Menu of June-December 1994 (sections 94.31-94.93) 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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94.31 June 1994
94.37 July 1994
94.50 August 1994
94.56 September 1994
94.65 October 1994
94.76 November 1994
94.86 December 1994
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94.31 June 1994 Sandpiper 15(6)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Bayview Pasture (swale east of
junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road), 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, 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, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.32 GREBE-EGRET
A RED-NECKED GREBE in breeding plumage lingered at Yaquina Head on
6/5; WESTERN GREBES (which regularly oversummer as nonbreeders) were also
present there then (KM).
Two old, well-decayed BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES washed ashore at Thiel
Creek in early June (BLo, S&DB). About 120 SHEARWATERS arrived near Seal
Rocks on 5/22 (KM); they were probably SOOTY SHEARWATERS.
About 9-11 BROWN PELICANS flew by the Sandpiper Village beach on 5/22
(L&LS), and one was at Yaquina Head on 6/5 (KM).
AMERICAN BITTERNS are rarely reported in Lincoln County, even though
some may be present, so a report of their calling at Cabell Marsh, Finley
National Wildlife Refuge (Benton Ca.) is of interest. Between about 5-7 PM
on 6/1, KM saw two calling. The process began when one began biting at the
air, apparently swallowing air, so that the neck became swollen. During
the call, the swelling was slung around the neck and upper breast, and the
head also moved. KM noted that the process did not look dignified, as
"bittern anatomy was being flung around in all directions." KM also wrote:
"Wards and drawings cannot describe the flair and drama of this process. I
will never forget this amazing sight." She also heard them calling there
at 7:30-8 PM on 6/15, so maybe we need to listen for them more in the
evenings.
A probable nonbreeding GREAT EGRET at Idaho Flats on 6/1 (TM) is
unusually late here. Although there are at least two nesting records for
Coos Bay, I know of no nesting records north of there. "Fall" migrants
often arrive in mid-July.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.33 WATERFOWL-GALLINACEOUS BIRDS
RL spotted a MUTE SWAN flying over Waldport towards Alsea Bay on
5/26--is this the lone survivor of the "gang of four" first detected at
Sallys Bend on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) 1991?
On 5/18-20, RG saw several flocks of 18-30, noisy CANADA GEESE flying
low northward over Nelscott; KM also saw a flock of 52 flying north on 5/22
at Yachats. Three with neck collars were grounded at Bayview Pasture on
5/18 (L&LS), and seven pairs with 2-7 goslings/pair were at Alsea Bay
on 5/23 (L&LS).
A GR. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE lingered at Alsea Bay to at least 5/27
(L&LS). A few nonbreeding BRANT regularly oversummer, but their location
is unpredictable; one was at the YBSJ on 6/6 (EH).
An AMERICAN KESTREL west of the town of Siletz on 6/4 (CP) may
indicate nesting--we don't have a confirmed nesting record for Lincoln
County, although we have had a few records that circumstantially indicate
nesting.
On 5/31, RG saw two adult BALD EAGLES perched in their Devils Lake
nest tree. An immature was at the Sitka Center (Tillamook Co.) in early
June (PR).
Our first CALIFORNIA QUAIL in some time visited the MSC on 6/1 (EH &
DP). One RUFFED GROUSE strolled through SS's Neskowin backyard on 6/16.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.34 SANDHILL CRANE-ALCIDS
L&LS reported a flock of 34 probable SANDHILL CRANES at north Alsea
Bay on 6/3--it would be only our sixth record for Lincoln County, and the
most ever seen in spring, but no one was able to confirm this sighting.
EH found a LONG-BILLED CURLEW amongst the WHIMBRELS at Idaho Flats on
5/4. He also discerned two PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS at Idaho Flats on 5/4;
this is only our fourth spring with a golden-plover record.
A MARBLED GODWIT was at the Sandpiper Village beach on 5/2 (L&LS).
RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were sparse this spring but were noted at Sandpiper
Village beach on 5/18&21 (L&LS) and Yaquina Head on 5/22 (KM).
EH studied a FRANKLIN'S GULL in transitional breeding plumage at Idaho
Flats on 6/6--it is our first June record and only our third spring record.
Typically, we start having dead HY COMMON MURRES wash ashore every
summer beginning in late June and early July. We also often have some dead
adults beached in May, but none were found along 4.6 miles of Thiel Creek
Beach in May (BLo, S&DB). On 6/19, KM saw 9 murre chicks and three
abandoned eggs on the murres' nesting rocks at Yaquina Head.
A dead MARBLED MURRELET was beached near Thiel Creek in May (BLo,
S&DB). 71 live Marbled's were on the water at Seal Rocks and Yachats on
6/5 (KM). 1-2 TUFTED PUFFINS were at Yaquina Head on 5/22 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.35 DOVE-PURPLE MARTIN
MOURNING DOVES were reported at Sandpiper Village throughout May
(L&LS), one visited South Beach on 5/21 (TM), and our latest report this
summer is for one near the MSC on 6/16 (LO).
