FINCHES seem to acquire parasites and tumors. One that has
recently been regularly visiting a feeder south of Waldport has a
large tumor on its rump and on its right thigh (D&BM).
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at
Yaquina Head), Range Bayer, John Bell, Sara & Don Brown,
Alan Contreras, Jess & Doris Crabtree, TB & Deirdre Dame,
Mike & Merry Lynn Denny (M&MDe), Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon,
Roy Gerig, Jeff Gilligan, Greg Gillson, Hendrik Herlyn,
Cedar & David Hesse, Rich Hoyer Jr., Matt Hunter, Ted Kenefick,
Ray Korpi, Pete Lawson, Gerard Lillie, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Sue Martin,
Kathy Merrifield, Dick Miller (DMi), Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Nancy
Morrissey, Harry Nehls, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin,
Marilyn Sander, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Tim Shelmerdine,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Betty Slauson (BSl), Bill Tice, and Paula
Vanderheul.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.114 December 1995 Sandpiper
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 SP,
Boone Slough=westernmost of two freshwater impoundments at railroad
trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road, Eckman Lake=man-made lake just
east of Waldport along HWY 34, Hidden Valley=valley between Newport
and Toledo accessible by downward road atop the hillcrest between
Criteser's Moorage and Toledo along north Yaquina Bay Road,
MSC=Marine Science Center, Nute Slough=easternmost of two freshwater
impoundments at railroad trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road,
Ona Beach SP=park halfway between Newport and Waldport along HWY 101,
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, SP=state park, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport
Airport south of South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and
Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.115 STORMS
The storms in late November and early December took a heavy toll
on some bird species. Many fulmars and phalaropes were found dead,
and a few other birds were found much farther inland than normal.
A day after the biggest storm, DF did a three hour seawatch at
Boiler Bay on 12/13 but (except for phalaropes) saw few seabirds
passing by (i.e., only two Northern Fulmars, two Short-tailed
Shearwaters, and four Black-legged Kittiwakes), so the Big Storm did
not appear to create a bonanza for watching pelagic birds like some
storms have done in the past.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.116 LOONS-GREBES
A raft of 17 large loons were at the YBSJ on 12/22 (BLl); towards
dusk, a raft usually forms near the first rock finger west of the
Bridge and is good for studying COMMON LOONS, which are generally the
only species in these rafts.
1-2 EARED GREBES were at Boiler Bay on 12/2 (TS) and 12/12 & 22
(DBa), at the YBSJ on 12/17 (GK), near the MSC on 12/3 (RH, AC, & HH),
and at Sallys Bend on 12/3 (RH, AC, & HH), 12/22 (DBa), and 12/24
(KM).
RED-NECKED GREBES are most common nearshore or in the Yaquina Bay
channel, not in freshwater. Nevertheless, last year one wintered at
Eckman Lake, and this year, perhaps the same individual was again
found on 12/24 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.117 NORTHERN FULMARS
Fulmars took a beating from the storms. On 11/26, RN saw a live
one at the channel at the YBSJ and also saw many from Yaquina Head.
But at Boiler Bay, SJ didn't see any on 12/9, and DF spotted just two
on 12/13.
The rest of our reports are of dead, beached birds; as is
typical, most were dark-phase. BLo and S&DB weekly monitor 4.5 mi of
beach between Henderson Creek (South Beach) and Beaver Creek; each
winter they typically find some dead fulmars. This year, they only
found a scattered few until 11/26, when seven dark- and three
light-phase ones were found, and, on 11/29, when 17 dark- and five
white-phase fulmars were counted. Their November total was 50, but
the biggest mortality may have occurred in early December after their
last report.
Other beached fulmar reports include 23 dark-, four light- and
two intermediate phase fulmars along 1.5 mi of beach near Nestucca Bay
(Tillamook Co.) on 11/30 (DP), 18 dark- and 3 light-phase fulmars from
Ona Beach SP to Seal Rocks on 12/2 (AF), eight dark- and one
light-phase fulmars along less than 1/2 mi of beach near South Shore
development in South Beach on 12/3 (BW), and a dozen that were about
50% light-phase fulmars about a half mile south of Waldport on 12/4
(DF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.118 OTHER TUBENOSES-HERONS
One dead FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL was beached near South Shore
development in South Beach on 12/3 (BW).
