Menu of January-May 1994 (sections 94.1-94.30) 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 15
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94.1 January 1994
94.2 February 1994
94.7 March 1994
94.14 April 1994
94.22 May 1994
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94.1 January 1994 Sandpiper 15(1)
I apologize to all those who graciously shared their observations this
month, but unforeseen circumstances resulted in my not having enough time
to write up the field notes this month and also maintain my sanity.
Next month should be better.
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94.2 February 1994 Sandpiper 15(2)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Bayview Pasture (swale east of
junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road), MSC=Marine Science
Center, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north
of Waldport, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.3 GREBES-EGRETS
Some birds are periodically singing, and many waterbirds are coming
into breeding plumage, even though it is not yet March. This is not
unusual, but we can easily miss it if we linger in our wintering minds.
A CLARK'S GREBE was at King Slough (Yaquina Bay) on 1/19 (DF), and a
possible one was glimpsed at YBSJ on 2/14 (L&LS).
EARED GREBES showed up in some unexpected spots this month. Three
were at Yaquina Head on 1/23 (KM), and one was at the MSC Lagoon on 2/19
(RO).
Two LAYSAN ALBATROSSES, five BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, and
NORTHERN FULMARS (including several white-phased birds) were 33 miles off
Newport during the pelagic trip of 1/29 (RH). In January, BLo and S&DB
found five fulmars and one Laysan washed up on their beach near Thiel
Creek.
At Yaquina Head, a BRANDT'S CORMORANT was head-up displaying with a
dull-blue throat on 1/23, but another one had a turquoise throat on 2/6
(KM). A PELAGIC CORMORANT had its breeding plumage of white flank patches
at Yaquina Head on 2/6 (KM).
Our only GREAT EGRET this month was one near Criteser's Moorage
(Yaquina Bay) on 1/23 and 2/6 (KM) and another at Eckman Lake on 2/14 (DF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.4 WATERFOWL-COOTS
A BRANT on the rocks at Yachats in early February (JW) was unusual and
probably a migrant, as Brant start moving through in late January in at
least some years.
Eight GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were at Fowler's Oyster (Yaquina
Bay) on 2/6 (KM), and another (or the same ?) eight were at Alsea Bay on
2/17 (RL).
BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were noted during 11 days in January in Alsea Bay
(L&LS), a preferred spot. Hundreds of AMERICAN WIGEON and at least one
EURASIAN WIGEON were at Bayview Pasture on 1/12 (L&LS).
A duck with the head of a BLUE-WINGED TEAL but dark gray legs was
studied at Eckman Lake on 2/7 (DF).
We had several BALD EAGLE reports recently near Oregon Coast Aquarium
(MH & TD; BLM), Beaver Creek (LO; L&LS), and Yaquina Head (BLM). Three
adults were flying together over Rock Creek east of Logsden on 2/2, and at
least one adult was also noted there on several other days in early
February (BLl & MD).
One PEREGRINE FALCON was at Yaquina Head on eight days in January
(BLM; KM), and another was in the YBSJ area on 2/2 (JW) and 2/15 (TM).
Singleton AMERICAN KESTRELS were present in January at Yaquina Head
(BLM), Yachats (AI), and Beaver Creek (L&LS).
A male RING-NECKED PHEASANT at Bayshore near Waldport on 2/13 (SE,
fide EH) is unexpected and a rarity in Lincoln County.
An average of about 3,500 AMERICAN COOTS have been found during
midwinter counts since 1986 during USFWS' aerial surveys at Devils Lake,
which is normally the coots' second largest wintering area on the Oregon
Coast (RL); however, this winter only 55 were at Devils Lake on 2/17 (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.5 ALCIDS-THRUSHES
The 1/29 pelagic trip out of Newport was blessed with terrific
weather, and perhaps one of the most surprising findings was that the most
abundant alcid was the ANCIENT MURRELET, with 480 counted (RH)! The other
alcids that were recorded included 300 COMMON MURRES, 30 CASSIN'S AUKLETS,
and nine RHINOCEROS AUKLETS (RH). In terms of dead alcids washed up on the
4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek, BLo and S&DB had a January total of
five murres, one Ancient Murrelet, and one Rhinoceros Auklet.
Only one PIGEON GUILLEMOT was reported recently; CP found one halfway
into breeding plumage at YBSJ on 2/15.
Our only owl this month was an accommodating NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
that visited Sandpiper Village on 1/15 and was studied for 10 minutes by
L&LS.
The first male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was reported at Yachats on
2/3 (J&JG). Elsewhere, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were still south of Waldport
through at least 2/15 (D&BM).
Our miniproject to find BELTED KINGFISHERS sex ratios and how far
they were inland during November 1993-January 1994 in Lincoln County
resulted in a total of 13 males and 7 adult females. But this is too few
to really test if this sex ratio of about 2:1 was statistically
significant. The furthest one inland was at Olalla Reservoir on 1/23 (CP).
CP discovered our first spring TREE SWALLOWS, with eight flying
south at YBSJ on 2/26.
SS saw our only GRAY JAYS at Neskowin on 2/12, and her BROWN CREEPER
was still roosting on her porch at night in mid-February.
An out-of-place MARSH WREN was at the HMSC Parking Lot on 2/22 (RO).
AMERICAN DIPPERS have been regulars along the Yachats River in late
January (AI).
SS first heard VARIED THRUSHES singing at her Neskowin home on 1/30.