Our only COMMON NIGHTHAWK report was for one west of Siletz on 6/4
(CP).
VAUX'S SWIFTS were at Sandpiper Village an 5/13 (L&LS). CP saw a nest
with three eggs being incubated in his chimney in Toledo on 6/16--this may
be our only definite nesting record here! PR also saw an adult at Beverly
Beach State Park on 6/18.
On 6/11, VB was surprised by a yellow HUMMINGBIRD at her home between
Newport on Toledo. Similarly, JK was charmed by a yellow hummer at her
Newport home in March 1992--Erica Dunn wrote in the Spring 1992 Project
FeederWatch news that such rare color variation can be a result of genetic
defects or developmental errors. These individuals are not new species;
field guides don't have space to show all variants.
No ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD sightings were reported; our most complete
recent summer with their sightings was in 1983. But I suspect that a few
are around and that we are missing them.
EH found a nesting RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER flying in and out of a
cavity in a snag at Mike Miller Park on 6/6; they nested in the same snag
last year (EH).
NORTHERN FLICKERS are much more widely distributed here in winter than
in summer, but they do nest locally. On 6/11, BLo saw a pair near Thiel
Creek that were probably nesting.
Our latest WESTERN KINGBIRD was one near the west side of Idaho Flats
on 6/6 (EH)--we have only two years with records in late June and three
years with records in early July. These are probably all lingering
nonbreeders.
At least one pair of PURPLE MARTINS was at one of the nestboxes at the
MSC Lagoon on 6/182 (EH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.36 BUSHTIT-SPARROWS
4-5 fledgling BUSHTITS sat in a row on a branch, with at least one
attentive adult intermittently feeding them on 6/7 at Logsden (BLl).
BROWN CREEPERS are often overlooked here, but EH detected at least one
at Mike Miller Park on 5/30.
Nesting WESTERN BLUEBIRDS carried food into a cavity in a snag west of
Siletz on 6/4 (CP).
On 6/19, DF spotted a singing male NORTHERN PARULA at the Wayside at
the north end of Alsea Bay Bridge; it was later found by JW, CP, and RL.
This is the first verified record for Lincoln County. It seems out of
season, but, in apparently similar habitat, one was also seen singing from
22 June-3 July 1957 near Coos Bay (1957 Aud. Field Notes 11:440, 1978
Oregon Birds 4[3]:6).
We have relatively few records of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS nesting here,
so CP's sighting of two fledglings of the Audubon's form at Toledo in early
June is appreciated.
Our only YELLOW WARBLER report was for one at the MSC an 5/26 (EH).
YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS are rare in Lincoln and coastal Lane counties,
but RW found one at Florence on 6/16; it was the first one that she's seen
there.
RG saw the first SAVANNAH SPARROWS at Nelscott on 5/13. It was
probably a part of the spring migration reported last month.
OBSERVERS: Virginia Brayton, Sara & Don Brown, Darrel Faxon,
Ruth Goodrich, Eric Horvath, Jean Kaye, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Terry Morse, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.37 July 1994 Sandpiper 15(7)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Boone Slough=westernmost of two
freshwater impoundments at railroad trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road,
Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, HY=hatch-year
(birds hatched this year), Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the
MSC, MSC=Marine Science Center, MSC Lagoon=lagoon just north of MSC Public
Parking Lot, Nute Slough=easternmost of two freshwater impoundments at
railroad trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road, Sandpiper
Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north of Waldport, Thiel
Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport, Yaquina John Point=point
near HWY 101 and just south of Waldport).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.38 COFFEE BY THE RIVER
Sometimes birders are at odds with fishermen or hunters, but we all
have much in common.
On 6/3, at Taylor's Landing, seven miles up the Alsea River, D&BM
were sitting on the dock with a mid-morning cup of coffee. They write:
"The river is glassy, reflecting all the green of alder and grasses growing
on its far side. Occasionally the surface is ruffled by a fish's kiss.
There is a Song Sparrow singing lustily behind us. Masses of Violet-green
and Barn Swallows patrol the water's surface and the air above. Higher
still an Osprey circles, disappearing behind the crest and reappearing
later downstream. A couple of crows fly by, as does a lone cormorant. A
kingfisher cackles its way upriver close to the other bank. It is followed
shortly by another, its mate? At the end of the dock, a family of
Mallards--pop, mom, and eleven ducklings rest. Maybe this is why some
people are avid fishermen?"
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.39 LOONS-CORMORANTS
On 7/4, one COMMON, 10 PACIFIC, and 2 RED-THROATED LOONS were at Seal
Rocks (KM). A few nonbreeders of all three species usually oversummer in
low numbers each year.
Nonbreeding WESTERN GREBES oversummer along the coast here virtually
every year and several were at Yaquina Head in July (KM; RB). On the other
hand, CLARK'S GREBES rarely oversummer here, but JB was able to do a
careful ID of one that had washed ashore and was dying near Yachats on 7/2.