On 12/2, TS saw eight shearwaters at Boiler Bay, at least two of
which were SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS, and DF saw two Short-tails there
on 12/13.
Our last reports of BROWN PELICAN are 11/11 at Yaquina Head (BLM)
and 11/22 at Seal Rocks (L&LS). Generally we have scattered reports
into December; perhaps the storms moved the pelicans away early this
year.
A live BRANDT'S CORMORANT stood along Highway 20 at Milepost 12
on 11/29 (DF); it must have been bewildered from the storms as they
rarely even go more than a mile inland in our estuaries.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are under-reported, and our only
recent record is of at least two identified by calls in the darkness
about two miles along Beaver Creek Road on 12/1 (AF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.119 WATERFOWL
The TRUMPETER SWAN at Eckman Lake was last reported on 12/7 (RL).
DP has been monitoring BLACK BRANT numbers at Yaquina Bay this
winter and also reading leg bands of 25 different Brant with a 45x
scope or a 105X Questar; a 20x scope would generally not be enough.
So far their numbers have been low, KM counted 240 at Sallys Bend on
12/17, but, on 12/22, DP only found 188. Last year, their numbers
were also down; in contrast, RB found 313-503 in December 1989.
Hopefully, the low numbers in recent years is not an indication that
they are abandoning Yaquina Bay as a wintering site, as they have
California estuaries.
A GR. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE lingered at Eckman Lake on 11/29 (RL)
and 11/30 (L&LS).
Many CANADA GEESE, probably all Westerns, were at the field east
of HWY 101 and south of Cutler City on 12/2 (KP), 94 Canadas
(including four Cackling and four possible Duskies) were at Bayview
Pasture on 12/10 (KM), and six small Canadas were in a field near the
Logsden Store on 12/22 (BLl).
A dead OLDSQUAW three miles east of Toledo along Highway 20 (DF)
may be our most inland record. 1-3 live ones were at the YBSJ on
11/30 (RL) and 12/22 (BLl); seven were viewed just west of the Yaquina
Bay Bridge on 12/10 (MH & HG), and four were at YBSJ on 12/12 (DBa).
WOOD DUCKS are scarce here in winter except where they are being
fed. Last winter, 50 or more were at Mossy Lane Pond at Toledo, but
this year the feeding has stopped and they are gone (CP). At a lake
south of Newport where they continue to be fed, they were regulars
throughout November (L&LS).
An apparent GADWALL X GREEN-WINGED TEAL was briefly seen in the
flooded fields along south Beaver Creek Road on 12/8 (RH).
Sallys Bend is the best place in Lincoln Co. to see REDHEADS, and
KM viewed 24-27 there on 12/17 & 24.
At least 50 HARLEQUIN DUCKS were near the mouth of Squaw Creek
(Lane Co.) on 12/18, a favored location for them along the Oregon
Coast (PR & PS). 2-8 were at Seal Rocks during eight days in November
(L&LS), near the Yachats River mouth on 12/3 (KM) and 12/8 (RH & MH),
Seal Rocks on 12/21 (DP), and the YBSJ on 12/10 & 17 (KM), 12/22
(BLl), and 12/27 (PR). Seven in the breakers at Devil's Punchbowl SP
on 12/17 (KM) are the first reported for that site.
BARROW'S GOLDENEYES are some of the last waterfowl to arrive;
L&LS first reported them on 11/22 at east Alsea Bay, and KM saw a male
at the Alsea Bay Boat Docks on 12/3 and the first female there on
12/24.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.120 WHITE-TAILED KITES
This month kites were reported in more locations in Lincoln
County than ever before. They were first regularly reported here in
1982, but, prior to this month, they were only reported at one site
during a season, so it has been unclear if they may have just been
moving around.
A kite was reported near Sandpiper Village on 11/3 (L&LS), one
was just east of Bayview Pasture in mid-November (SB, fide BLo), and a
pair hunted a pasture about four miles north of the town of Siletz
along HWY 229 on 12/22 (SK).
Near Toledo, one was about 3 mi west of Toledo on 12/2 (TS),
singletons were at Boone and Nute Sloughs on 12/8 (RH & MH), and at
least one was noted south of Criteser's Moorage (about a mile
downstream of Toledo) on 12/23 (MC, PV, and RF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.121 OTHER RAPTORS-RAILS
One RED-SHOULDERED HAWK perched in an alder at about mile 2.5
along Hidden Valley road on 12/7 (CP). JS relocated it on 12/26.