HERMIT THRUSHES haven't been reported much this winter, but EH found one at
South Beach Peninsula on 1/19, and L&LS noted one at Sandpiper Village on
1/25.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.6 WAXWING-MEADOWLARK
A CEDAR WAXWING was noted at Newport on 1/29 (RH), and six were at
the YBSJ on 2/26 (CP). Although Cedar Waxwings are commonly present from
late May through November, we have about a dozen unseasonal records of
them in January and February.
Our only recent HUTTON'S VIREO was at Mike Miller Park in South Beach
on 2/8 (D&BM), and one very out-of-season female HERMIT WARBLER was a mile
away from the town of Siletz on 1/30 (CP). TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS can be
elusive here in winter, but P&MD found one on 2/3 & 5 in Toledo.
With patience, one can see the unexpected--D&BM were surprised by a
RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEE picking and eating petals from a quince at their home
south of Waldport on 2/6.
The six WESTERN MEADOWLARKS at the South Beach Peninsula on 1/11
(EH) and YBSJ on 2/26 (CP) are our largest counts this year; five were also
counted at Toledo on 2/8 (P&MD), and one was often noted in late January at
Yaquina Head (BLM).
Observers: BLM at Yaquina Head (MN, GM), Sara & Don Brown,
Pat & Meagan Dickey, Martha Doldt, Todd Dunkirk, Skye Etassami,
Darrel Faxon, Jim & Janice Gerdemann, Mark Hedrick, Eric Horvath,
Rich Hoyer Jr., Alice Ivey, Kathy Merrifield, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler,
Terry Morse, Michael Noack, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo,
Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jean Weakland.
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94.7 March 1994 Sandpiper 15(3)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: 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, Thiel
Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport, Thornton Creek=creek between
Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
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94.8 LOONS-HERONS
A well-detailed immature YELLOW-BILLED LOON with other loons was at the
eastern edge of Sallys Bend on 3/3 (AF). Two PACIFIC LOONS washed ashore
near Thiel Creek in February; the one found on 2/26 was caught in the
remnants of a dip net (BL, S&DB).
EARED GREBES are mostly discovered here at the embayments of Yaquina
Estuary, but some occasionally visit Yaquina Head, where KM saw two in full
winter plumage on 3/6.
One GREAT EGRET lingered near Toledo on 3/3 (AF), at Siletz Bay on
3/11 (PD & CC), and at Alsea Bay on 3/11 (JW).
A few GREEN HERONS winter, and this year L&LS found them at east Alsea
Bay during four days in February. Most arrive in late March and early
April.
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94.9 CANADA GEESE
Not many birds have been marked with leg bands or neck collars, so it
is easy to forget to look for them. But many Western (Great Basin)
CANADA GEESE in Lincoln County and elsewhere have neck collars with codes
that identify each individual. Over the past year, Sandpiper readers have
reported 25 sightings of geese with neck collars to me, and I have relayed
on these reports to the ODFW & USFWS. With such records, we can tell how
long individual birds remain in an area or where they may move to. For
example, the neck-collared goose that I have received the most records for
is "199R"; KM first spotted this goose near Criteser's Moorage, just
downstream of Toledo, on 8/8/93, and it has been found further downstream
by several observers in the Nute/Boone Slough area until KM's most recent
sighting on 2/6/94. You can also contribute by searching for neck-collared
geese. Please record and report the date, location, collar color, and code
on the collar as well as the number of Western Canada Geese without collars
because the ratio of collared to noncollared geese is useful. Although
these collars can be inconspicuous from a distance, they can usually be
read with a spotting scope without getting close enough to the geese to
scare them.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.10 OTHER WATERFOWL-RAPTORS
Our largest recent concentration of CANVASBACKS was 280 at Eckman Lake
on 2/16 (JW).
BARROW'S GOLDENEYES continued to be regularly found at Alsea Bay
through February (L&LS), with a pair on 3/11 (JW); but they have been rare
this winter at Yaquina Estuary, although 1-2 Barrow's were also seen near
the MSC on 3/6 (KM), 3/11 (PD & CC), and 3/13 (KM).
BLACK SCOTERS (formerly the Common Scoter) can concentrate and be the
common seater here in February or March. For example, KM counted 170
Black Scoters, 41 SURF SCOTERS, and 4 WHITE-WINGED Scoters at Yaquina Head
on 2/20, but at Seal Rocks on the same day and on 3/13, she estimated that
only about 10-20% of the scoters were Black's. On 2/27 and 3/6 at Yaquina
Head, Black Scoters were again the most abundant scoter (KM), but, on 3/13
at the YBSJ, 97% of the 500 scoters that may have been feeding on herring
eggs were Surf's.
It isn't often that we get a record of COMMON MERGANSERS on a creek,
but N&JV found a pair in Slick Rock Creek near Rose Lodge on 2/25.
Our first TURKEY VULTURE was at Thornton Creek on 3/8 (DF) and near
Yachats (DD) and Toledo (BLl) a few days later.
KP had the good fortune of seeing a RED-TAILED HAWK soaring
majestically into the wind at Cape Foulweather on 3/11.
A COOPER'S or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was in Newport on 2/11 & 20; on the
latter date, it was feeding on a Rock Dove (TM). A Cooper's was also at
South Beach Peninsula on 2/2 (EH) and at Eckman Lake on 2/28 (L&LS). But
there were no other accipiter reports.