And, on 7/24, KM saw one that was very much alive in the breakers just
south of Yachats.
About 14-18 miles off Otter Rock on 7/25, RL & DP spotted one
NORTHERN FULMAR, a few SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and at least 20 BLACK-FOOTED
ALBATROSSES, one of which flew within just a few feet of their Zodiac. But
they noted that there were surprisingly few birds out there, and most were
near shrimp boats.
Along 4.6 miles of beach at Thiel Creek, three Black-footed
Albatrosses washed ashore in June along with a LEACH'S STORM-PETREL (BL,
S&DB). Both species are seldom found beached there.
2-15 BROWN PELICANS were noted during 12 days in May and six days in
June at Yaquina Head (BLM), so they have been regularly noted there. They
have become much more common in late July, when several were at Newport
(ER) and Nelscott (RGo).
During his USFWS survey, RL counted 388 PELAGIC CORMORANT nests at
Cape Foulweather, which is an increase from the past two years. But
additional analyses are needed to tell if this represents a real population
increase or a movement to Cape Foulweather.
There were also 13 Pelagic nests on concrete ledges of the Yaquina Bay
Bridge on 7/12 (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.40 GREAT BLUE HERONS
One GBH walked the rocks at Seal Rocks on 7/18 (OP). Adults can
overwinter at areas sheltered from people at Whale Cove and Boiler Bay, but
there appears to be too much human disturbance at Seal Rocks for one to
persist there throughout the winter.
1-4 Great Blues flew northward past RB's Newport Apt. on 7/1, 17, &
28. Because they only fly by there at about this time of the year and are
only seen flying northward, this may represent a northward post-breeding
dispersal along our coastline, like noted in several seabirds (e.g., Brown
Pelicans, Heermann's Gulls, and Common Murres).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.41 NIGHT-HERON THROUGH WATERFOWL
On 7/26 at about 10 AM at Yaquina Head, RL flushed a HY
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON fishing along the intertidal; a site and time of
day where adults are not seen here. There are no nesting records of this
species in Lincoln County, but they are so secretive and there has been so
little observation effort that they may do so.
The first "fall" reports of immigrating GREAT EGRETS were of one at
Alsea Bay on 7/17 (KM) and at Ona Beach on 7/20 (JW); two were also near
Nute Slough on 7/29 (CP). On 7/31, two flocks of 2-3 probable Great Egrets
were seen flying north off Cape Perpetua (RS).
We had two COMMON MERGANSER reports; on 7/4, RL saw a brood of 7 young
with an adult female upstream on the Alsea River, and, on 7/17, KM found a
flock of 37 at North Alsea Bay. Please remember that HY Common's IN SUMMER
can look like the field guides' pictures of female Red-breasted's, which
are very rare here in summer and often misidentified.
Nonbreeding scoters commonly oversummer along our coast; at Yaquina
Head: a BLACK SCOTER was present on 6/14 (BLM) and 7/24 (KM); 1-4 SURF
SCOTERS were discovered on 6/30 (BLM), 7/4 (KM), and 7/10 (RB); and a few
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were noted on 7/4 (KM). KM also found as many as
25-50 Surfs and White-wings at Seal Rocks and Yachats on 7/4.
A male GREATER SCAUP lingered at Alsea Bay on 7/24 (KM). This is only
our second record of Greaters in July, but unidentified scaup have been
noted in nine previous July's.
A female HARLEQUIN DUCK at Depoe Bay on 7/25 (RL & DP) is an unusual
summer record for that site; one at Yaquina Head on 7/4 (KM) and two at
Seal Rocks on 7/24 (JW) and 7/31 (CP & DF) are uncommon but not unexpected.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.42 RAPTORS-GROUSE
Our first "fall" NORTHERN HARRIERS included one at Eckman Slough on
7/5 (JW), a female at Cape Perpetua on 7/17 (RS), and one at Cascade Head
on 7/26
(SS).
An immature PEREGRINE FALCON flew over the MSC on 7/28 (RO). Three
adult BALD EAGLES flew together over Cape Perpetua on 7/30 (RS).
CP had our only BLUE GROUSE report; one was drumming on Table Mt. on
6/24. L&LS noted our only RUFFED GROUSE on 6/30.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.43 SHOREBIRDS
We often think that there is only "spring" and "fall" migration, but
some species are coming or going almost every month, so it can often be
misleading or humorous when we try to "pigeon-hole" bird migration into
just a few categories.
This is particularly true for shorebirds this time of year when some
late lingerers almost overlap with early returnees, so that it can
sometimes be unclear if they are coming or going.
On 6/1, D&BM saw two WHIMBRELS near Waldport, and, on 6/2, BLM staff
also found at least one at Yaquina Head. During several days in June, L&LS
also saw them at the Sandpiper Village beach. Some nonbreeders customarily
oversummer at Yaquina Bay, but this year they appear to have been more
widespread than usual.