On 12/2, P&MD watched from their Toledo home as a RED-TAILED HAWK
swooped down, caught a snake, and then flew to a tree perch to eat it!
One accipiter sp. was south of Waldport on 11/18 (D&BM), and a
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK chased a sparrow at the MSC on 12/1 (RL). The
pattern of our reports appear as if accipiters are more frequent
during the winter along the coastline than a few miles inland.
One RUFFED GROUSE was at SS's Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) home on
11/20 & 21 and at north Beaver Creek on 12/8 (LO).
Our only VIRGINIA RAIL report was for Beaver Creek just east of
Ona Beach SP on 12/8 (RH & MH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.122 PHALAROPES
Our big shorebird news this month were the RED PHALAROPES blown
onshore en masse. They were noted inland at many places; our furthest
inland records were at a wet field about a half mile east of Eddyville
on 12/15 (BLo) and one dead in a forest about a half mile from
Moonshine Park, north of Logsden, on 12/22 (SK).
On 12/13 (a day after the biggest storm), DF did a three hour
seawatch at Boiler Bay and estimated that about a total of 10,000
phalaropes passed by.
Once onshore they were weak and vulnerable. On 12/2, AF saw a
WESTERN GULL swoop down and fly off with a live phalarope at Ona Beach
SP, and, on 12/15, AM saw a Western Gull eating a phalarope at South
Beach SP. Many were killed by passing vehicles; LO found eight dead
along Beaver Creek Road in early December, and one struck OW's car at
Sandpiper Village on 12/14, but recovered. At the YBSJ, DBa saw one
plucked from the air by an immature PEREGRINE FALCON on 12/13 and
noted that NORTHERN HARRIERS also seemed to be hunting phalaropes.
Along 4.5 mi of beach near Thiel Creek, dead phalaropes (five)
were first found on 11/26 (BLo, S&DB), but many more of them may have
been scavenged and carried away before they could be counted.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.123 OTHER SHOREBIRDS
A well-described RUDDY TURNSTONE at Seal Rocks on 12/2 (AF) is
our latest; they are often missed in winter and sometimes
misidentified because ruddy legs doth not a Ruddy Turnstone make--some
Black Turnstones can have a reddish cast to their legs.
Flocks of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS continue to be found. On 11/25 &
26, 10-12 were at Seal Rocks (JS), and seven flocked there on 12/21
(DP).
One ROCK SANDPIPER was viewed at Seal Rocks on 12/2 (AF) and
12/24 (KM), and two were at Depoe Bay on 12/13 (DBa).
Our only WHIMBREL reports were for a singleton at Moolack Beach
north of Yaquina Head on 11/12 and 12/3 (RH, AC & HH) and at east
Alsea Bay as late as 11/30 (L&LS).
COMMON SNIPE were at Beaver Creek on 12/7 (LO).
There was a report of two BLACK-NECKED STILTS at the YBSJ on
11/25 (fide JS), but no details were available. Our only previous
record of them is for April 1985.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.124 GULLS-ALCIDS
At least 180 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were flying south on 12/3 (KM);
our last report was for Boiler Bay and YBSJ on 12/12 (DBa). A dead,
beached SABINE'S GULL near South Shore development in South Beach on
12/3 is late (BW), and a first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at Moolack
Beach north of Yaquina Head on 12/15 (AM).
A few BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were at Yaquina Head on 11/26 (JS),
Seal Rocks on 12/3 (DF), Boiler Bay on 12/3 (RH, AC, & HH), 12/9 (SJ),
and 12/13 (DF); and the mouth of the Yachats River on 12/8 (RH & MH)
and 12/17 (KM).
ANCIENT MURRELETS continued to be the most common alcid until
mid-December. Boiler Bay seemed to be their favored site, with about
50 on 12/3 (RH, AC, & HH), at least a half dozen on 12/9 (SJ), and
about 200 on 12/17 (GK). Elsewhere, about 1-2 dozen were at Yaquina
Head on 11/26 (JS) and 12/3 (KM), 1-2 were at the mouth of the YBSJ on
12/8 (RH & MH) and 12/27 (PR), eight were just south of the Yachats
River mouth on 12/8 (RH & MH), three were very close inshore at Depoe
Bay on 12/9 (SJ), and six were at Whale Cove (Rocky Creek SP) on 12/13
(DBa).