After the loss of an adult BALD EAGLE in Waldport earlier this year, a
pair of adults perched together at Alsea Bay on 3/20 (JW) is probably too
lately paired to nest this year but is a hopeful sign that they may nest
there next year. An immature with some white on the chin has been
occasionally roosting in a tree just south of the Oregon Coast Aquarium and
was last noted on 3/22 (BLl). Two eagles were also counted at Yaquina Head
on 2/21 (BLM).
PEREGRINE FALCONS and Bald Eagles are always welcome to see, but CP
was lucky enough to see a Peregrine mobbing an adult Bald Eagle that was
carrying nesting material from Sallys Bend on 3/12. Peregrines were also
seen recently during several days at Yaquina Bay (TM) and Yaquina Head
(BLM; P&MD).
An AMERICAN KESTREL continued to be noted daily at Yaquina Head in
February (BLM), and our most recent MERLIN was one in Newport on 2/6 (RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.11 GROUSE-ALCIDS
A RUFFED GROUSE was seen and heard drumming at Beaver Creek on 3/13
(LO). We get few grouse reports.
L&LS had a good look at a SORA at the NW side of Eckman Lake on 3/16.
After hearing about it, JW also saw one in the same area on 3/21. We
desperately need more Sora records as their status in Lincoln County is
unclear. We have no June or July records, so we don't know if they nest
here. In general, we have very few records of several freshwater marsh
birds (Sora, American Bittern, and Virginia Rail), and several marshes are
being encroached upon or developed.
During his USFWS aerial survey in early March, RL noted only 11 coots
at Devils Lake, where in previous Marchs there had been an average of
nearly 3,000 coots. Although coots have nearly abandoned Devils Lake, over
twice as many were counted this year along the entire Oregon Coast than
last year (RL), so wintering, coastal coots appear to be doing OK.
One ROCK SANDPIPER was detected at Yaquina Head on 3/3 (AF).
The first landing of COMMON MURRES on Yaquina Head was on 2/24 (BLM);
in 1980 and 1981, the first landing was on 2/14 and 2/4, respectively, but
they weren't frequently on their colony until April. On 2/27, KM found
that all but one of the 280 murres she studied at Yaquina Head were in
breeding plumage.
At Thiel Creek, a total of one CASSIN'S AUKLET and one
RHINOCEROS AUKLET and six Common Murres were beached in February (BL,
S&DB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.12 PIGEON-SAY'S PHOEBE
Our first BAND-TAILED PIGEON was at Toledo on 3/3 (CP). A
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was at Toledo in early March (CP), and one was
calling at 3 PM in the afternoon at Thornton Creek on 3/12 (DF). A
GREAT HORNED OWL perched in a red alder at south Beaver Creek on 2/26
(L&LS).
Although RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS were reported in early February at one
Yachats site in last month's newsletter, they arrived much later and much
closer to their typical arrival date elsewhere. Rufous' were first
discovered on 2/16 at Sandpiper Village (L&LS), on 2/25 at South Beach
(EH), and in early March Neskowin (SS), south of Waldport (D&BM), and the
Yachats River Valley (DD).
After Rufous Hummingbirds arrive, wintering ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS
apparently abandon some sites (e.g., J&JG's Yachats feeder; L&LS' Sandpiper
Village home) but coexist at other places (S&SW's Sandpiper Village feeder
on at least 3/3 & 4 at D&BM's feeder south of Waldport through at least
3/13). D&BM write: "For months the different individual Anna's had not
been at the feeder simultaneously so conflicts were being avoided. The
arrival of the Rufous Hummingbirds created a new dynamic. The Rufous and
Anna's females seem to tolerate each other, feeding at the same time from
opposite sides of the feeder. But the Anna's male does not tolerate either
sex of the Rufous."
JW found Lincoln County's third BLACK PHOEBE at Beaver Creek on 3/13.
It was also espied on 3/14 (DF; JW), 3/16 (JW & BL), 3/17 & 18 (JW), and
3/19 (CP; YB&N field trip with a dozen participants). It was last reported
on 3/21 (JW). Hats off to JW for her patience in sorting through sparrows
to find it and graciously sharing her sighting with so many of us!
A probable SAY'S PHOEBE at Yaquina Head on 3/5 (PL) was belatedly
reported on 3/18, too late to be confirmed. It is the fourth reported in
Lincoln Co.
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94.13 SWALLOW-MEADOWLARK
Our first VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS flitted above Thornton Creek on 3/1
(DF).
COMMON RAVENS continue to put on a show south of Waldport. In about
mid-March, DM noted: "The call from one raven sitting alone on a cedar
branch first got my attention. As I watched, a second raven joined it,
first landing on a lower branch, then moving up to sit side by side. The
second bird began to make a yelping noise and opening its beak. The first
responded by placing its beak in the other's open mouth. They continued
this way for a while, then flew off together."
A BROWN CREEPER persisted in roosting at night on SS's porch in early
March but had apparently left by 3/19, probably to get ready for the
nesting season.
VARIED THRUSHES began singing at Yachats on 3/14 (J&JG). A flock of
WESTERN BLUEBIRDS graced a recently logged area near Waldport area on 2/26
(CW), and 2-3 were west of the town of Siletz on 3/2 & 12 (CP).
Some AMERICAN ROBINS were present here earlier in winter (LL), but
there was a movement of robins to several coastal sites in early March with
23 at Neskowin on 3/2 (SS) and 32 at Sandpiper Village on 3/13 (RLe). The
first robin's song was heard at Neskowin on 3/6 (SS).