On 6/2, RL saw a WANDERING TATTLER and two BLACK TURNSTONES lingering
at Rogue Reef in southern Oregon.
On 6/6, L&LS noted at least one GREATER YELLOWLEGS in the Beaver Creek
area, and, on 6/16, at least one SANDERLING at the Sandpiper Village beach.
But "fall" migration of shorebirds is right on schedule. The first
day of summer was 6/21. On 6/21, RL & DP were conducting an USFWS boat
survey off Yaquina Head and saw at least 40 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. 25
phalaropes were also at Yaquina Head on 7/4 (KM).
On 6/25, CP saw two GREATER YELLOWLEGS between Boone and Nute Sloughs,
Yaquina Estuary; on 6/27, RL saw nine flying over the MSC. We've had five
other years when the first returnees arrived in late June.
On 6/27, DP found 25 WESTERN SANDPIPER arrivals between Seal Rocks and
North Alsea Bay Spit, and, on 6/30, L&LS observed them near the Sandpiper
Village beach. We have 8 years with late June arrivals for them.
RL's two Black Turnstones at Brookings (Curry Co.) on 6/30 may have
been birds that "oversummered."
Other "fall" arriving shorebirds include: 30 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS at
Idaho Flats on 7/3 (RL), SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS at Alsea Bay on 7/17 (KM) and
7/18 (JW), DOWITCHERS at Eckman Lake on 7/17 (KM) and 7/21 (JW), 52-57
RUDDY TURNSTONES on the beach between Seal Rocks and North Alsea Bay Spit
on 7/18 & 26 (DP), LEAST SANDPIPERS at Eckman Slough on 7/18 (JW), a
WANDERING TATTLER on 7/24 at Yachats (KM) and Seal Rocks (JW), and
SANDERLINGS and SURFBIRDS between Seal Rocks and North Alsea Bay Spit on
7/26 (DP).
On 7/31, CP & DF discovered an adult BAR-TAILED GODWIT molting from
breeding into winter plumage amongst many Whimbrels on the beach just south
of Seal Rocks at about 3 PM; this is our fourth record and first in July.
At about 3:30 PM, JW saw a shorebird in the same area with the right shape
of bill that could have been the Bar-tailed, but the low fog over the sand
made it impossible to see its coloration and confirm the identification.
By about 4 PM, L&LS and RB could only find shapes of Whimbrels, turnstones,
and Sanderlings revealed in the low fog.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.44 GULLS-TERNS
WESTERN GULLS were "hawking" insects near Yaquina John Point on 6/1
(D&BM). This behavior should become more common in the next two months.
Nonbreeding BONAPARTE'S GULLS occasionally oversummer, and TM found an
immature in nonbreeding plumage on 6/10 at Idaho Flats.
CALIFORNIA GULLS immigrate to the Oregon Coast in July, and KM's
observation of 19 in a tight flock at Idaho Flats an 7/17 may be among the
first to arrive.
RGe detected one adult LONG-TAILED JAEGER at Idaho Flats on 7/11; this
is only our sixth record, and our first for July.
CASPIAN TERNS are usually within a mile of the coast, but CP found one
at Milepost 7 along north Yaquina Bay Road on 6/24. Some regularly
oversummer at Yaquina Estuary, but KM's count of 70 on 6/19 seems higher
than in previous years; others also oversummered in the Sandpiper Village
area (L&LS). Although we have no records of their nesting in Lincoln
County, adult/HY pairs regularly come here in summer, and our first report
of these pairs this year was on 7/17 at Idaho Flats (RB). They are a
recent arrival to the Oregon Coast, and our first Lincoln County record of
them was in 1966.
Our only ELEGANT TERNS so far this summer were 3-4 at Idaho Flats on
7/24 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.45 COMMON MURRES
Murres have nested at 1-2 islands at Yaquina Head for several years,
but RL discovered the first ever HY murres on the mainland at Yaquina Head
on 7/5. The mainland nesting was made possible by the fence at the west
end of the Head; this fence has stopped intrusion by people or their dogs
and allows mainland seabird nesting to succeed.
Dead and dying HY murres typically begin to wash ashore shortly after
they leave their nesting colony to swim away with their fathers. This
year, the first dead murre chick was found washed ashore near Thiel Creek
the week of 6/25 (BL, S&DB).
This does not appear to have been a very successful year for murre
nesting, so not as many murre chicks may wash ashore as in a good year.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.46 OTHER ALCIDS-NIGHTHAWK
Two HY MARBLED MURRELETS were in the Yaquina Head/Cape Foulweather
area on 6/21 (RL & DP). An abnormally high number of four Marbled's washed
ashore near Thiel Creek in June (BL, S&DB).