25 COMMON MURRES were at Boiler Bay on 12/12 (DBa), and they were
also there on 12/23 (MC, PV, and RF). In mid-December, murres
appeared to have become the most common alcid as KM counted 370 flying
south on 12/17 during 1:04-1:47 PM at Yachats; she noted that many
were in breeding plumage, which is to be expected (i.e., see Harris
and Wanless, 1990. British Birds 83:55-66).
One PIGEON GUILLEMOT visited Yaquina Head on 12/3 (KM) and Boiler
Bay on 12/23 (MC, PV, and RF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.125 PIGEON-THRUSHES
Our latest report for BAND-TAILED PIGEONS is 11/23 in Toledo
(J&DC).
A NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL perched in a red alder at mid-day south of
Yaquina Bay on 11/18 (BLo), and one called at Beaver Creek on 12/1
(AF).
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were regularly at D&BM's feeder south of
Waldport in late November and early December. L&LS also noted them at
Sandpiper Village throughout November.
Good News & Bad News for HORNED LARKS. The good news is that we
have had more reports this month than ever before--the bad news is
that only one was seen at a single location: on the gravel at YBSJ,
sometimes east of the "gull parking lot" in the short grass bordering
the road (JS). Reports are for 12/16 (CP), 12/22 (DBa & CR), 12/23
(MC, PV, and RF), and 12/26 (JS).
Our only GRAY JAY report is for 3-6 at SS's Neskowin home on
12/24-25.
One BROWN CREEPER was in north Toledo on 11/4 and 12/19 (P&MD),
and a WINTER WREN has taken to roosting at night in SS's front porch
at Neskowin on 12/22.
We had several reports of HERMIT THRUSHES with one out at dusk at
Yachats on 12/2 (SL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.126 WARBLERS-MEADOWLARK
Starting on 12/6, a PRAIRIE WARBLER has been frequenting E&CH's
South Beach backyard to at least 12/26. It may be only the second
record for Oregon, the other one being seen about a mile away on
9/27/1981. However, the Horvath's warbler is being viewed by
considerably more people--I've seen reports from over a dozen people,
so the Horvath's have been gracious hosts--thanks!
1-2 PALM WARBLERS were along the MSC Nature Trail on 11/26 (JS),
in the sandy area just west of the MSC entrance on 12/2 (TS), and at
the MSC on 12/13 (DBa).
Our updated arrival date for WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS is 10/30 at
Toledo (P&MD). A White-throated has regularly been at CP's Toledo
feeder starting on 11/26. On 12/21, DF found one
along with a LINCOLN'S SPARROW in a briar patch in Toledo. Two
Lincoln's were also found at the MSC on 12/13 (DBa).
Two juvenile WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were at Thornton Creek in
early December, where they are rare (DF).
The HARRIS' SPARROW was last at D&BM's feeder south of Waldport
on 11/19.
The first SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO reported this season was
in SW Newport on 11/12 (RB).
The roadside along the YBSJ has been good for terrestrial birds
this winter; other species besides the Horned Lark include a SNOW
BUNTING on 11/24 (M&MDe) and 11/25 (JS), and an odd-looking LAPLAND
LONGSPUR on 12/3 (DF).
At Yaquina Head, 1-5 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were counted during nine
days in November at Yaquina Head (BLM) and on 12/4 (RB). At YBSJ,
four were noted on 11/25 (JS), 11 on 11/30 (RL), and one on 12/17
(GK).
OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head),
David Bailey, Steve Baron, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown,
Alan Contreras, Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Marcia Cutler, Mike &
Merry Lynn Denny (M&MDe), Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon,
Anthony Floyd, Rana Foster, Hope Gilde, Hendrik Herlyn, Eric & Clare
Horvath, Rich Hoyer Jr., Martin Hutten, Scott Johnson, Steve Kapillas,
Georges Kleinbaum, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear,
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Alan McGie, Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Rick Neubig, Laimons Osis, Katherine Peyton,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Craig Roberts, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Tim Shelmerdine, Patty Shreve, Jamie Simmons,
Paula Vanderheul, Orr Wieman, and Barb Wilson.
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