HERMIT THRUSHES come and go, but they were viewed six days at
Sandpiper Village in February (L&LS).
An unseasonal flock of 12 probable CEDAR WAXWINGS was trying to ride
out the storm in Newport on 3/20 (B&SL). Although waxwings customarily
arrive in late May, we have had a smattering of previous early spring
visits by them.
Our most recent PALM WARBLER was one along the MSC Nature Trail on
3/12 (CP). Our first ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was south of Waldport on 3/12
(D&BM).
We had a spring influx of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS that was noted by
P&MD, JW, and others with 20-30 feeding in alder trees near the Newport
Reservoir on 2/12 (SG). WESTERN MEADOWLARKS graced Yaquina Head (BLM) and
South Beach Peninsula (EH) during February.
Observers: Range Bayer, Richard Bjerkvig (RBj), BLM at Yaquina Head
(MN, GM, RBj), Sara & Don Brown, Cheri Crosby, Dike Dame,
Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Jim & Janice Gerdemann,
Steve Gobat, Eric Horvath, Lola Landis, Pete Lawson, Ruthann LeBaron (RLe),
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Bob & Shirley Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield,
Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse, Michael Noack,
Laimons Osis, Katherine Peyton, Chuck Philo, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Nancy & Joe Vizi, Jean Weakland,
Sue & Selmer Westby, and Carol Wright.
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94.14 April 1994 Sandpiper 15(4)
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, Seabrook Lane=residential area
off HWY 101 south of Waldport, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport
Airport, and Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.15 BIRD NAME CHANGES
The latest changes in bird names by the American Ornithologists' Union
(AOU) have come out. These changes and others they make annually create
some confusion, but whether we like the changes or not doesn't make any
difference--they are something we have to learn to live with. Remember,
not all bird names given in your field guides are up-to-date.
Changes that affect us locally include:
Old Name New Name
Green-backed Heron Green Heron
Black-shouldered Kite White-tailed Kite
Lesser Golden-Plover (split into American and Pacific Golden-Plovers)
Rosy Finch (split into Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches)
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.16 PROJECT FEEDERWATCH
Project FeederWatch is a research project involving many volunteers all
over North America each winter. Jean Weakland has completed this year's
results at her home south of Waldport. She has found each year to be a
little bit different--this winter, Harris' and White-throated Sparrows were
absent, Pine Siskins were rare, and Am. Goldfinches were abundant.
Contact Jean (563-3620) or me for information or how you can
participate in Project FeederWatch.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.17 GREBES-WATERFOWL
The approximately 100 HORNED GREBES at Sallys Bend on 3/27 (KM) is a
large concentration for here.
In March along 4.6 miles of beach at Thiel Creek, four NORTHERN FULMARS
(including two white-phase) and a FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were found (BL,
S&DB).
Our first confirmed March record of a BROWN PELICAN since 1967 was a
singleton just offshore of Salishan Spit on 3/30 (D&BM).
The most recent GREAT EGRETS were singletons at Siletz Bay on 3/26 (RO)
and at Alsea Bay in late March (L&LS) and 4/19 (RC).
The first CANADA GOOSE families with goslings this spring were noted
at Alsea Bay on 4/16 (RC), and they were also noted there a few days later
(L&LS).
Wintering Lincoln County BRANT only frequent Yaquina Bay, but spring
migrants often drop down elsewhere. This year JW found them at Alsea Bay
on 4/4 & 13.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE lingered at Eckman Lake on 4/13 (JW).
1-3 CINNAMON TEAL were at Beaver Creek on 3/31 (L&LS), 4/4 (JW), and 4/9
(RO). Three pairs of WOOD DUCKS graced the middle pool of Newport
Reservoir on 4/19 (RO).
Last May a male MANDARIN DUCK was noted several times in the Cape
Perpetua area. Presumably the same male was noted this year at BMi's pond
in the Yachats River Valley on 4/3-6 and disappeared with one of his female
domestic ducks.
BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were last noted at Alsea Bay in early March (L&LS;
JW), and an immature male was at Yaquina Bay on 3/19 (RL). Two OLDSQUAWS
were at Seal Rocks on 3/28 and at Yaquina Head on 4/10 (KM).
Five HARLEQUIN DUCKS were at Marine Gardens at Otter Crest on 4/12
(MN); this is a site where more counts of Harlequins would be particularly
helpful. Harlequins are more abundant along the Lane County coast in the
Stonefield Beach area, and DP counted 43 there on 4/13; counts there are
needed, too.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.18 RAPTORS-VIRGINIA RAIL
The first NORTHERN GOSHAWK in many months circled the Newport Bayfront
on 4/18 (CP).
Good news! In spite of the loss of an adult BALD EAGLE earlier this
year at Alsea Bay, a pair appeared to be incubating at a nest there on 4/11
(fide RL). Eagles were also incubating at nests at Siletz Bay and at
Yaquina Bay on 4/11, but no incubation was noted at the Devils Lake nest
(fide RL). Three Bald Eagles were at Otter Rock on 3/30 (SW), and a pair
was north of Yachats on 4/22 (BB).
In spite of a recent newspaper article mentioning that GOLDEN EAGLES
may nest near Lincoln City, I know of no nesting records for them in
Lincoln County, and we have less than a dozen well-documented sightings for
them. But I've heard that they have a nest just to the east of us in Polk
County.