An adult ANCIENT MURRELET in breeding plumage was at Yaquina Head on
7/4 (KM), another that was not in breeding plumage dove beneath the Yaquina
Bay Bridge on 7/12 (RL & DP), and a third sighting was of one at Yaquina
Head on 7/17 (KM). They have also been found in Lincoln County in July in
four other years.
The first CASSIN'S AUKLET of the summer was noted at the Yaquina
Jetties on 7/12 (RL & DP).
1-4 TUFTED PUFFINS were noted at Yaquina Head during 13 days in May,
and 1-3 were counted during 12 days in June (BLM). Two were also flying
there on 7/6 (RL) and 7/10 (RB). So, they appear to be about as common
there as they have been in recent summers.
CP notes that MOURNING DOVES have been more widespread the early part
of this summer than in the past. He found at least one near the town of
Siletz on 6/30, near Harlan on 7/2 & 27, and along South Yaquina Bay Road
on 7/23. L&LS also viewed at least one at Sandpiper Village throughout
June.
Owl reports included a NORTHERN PYGMY OWL along the Salado Breeding
Bird Survey on 6/22 (JS & DMac) and at Table Mountain on 7/2 (CP). A
GREAT HORNED OWL was calling at Newport Reservoir on 6/19 (TM).
On 6/16, a COMMON NIGHTHAWK was at Newton Hill between Toledo and
Siletz (JL), and two were at Yaquina Head (BLM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.47 SWIFT-PURPLE MARTIN
A pair of VAUX'S SWIFTS nested in CP's chimney in Toledo.
Unfortunately, the nest did not remain attached to the inside of the
chimney and fell down, but with a flashlight CP could see them hanging on
the inside of the chimney just above the soot line. These swifts usually
nest in cavities in snags, and their nests may be 111-adapted to clinging
to chimneys.
Our most recent ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was one near Yaquina John Point on
5/10 (D&BM).
Two DOWNY WOODPECKERS at the South Beach Peninsula on 6/29 (EH) are
unusual there, as were single Downies in SW Newport during three days in
July (RB). A HY HAIRY WOODPECKER zagged into a MSC window on 7/7 but later
recovered (RO); Hairies are rare there. All these sightings probably
represent post-breeding dispersal.
A HY RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was spotted several miles up the Yachats
River on 6/24 (D&DD). DDi appreciated a PILEATED WOODPECKER that
brightened up the Yachats area in June.
HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS, which are a common flycatcher in coniferous
forests but are underreported in Lincoln Co., were noted during three days
in June at the Drift Creek Wilderness (EH) and on the 6/22 Salado Breeding
Bird Survey (JS & DMac).
VIOLET-GREEN and BARN SWALLOWS first hatched at some Neskowin nests on
7/6 and 7/11, respectively (SS). But some fledglings of both these
swallows were out and about then at Nelscott (RGo). The Neskowin Barn
Swallows fledged on 7/29 before SS's eyes, but, as is typical in Barn
Swallows, went back and forth to their nest for at least a day.
PURPLE MARTINS appear to have nested at the MSC Lagoon again this
summer, thanks to EH's nesting boxes. EH found 1-3 at the MSC during six
days in June, although he also had a few observations when none were
visible. On 6/27, EH saw a female leave the easternmost nesting box at the
Lagoon and stretch as if she had been sitting a while. RO saw two at the
Lagoon on 7/19 (RO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.48 CORVIDS-THRUSHES
On 7/10, SS saw two COMMON RAVENS chase a Red-tailed Hawk around and
around aver Neskowin Creek and out of sight over the forest. The ravens
returned and circled and scolded for some time. A SCRUB JAY visited Seal
Rocks on 6/26 (PH, fide EH). GRAY JAYS and BROWN CREEPERS are often missed
in Lincoln Co. in summer, but EH found them in early and late June at Drift
Creek Wilderness. GRAY JAYS were also on Table Mountain on 7/2 (CP).
On 6/20, four HY CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES were a delight to watch as
they contemplated a shallow tray with rocks and rainwater at Sandpiper
Village (L&LS).
MARSH WRENS were still singing at Alsea Bay on 7/18 (JW).
VARIED THRUSHES were singing just a few feet above sea level at
Beverly Beach State Park on 7/10 (RB), and at low elevation at Newport
Reservoir on 7/8 (TM). They are not restricted to high elevations in
summer, but along the coast appear to nest in second- or old-growth spruce.
SWAINSON'S THRUSHES are newcomers to the MSC as a result of the
continued growth of trees, especially in the willows just east of the
Apartments, and some were there on 7/19 (RO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.49 BOHEMIAN WAXWING-NORTHERN ORIOLE
JC detected the yellow markings on the wings of one of two
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS at his Toledo home on 7/10. This is our earliest report
of them and is our first since 1989.
WARBLING VIREOS were noted on 6/20 at the South Beach Peninsula (EH)
and on 6/22 during the Salado Breeding Bird Survey (JS & DMac).
The NORTHERN PARULA that DF first discovered on 6/19 at the north end
of the Waldport Bridge was also seen on 6/20 (DF) and 6/22 (JS & DMac).
A HERMIT WARBLER graced Yachats during the 4th of July weekend (SL).
The first "fall" TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was at Eckman Lake on 7/22 (JW); this
is our second earliest date for them.
COMMON YELLOWTHROATS were conspicuous at the MSC Nature Trail and at
the South Beach State Park on 6/23 (P&PR).
D&DD detected our only NORTHERN ORIOLE; it was 5 miles up the Yachats
River on 6/22.
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Jim Bowers, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land
Management at Yaquina Head (BLM), Jesse Crabtree, Dike & Deirdre Dame, Don
Dietz (DDi), Darrel Faxon, Roy Gerig (RGe), Ruth Goodrich (RGo), Eric
Horvath, Pat Hounihan, Janet Lamberson, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy
Lowe, Don MacDonald (DMac), Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry
Morse, Robert 0lson, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Evellyn Reed, Paul & Pat
Reed, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Ray
Spaulding, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.50 August 1994 Sandpiper 15(8)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Bayshore Beach (ocean beach along
North Alsea Bay Spit), 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, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport, Thornton
Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.51 BEWARE OF THEFT
A local YB&N member had her telescope stolen from her van at
Driftwood Beach SP on 8/18, even though she was only away for a few
minutes. There was a rash of thefts from cars in this area that day by a
gang of very well-organized thieves.
So beware! You have probably heard of all the thefts from cars and
didn't think it could happen to us locals. Well it can. So be careful and
don't think that putting valuables into your trunk when you arrive at a
park will help because you may only be showing thieves hidden in the bushes
exactly where to break in first.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.52 CORMORANTS-RAPTORS
Many dead HY BRANDT'S CORMORANTS were on Colony Rock at Yaquina Head
on 8/7 (KM).
A late report of a GREAT EGRET in a tree at Idaho Flats on 6/7 (P&MD)
was our latest spring record. Now, they are rather common. Although there
are a few nesting records for them in Coos County, there is no indication
that they nest in Lincoln County.
The ODFW caught and neck-collared many of the introduced CANADA GEESE
at Alsea Bay that are now nesting. Consequently, many more should be seen,
and 7 of 9 Canadas at Eckman Lake on 7/26 (L&LS) and 8/1 (KM) had neck
collars. If you see a neck-collared Canada, please note the number/letter
code, date, location and number of Canadas without collars and contact Mary
Jo Hedrick (ODFW Biologist; work 867-4741) or Range. Your report can help
elucidate the comings and goings of these birds.
Two COMMON MERGANSERS floated the Siletz River near Logsden on 8/9
(BLl).
A corps of 21 TURKEY VULTURES conducted a "buzzard ballet" over Alsea
Bay on 8/14 (JW).
We have had many OSPREY reports near Yaquina and Alsea Bays, but BLl
had our only recent inland report with one at Logsden on 8/9.
We only had two accipiter reports: a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK at Logsden on
8/9 (BLl) and a HY COOPER'S at Seal Rocks on 8/17 (CP).
A BALD EAGLE was a rare visitor to Sandpiper Village on 7/2 (L&LS) and
an immature flew over the MSC on 7/28 (TM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.53 MOUNTAIN QUAIL-MURRELETS
MOUNTAIN QUAIL are often difficult to see, but BLl was lucky enough to
get good looks at two coveys between Logsden and Nashville on 8/10.
CP had a glimpse of a probable SANDHILL CRANE flying near the Newport
Terminals on 8/4. We have less than 10 crane records for Lincoln County,
and we have no previous summer record for them.
6-7 MARBLED GODWITS were at Bayshore Beach on 8/12 (JW) 8 8/14 (DF).
RUDDY TURNSTONES continued to put on a good show with several in the
Waldport/Seal Rocks area in late July (L&LS; KM) and early August (D&BM;
JW). KM found PHALAROPES at Yaquina Head an 7/24 and Seal Rocks on 8/1.
Two GREATER and one LESSER YELLOWLEGS posed for comparison along with
many dowitchers on the "island" on the south end of Eckman Lake on 8/20
(JW).
A flock of 400+ CALIFORNIA GULLS at Idaho Flats on 7/24 and 8/1 (KM)
is typical of their annual summer influx.
BLo and S&DB patrol 4.6 miles of beach at Thiel Creek and found 11
adult and 47 HY COMMON MURRES in July. HY murres are typically found
beached each summer.
At Yaquina Head, KM spotted an ANCIENT MURRELET on 8/7 and several HY
PIGEON GUILLEMOTS in late July and early August.
SS has been hearing some mystery, "screech" birds at dawn at her
Neskowin home for some time. Using just her radio/cassette recorder, she
was able to make an audiotape from which the mystery birds could be
identified as MARBLED MURRELETS. Fancy, expensive equipment is often not
needed to record birds well enough to be identified.