OSPREY were noted at four different nest sites in Lincoln County so
far this year (PR; JW). RL found the first nest here just four years ago
in 1990.
40 wrong-way TURKEY VULTURES were flying south at Newport on 4/13,
with one flock containing 19 (CP).
In March, as many as two PEREGRINE FALCONS were noted at Yaquina Head
(BLM); a very dark-backed one put on quite a show for us there during the
4/17 YB&N field trip.
A BLUE GROUSE was just below the snowline on Marys Peak (Benton Co.)
on 3/27, and a RUFFED GROUSE was just east of Yachats on 4/17 (BB).
Another Ruffed was south of Yaquina Bay on 4/22 (BL).
At a marsh about a mile south of Seal Rocks between Marsh St. and
Blackberry Inn along HWY 101, JS heard a VIRGINIA RAIL and saw two
AMERICAN COOTS, four Ring-necked Ducks, a Bufflehead, and a Mallard on 3/22
(JS). We often forget that these little marsh/lakes can be productive in
spring, and could coots nest at one of them? The only site where coots are
known to nest in Lincoln County is at a pond south of Toledo. Our only
other Virginia Rail was at Beaver Creek on 3/24 (RO), and we had no Sora
reports.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.19 SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS
KILLDEER are among some of our earliest nesters, and two adults and
four young were scampering around the MSC on 4/11 (DP), which is a few days
earlier than he noted them there last year.
Only our third spring record of a PECTORAL SANDPIPER was one noted
near Yachats on 4/1 (SL). Our first WILLET in recent months was at Idaho
Flats on 4/8 (PD & CC), and about 100 WHIMBRELS were along the ocean beach
near Thiel Creek on 4/23 (BL).
Spring arriving shorebirds include: RUDDY TURNSTONE at Driftwood Beach
on 3/16 (L&LS) and MARBLED GODWIT at Idaho Flats on 4/10 (KM).
Two well-observed immature GLAUCOUS GULLS were noted from a boat off
Newport on 4/20 (RO). Remember that not all large white gulls in spring
are Glaucous Gulls--it is important to note the bill coloration to clinch
the identification.
The first BONAPARTE'S GULLS in breeding plumage with black heads were
at Idaho Flats on 4/10 (KM). Other arrivals include CASPIAN TERNS at
Yaquina Bay on 3/28 (CP) and a TUFTED PUFFIN at Yaquina Head on 4/10 (KM).
March 8 was the first day that COMMON MURRES remained on Colony Rock
at Yaquina Head all day, but in subsequent days they were sometimes absent
(BLM). Also at Yaquina Head, KM counted large concentrations of 330-345
PIGEON GUILLEMOTS on 3/27 and 4/10.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.20 DOVE-SWALLOWS
The first MOURNING DOVE of spring cooed in Nelscott on 4/19 (RG).
Although a BAND-TAILED PIGEON was found on 3/3, their first big push was
noted on 4/14 at Neskowin (SS) and on 4/16 in Newport (RO).
At Seabrook Lane, D&BM have been fascinated by the fluid dominance
interactions between ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. They
write: "At dusk on March 14 we noted two Anna's males and at least two
Anna's females plus three females and a male Rufous taking turns and
sometimes sharing from opposite sides of the feeder. On March 20 we
noticed the Rufous male coming early and seeming to stay to defend the
feeder from all other birds for the rest of the day. On following days
there were always at any given moment one or more birds around. Some days
any one of either species seemed to guard the feeder; other days it was
laissez faire. There was no pattern. Our project was ended March 31 by an
abrupt drop off in hummer visits. After April 1, a single visit by a
single individual is the best we had on any day." They noted Anna's to at
least 4/8, and Anna's were also at Sandpiper Village through late March
(L&LS).
A PILEATED WOODPECKER was viewed at Newport on 4/16 (DH).
DF discovered and studied a SAY'S PHOEBE at Thornton Creek on 4/13 &
14, and it was confirmed by CP on 4/13. Prior to this year, we only have
single records of them in the springs of 1983 and 1989 and the fall of
1984. It has been a phoebe spring--the BLACK PHOEBE at Beaver Creek
lingered through 3/31 (JS; JW)!
Our first PURPLE MARTIN was detected in upper Yaquina Bay on 4/16
(fide RO) and at the MSC on 4/20 (RO). EH has put up another four martin
houses at the MSC Lagoon, so hopefully they will be common there this year!
Spring arrivals include a BARN and a CLIFF SWALLOW at Sandpiper
Village on 3/27 and 3/29, respectively (L&LS); and NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS at Eckman Lake on 4/6 (JW).
Although the first VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW arrived on 3/1 at Thornton
Creek (DF), many migrate through much later as about 50 were seen flying
purposefully north in SW Newport the morning of 4/12 (RB); last year I saw
this phenomenon on 4/19.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.21 RAVEN-EVENING GROSBEAK
COMMON RAVENS are not commonly seen by most of us, but they are a
regular feature at Seabrook Lane. DM writes: "On March 27, I watched a
lone bird soaring in a rising spiral over my head. Periodically the bird
folded its wings, and emitted three short, quick croaks as it fell. By
extending its wings it righted itself and continued the spiral. This was
repeated a half dozen times before the bird disappeared. There was no
other raven around so I am left with the notion that this bird was just
having a good time."
An AMERICAN DIPPER was singing as it hiked up a creek near Neskowin on
3/27 (SS).