100+ Marbled's were visible from land along the Lincoln County coast
on 8/1 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.54 FALL PASSERINE MIGRATION WAVES
Inland in Lincoln County, there is regularly a noticeable,
intermittent fall migration of various passerines, especially warblers.
On 8/3, DF noted lots of HERMIT and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS and
flycatchers passing through the Thornton Creek area; however, DF reflects
that the fall movement so far this year hasn't been as great as what he has
seen in the past.
On 8/10 at Toledo, P&MD had a warbler day with Hermits,
Black-throated Grays, and Wilson's. The abundance of warblers that day
suggests that they were migrating through.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.55 OTHER TERRESTRIAL BIRDS
DF found two PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER nests within 100 yards of each
other at Thornton Creek this summer. On about 7/11, young fledged from a
nest in an apple tree, and, on 8/11, young fledged from the other nest,
which was in a barn on a horse harness hanging from the wall!
PURPLE MARTINS wander widely after their nesting season. In early
August, EH spotted four at his South Beach home and also over the Sentry
Market in Toledo. Our latest martin report so far was at the MSC on 8/17
(RO).
This year was the first time that CLIFF SWALLOWS nested at BLl's
Logsden home; last year was the first time they nested at the MSC, and they
nested again there this year (RB). On the other hand, Cliff Swallows are
regularly at Thornton Creek, but this year only one pair was present early,
but then another seven late pairs came in mid-July and nested (DF).
RW got some excellent photos of a HY STELLER'S JAY at her Florence
feeder. Our only BROWN CREEPER report was of two at Eckman Lake on 8/11
(JW).
AMERICAN ROBINS departed the Nelscott area as things dried out (RG),
but they linger elsewhere.
A pair of BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS visited South Beach in early August
(SM). A HY BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD piteously begged from a Wrentit near
Waldport on 8/15 (JW).
A parrot with a green back and yellow under its wings anxiously
searched Toledo for its master (?) on 8/12 & 16 (P&MD). It was calling
"Come Home Grandpa!" Believe it or not, this is our first record for
Lincoln County!
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Darrel Faxon, Ruth Goodrich, Eric Horvath, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Sue Ellen Martin (SM), Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse, Robert Olson, Chuck Philo,
Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.56 September 1994 Sandpiper 15(9)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Bayshore Beach (ocean beach along
North Alsea Bay Spit), Boone Slough=westernmost of two freshwater
impoundments at railroad trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road,
HY=hatch-year (birds hatched this year), Idaho Flats=large embayment just
east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science Center, MSC Lagoon=lagoon just north of
MSC Public Parking Lot, NWR=National Wildlife Refuge, 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.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.57 GREBES-HERONS
PIED-BILLED GREBES nest here but are not widespread; most migrate and
are winter residents. The first of the fall arrived on 8/7 at Newport
Reservoir (TM).
About 30 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, many SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and about
40 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen during the 8/27 pelagic trip from
Newport (JS et al.).
Three HY BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were out during the daytime
hunting on the mudflats of King Slough on 8/21 (KM). In Lincoln County,
their elders only come out at night.
GREEN HERONS have been scarce around Devils Lake this summer, as the
only one RG saw was noted on 8/18. 2-3 were near Mike Miller Park in South
Beach on 8/20 (TM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.58 WATERFOWL
The first GOOSE flocks flying south were heard in the early morning of
9/13 at Nelscott (RG). On 9/18, five WHITE-FRONTED GEESE that were
probably a family were grounded at Idaho Flats (DF); a flock flew over
Eckman Lake calling in the darkness on 9/25 (RL). At Eckman Lake, 31
CANADA GEESE with neck collars were found on 8/5 (L&LS), and 17 collared
Canadas were at Idaho Flats on 8/21 (KM).
JB found an immature male MANDARIN DUCK X WOOD DUCK hybrid in the
Yachats River just east of the HWY 101 bridge near the "Quiet Water"
development on 9/4. It was regularly coming to be fed bread in the early
morning and at about 5 PM. [Later in 1994, many observers thought that
this bird was not a hybrid, but was a male Mandarin that had been molting.]
Waterfowl arrivals: GADWALL at Seal Rocks on 8/21 (KM),
AMERICAN WIGEON at Eckman Lake on 9/4 (KM), and GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Eckman
Lake on 9/5 (JW). NORTHERN PINTAIL arrived at Idaho Flats on 8/21 (KM) and
a few days later at Eckman Lake (JW) and Siletz Bay (RG); pintails were on
the move on 9/7, as DF noted six flocks fly just offshore of Bayshore
Beach.
HOODED MERGANSERS nest at some Lincoln County sites, but are migrants
or winter residents elsewhere. They arrived at Eckman Lake on 9/2 (JW).
At Seal Rocks, two female HARLEQUIN DUCKS were counted on 8/31 (L&LS),
and two males and a female put on a show for the YB&N field trip on 9/18.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.59 RAPTORS
A calling immature BALD EAGLE flew over the Bayshore Beach area with a
fish in its talons on 8/7 (SE).