After last month's early report of CEDAR WAXWINGS in Newport, another
five were detected in Newport on 4/15 (P&MD). In spite of these early
scouts, they should arrive en masse in mid- to late May.
Other arrivals include COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Beaver Creek on 4/9 (CP)
and HERMIT WARBLERS & WILSON'S WARBLERS at Newport Reservoir on 4/19 (RO).
Both the Audubon's and Myrtle forms of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were
discerned near Yaquina Bay on 4/8 (PD & CC). Given the AOU's recent
propensity to split species and the apparent lack of hybrids between these
forms (see Rich Stallcup in the Point Reyes Bird Observatory Observer No.
98:6), you may wish to hone your skills in distinguishing these two forms,
both of which occur here in winter and spring. But only a few of Audubon's
sometime remain to nest.
A LAZULI BUNTING, our first since 1991, brightened Alsea Bay on 4/17
(RC). The only LINCOLN'S SPARROW reported in a while was at Toledo on 4/16
(CP).
Although a few scattered WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS winter, most are
migratory and the big spring influx arrived in late March at several
locations (DF; D&BM).
While DARK-EYED JUNCOS can be found throughout the year in Lincoln
County, they are only winter residents at many sites. Most departed
Seabrook Lane on 4/1 (D&BM).
LO noted our first BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD at the MSC on 4/12.
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS have been rather uncommon this spring, but they were
noted at Beaver Creek on 3/24 (RO) and 4/2 (JW & SL).
A marked influx of EVENING GROSBEAKS arrived in Toledo in early April
(CP; P&MD).
Observers: Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, BLM Staff at Yaquina Head,
Sara & Don Brown, Cheri Crosby, Ro Crump, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Darrel Faxon, Ruth Goodrich, David Hesse, Eric Horvath, Sally Lockyear,
Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Bob Miller (BMi),
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Dona & Bob Morris, Michael Noack, Robert Olson,
Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Jean Weakland, and Susan Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.22 May 1994 Sandpiper 15(5)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Driftwood Beach SP (State Park about
1/2 way between Seal Rocks and Waldport), HY=hatch-year (birds hatched this
year), 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, Seabrook Lane=residential area off HWY 101 south of Waldport,
Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport, Thornton Creek=creek
between Toledo and Eddyville.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.23 GREBE-WATERFOWL
Many bird species arrive en masse after others have already brought off
a brood, and this spring is no exception with several of our "resident"
species having young out and about before others arrive.
Our most recent PIED-BILLED GREBE was one at Devils Lake on 5/3 (RG).
Not many birds washed ashore on the 4.6 miles of beaches at Thiel Creek
in April, with 4 SHEARWATERS being the most abundant taxon (BLo; S&DB).
1-3 BROWN PELICANS were at Yaquina Head on 4/17 & 30 (BLM), and three
adults were perched on the mainland at Yaquina Head on 5/2 (RO).
The only GREAT EGRET was at the very unusual site of a bluff at Yaquina
Head on 5/2 (MN).
Several small flocks of Western CANADA GEESE were seen flying north in
the Newport area in late May (DP; RB). Ones with neck collars were noted
at Siletz Bay on 5/13 (MM) and in April at Siletz Bay (L&LS). Seven broods
of these introduced Canadas were noted once at Alsea Bay recently (JW).
A pair of WOOD DUCKS graced Mike Miller Park on 4/26 (EH) and the
dock area at Mercer Lake (Lane Co.) on 4/27 (P&PR). Three pairs and two
single males were at south Beaver Creek on 4/29 (PS & DCo). During the
5/15 YB&N field trip, at least three male and two female woodies along with
a female MALLARD and her 7 ducklings graced the middle pond of Newport
Reservoir. Woodies were also at the Reservoir on 5/10 (PD & CC).
The MANDARIN DUCK saga in the Yachats area continues. We had several
reports of a single male in early April in the Yachats River Valley, and RT
saw a pair in a pond about 1.5 miles west of Keller Creek Campground along
the Cape Perpetua Auto Tour route on 5/20 & 21.
DH & BLl were close enough to two male and one female CINNAMON TEAL
at a marsh south of Mike Miller Park to see the red of their eyes!
Cinnamon Teal were also at Alsea Bay during three days in April (L&LS).
The only BLUE-WINGED TEAL was one at Idaho Flats on 5/17 (P&MD). Our
most recent GADWALL lingered at Eckman Lake on 4/29 (L&LS).
Three HARLEQUINS were at Otter Rock on 4/27 (MN), and a male was also
noted at Nelscott on 5/9 (RG); both are sites with few records. In the
Seal Rocks area, L&LS found them during 6 days in April, and KMe also saw
them in that area on 4/24 and 5/8.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.24 RAPTORS-AMERICAN COOT
Our first RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in many months was near Cutler City an
4/29 (DF, BB, FS).
Single BALD EAGLES were found during seven days in April at Yaquina
Head (BLM), near Ona Beach SP on 4/18 (L&LS), at the Alsea Bay seawall on
4/21 (D&B Moh), over J&DC's Toledo home on 4/18 & 28, and at Ona Beach on
4/25 & 30 (BLo). Single adults were noted at more unexpected locations
north of Yachats on 4/26 (CF) and 5 miles up the Yachats River on 5/11
(D&DD). At Eckman Lake on 5/8, RL saw a pair of adults flying after each
other with one turning over so that they grabbed each other's talons on
5/8! Could this be another potential nesting pair?
Our most recent NORTHERN HARRIERS were singletons at Alsea Bay on
4/25 (JW), at the MSC on 5/10 (PD & CC), at South Beach State Park on 5/12
(PR), and near Logsden on 5/14 (BLl).
OSPREY nesting at South Beach were noted by many observers. One
Osprey was eating a fish while perched on a concrete pillar only a few feet
from traffic on the Yaquina Bay Bridge on 5/10 (DF).
Our latest PEREGRINE FALCON was one at Yaquina Head on 4/21 (BLM).
A WHITE-TAILED (Black-shouldered) KITE was in the Astoria area
(Clatsop Co.) on 5/19 (BLo).
A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was at Beaver Creek on 4/12 (L&LS), and, on 5/20,
SS discerned a NORTHERN GOSHAWK and a COOPER'S HAWK at Saddle Mt. (Clatsop
Co.).
Our only quail was one CALIFORNIA QUAIL feeding in BLo's garden at
Thiel Creek on 5/24, our only grouse was a RUFFED at Beaver Creek on 5/2
(PS & DCo), and our only SORA was one that D&B Mor detected along the
bayside of Salishan Spit on 5/10. Our latest AMERICAN COOT lingered at
Alsea Bay on 4/27 (L&LS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.25 SHOREBIRDS-TERNS
DF notes that this spring's migration of shorebirds is one of the
best he has seen in recent years. He saw thousands of shorebirds at
Driftwood Beach SP on 5/11, including many SANDERLINGS and DUNLIN and
several RUDDY TURNSTONES.
MARBLED GODWITS promenaded at Idaho Flats on 4/10 (EH), in the Siletz
Bay area on 4/29 (DF, BB, FS), and along Nelscott Beach on 5/9 (RG). Seven
BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS bathing in a stream at Nelscott on 5/1 (RG) is a high
number for this time of year.
A SPOTTED SANDPIPER teetered on a lily pad at Devils Lake on 5/3 (RG)
and at Eckman Lake on 5/13 (JW). They are usually a creature of freshwater
streams, but they show up at many unlikely places during their May
migration; for example, one was at the MSC Lagoon on 5/9 (RL), and 4-6 were
at the mouth of the Salmon River on 5/10 &13 (DP, fide RL).
RED KNOTS visited Siletz Bay on 4/29 (DF, BB, FS), Driftwood Beach SP
on 5/11 (DF), and a Newport ocean beach on 5/12 (CP). A WANDERING TATTLER
was at Seal Rocks on 4/28 (L&LS) and Salishan Spit on 5/17 (D&B Mor). A
LESSER YELLOWLEGS waded at Idaho Flats on 4/10 (EH).
The only COMMON TERNS noted this spring were two at Idaho Flats on
5/10 (PD & CC).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.26 ALCIDS
COMMON MURRES are our most abundant nesting seabird in Oregon, but
there is a lot we don't know about them, so we have to rely on research
elsewhere. M. P. Harris and others have been studying them for 15 years in
Scotland; their results (1994 Auk 111:207-209) indicate that the median age
of first breeding was about 6-7 years, and most (87%) had nested before
they were 9 yrs old. But the range was 3 to at least 15 years, so there is
considerable variability!
This may again be a poor nesting year for murres because of ocean
conditions. On 5/8, KMe saw two apparently abandoned murre eggs at Yaquina
Head--they don't normally abandon their eggs.
Two MARBLED MURRELETS flew over RL's Waldport home calling on 4/18.
On 5/8, KMe saw a total of 48 on the water at Yaquina Head, Seal Rocks, and
Yachats.
PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were busy at their burrows in sand banks along the
ocean near Thiel Creek in late April and early May (BLo; S&DB).
A RHINOCEROS AUKLET and a TUFTED PUFFIN were at Yaquina Head on 4/13
(BLM); KMe counted 3 and 19 rhinos there on 4/24 and 5/8, respectively.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.27 DOVE-FLYCATCHERS
1-2 MOURNING DOVES were at Sandpiper Village in late April (L&LS),
near Bayshore Beach on 5/15 (LO), at Siletz Bay on 5/17 (D&B Mor), and in
the South Beach area on 5/22 (BLo).
A very large flock of BAND-TAILED PIGEONS visited Yachats on 4/25
(J&JG), and our only owl, a GREAT HORNED OWL, haunted Mike Miller Park on
4/27 (PR) & 30 (TM).
The first VAUX'S SWIFT this year visited the MSC on 5/12 (RL); 1-2
regularly flew down CP's chimney in Toledo on 5/20 & 2l.
HUMMINGBIRDS have been chowing down at SS's Neskowin home; they were
imbibing 64 oz per day on 5/23! A RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest with two eggs
was on a foxglove stalk at the MSC apartments on 4/22 (TM), and a male
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was at D&B Moh's Seabrook Lane feeders on 5/10.
One PILEATED WOODPECKER was at Mike Miller Park on 4/26 (EH) & 27
(PR). Near Neskowin, SS unexpectedly came face-to-face with one and was
surprised by its fiery red head!
A WESTERN KINGBIRD was in the South Beach area on 4/30 (BLo), 5 miles
up the Yachats River on 5/10 (D&DD), and at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 5/12
(BLl).
Flycatcher arrivals include: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER at Thornton
Creek on 4/22 (DF), HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER in Drift Creek Wilderness on 4/25
(EH), and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at South Beach State Park on 5/12 (PR;
CP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.28 SWALLOWS-CHICKADEE
All five species of swallows that are to be expected here
(Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, and
Northern Rough-winged Swallow) visited Idaho Flats on 5/3 (P&MD)! A few
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS appeared to be exploring burrows in a sand
bank near Wandamere Beach in the Thiel Creek area in late April but had
apparently 'left by 5/14 (BLo).
Two pairs of PURPLE MARTINS were at their Criteser Moorage houses
downstream of Toledo on 4/24 (KMe). I haven't received any reports this
spring of them at their MSC houses.
The only GRAY JAY report was of several in the Neskowin area on 5/24
(SS).
COMMON RAVENS are rare at the MSC, but one flew over on 5/2 (RO). On
4/27, one called twice, flipped over in flight, turned back over, called
twice and flew towards Cascade Head (SS). We also had several reports of
ravens and AMERICAN CROWS fighting at Neskowin (SS) and Seabrook Lane (D&B
Moh), with a maximum of 3 ravens and 8 crows wheeling about each other in
the air above Seabrook Lane.
J&AD visited Honeyman State Park (Lane Co.) on 4/29 and discovered an
AMERICAN CROW that had learned how to lift off a plastic garbage lid by
fluttering at the edge and pushing at the lid with its bill!
At Mike Miller Park, DH & BLl watched a CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE at a
nesting hole on 4/30.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.29 BUSHTIT-STARLING
A BUSHTIT built its nest in J&ST's rhododendrons at Seal Rocks this
spring.
BROWN CREEPERS are often overlooked here in summer but EH noted one at
Mike Miller Park on 4/26.
BEWICK'S WREN'S had fledged young by 5/24 at Newport (RB), and our
first HOUSE WREN was at South Beach on 4/18 (EH) and at Thornton Creek on
4/19 (DF).
The only TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE report in several months was one found
by EH about 13 miles up the Alsea River on 4/11.
Our first spring SWAINSON'S THRUSH visited Thornton Creek on 5/6 (DF),
and they were also present a few days later at Neskowin (SS). The first
fledged AMERICAN ROBIN was noted on 5/23 in Newport (RB).
BLl and SBl detected a SAGE THRASHER at Oregon Coast Aquarium the
morning of 5/12--this is our third Lincoln County record and the first
since 1982. All our records are at the South Beach Peninsula in spring.
4-6 early CEDAR WAXWINGS continued in Newport on 4/27 (P&MD), but, at
other locations, they did not appear until late May, which is more typical.
A HY EUROPEAN STARLING had evidently lost its way and was associating
with an adult American Robin at Thiel Creek on 5/26 (BLo). The first HY
starling at RB's Newport apartment appeared on 5/18.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.30 WARBLERS-EVENING GROSBEAK
Our first spring MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER was heard up the Alsea River
on 4/11 (EH). Other spring arrivals first noted by DF at Thornton Creek
include SOLITARY VIREO on 4/23, WARBLING VIREO on 5/3,
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER on 4/12, WESTERN TANAGER on 5/10, and
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK on 5/3.
SJ discovered a male BLACK-THROATED SPARROW at South Beach State Park
on 5/8; it is our 4th Lincoln County record and first since 1985.
CP found our first HARRIS' SPARROW this year at his Toledo home on
5/7; it was a male in breeding plumage. Sparrow departures include a
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Sandpiper Village on 4/1 (L&LS), and a
FOX SPARROW at Seabrook Lane on 4/20 (D&B Moh).
SAVANNAH SPARROWS nest here at some locations but are often
overlooked; our most recent sightings include one being a tree sparrow high
up a tree at Cutler City on 4/29 (DF, BB, FS) and two at Idaho Flats on
5/10 (P&MD). Even more overlooked are flocks migrating through in spring,
but L&LS discovered a small flock near the Alsea Bay docks on 4/20.
A female NORTHERN (Bullock's) ORIOLE visited Newport on 5/28 (RB).
The spring's first PURPLE FINCHES at Seabrook Lane returned on 4/19
(D&B Moh). They are present at some Lincoln County sites throughout the
year, but are only summer residents at other sites.
There is some concern that AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES are declining, so
flocks at Beaver Creek on 4/29 (PS & DCo), south of Waldport in late April
(JW), in Toledo on 5/3 & 8 (P&MD), and in Seal Rocks in late May (J&ST) are
heartening!
JW reports that 24 EVENING GROSBEAKS arrived near Waldport on 4/20 but
since then they haven't been as abundant, and they seem less frequent than
last year.
Observers; BLM staff at Yaquina Head (MN, KMa, GM, RBj), Range Bayer,
Barb Bellin, Richard Bjerkvig (RBj), Scott Blackman (SBl),
Sara & Don Brown, Dave Compton (DCo), Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Cheri Crosby,
Didi & Dike Dame, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Jim & Annetta Dunlap, Darrel Faxon,
Claudia Freeman, Jim & Janice Gerdemann, Ruth Goodrich, David Hesse,
Eric Horvath, Scott Johnson, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Bob Loeffel (BLo),
Roy Lowe, Kristin Mangold (KMa), Kathy Merrifield (KMe), Michael Medford,
Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler (D&B Moh), Dona & Bob Morris (D&B Mor),
Terry Morse, Michael Noack, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo,
Dave Pitkin, Paul & Pat Reed, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Patty Shreve, Ron Taves, Jim & Shirley Thielen,
Jean Weakland.
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