Two WHITE-TAILED KITES were at Boone Slough on 9/11 (CP) and 9/18
(KM), and another two interacted at Eckman Lake on 9/15 (JW).
A PEREGRINE FALCON graced Cape Foulweather on 9/17 (KP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.60 SHOREBIRDS
MA saw eight AMERICAN AVOCETS flying across Alsea Bay on 8/28; this is
only our second record for them. On 8/31, KM found three at Finley NWR,
Benton County.
On 9/3, DA found an UPLAND SANDPIPER with an injured wing walking down
a street near Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport; the identity was
confirmed by RB and DF. This is the second Lincoln County record.
Shorebird arrivals: BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Sandpiper Village on 8/28
(DF); PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Eckman Lake (JW) on 9/8, a LONG-BILLED CURLEW
at Sandpiper Village on 8/1 (L&LS), and a juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER at
Seal Rocks on 8/31 (L&LS).
As part of his USFWS survey between Seal Rocks and Alsea Bay, DP found
1400-1600 SANDERLINGS on 9/7, 12, and 26 (DP). Near Seal Rocks, he also
discovered a colorbanded WESTERN SANDPIPER on 9/7. If you see a
colorbanded bird, be sure to record if the band is on the bird's right or
left leg, if it is above or below the bird's "knee," the color of the band
and report it the the USFWS (867-4550).
RUDDY TURNSTONES continued to frequent the Sandpiper Village/Seal
Rocks area through August (L&LS), and four MARBLED GODWITS were at Idaho
Flats on 8/29 (EH).
A WILLET had returned to the MSC Lagoon on 8/27 (JS); this has been a
favored location for them in recent winters.
The YBSJ has been well populated with PHALAROPES with 1000+
(80% Red-necked, 20% Red) on 8/25 (BT) and 500 Red-neckeds and 300 Reds on
8/27 (JS). At Boiler Bay, many phalaropes were noted on 8/29 (EH) and 8/30
(LO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.61 GULLS-OWLS
A first winter FRANKLIN'S GULL was at Idaho Flats on 8/29 (EH).
"Hawking" insects, a kettle of 50-75 gulls flew above the MSC on 8/25
(RL)--this is our first report of this regular autumn phenomenon this fall.
A juvenile LONG-TAILED JAEGER was at YBSJ on 8/25 (BT), and during the
8/27 pelagic trip offshore of Newport, JS and others saw three
POMARINE JAEGERS.
At Thiel Creek, 90 COMMON MURRE chicks washed ashore in August (BL,
S&DB). But their total of 137 chicks so far this year is much less than
their July-September average of 421 in 1978-1990 (BL, S&DB).
The second-most abundant beached bird at Thiel Creek in August was
RHINOCEROS AUKLETS with 17 (BL, S&DB). On 8/21, KM counted 92 Rhinos and
48 MARBLED MURRELETS at Yaquina Head, Seal Rocks, and Yachats.
On 9/22, CP reported that he saw many more BAND-TAILED PIGEONS than in
recent years in the hills; they were feeding on blue elderberries.
In fall, owls often call a lot, and this year is no exception as we
had many more owl reports than during the summer. A NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL
called at 3-4 PM on 8/13 at Eckman Lake (RL), and GREAT HORNED OWLS,
WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS, and SAW-WHET OWLS were calling near CP's home in
mid-September.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.62 FALL PASSERINE MIGRATION WAVES
As usual, most of the action was five or more miles inland.
On 8/27 in NE Toledo, P&MD saw 30 or so CEDAR WAXWINGS, several
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, and two PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS.
At 5-5:30 PM on 9/3, DF witnessed the most spectacular fall passerine
migration at Thornton Creek that he has ever seen in his 20+ years of
watching. There were many WILSON'S WARBLERS, and
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, and WESTERN TANAGERS, hundreds of
CEDAR WAXWINGS (including one flock of 350), several HERMIT WARBLERS, a few
migrating AMERICAN ROBINS and PURPLE FINCHES, two WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES, one
WILLOW FLYCATCHER, one TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, and a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.
On 9/10 in NE Toledo, CP noted many GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WILSON'S WARBLERS, and TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS
flying around and landing in his trees. In the same area on the same day,
P&MD also noted BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS and TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS.
On 9/13 at Neskowin, at least 14 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS landed in
some alders but flew south when joined by a Steller's Jay (SS).
On 9/19 in Toledo, P&MD saw a huge flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS, and, two
days later, at Eckman Lake, JW noted 80+ CEDAR WAXWINGS crowd into the
trees.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.63 BICOLORED RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS
J&ST saw some bicolored RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at their Seal Rock home
in mid-September. These birds looked like the Bicolored subspecies that
they had seen in central California because these blackbirds were just red
and black; their red shoulder patch was not tipped with buff or yellow
(e.g., see the National Geographic and new Peterson's field guides for
drawings of the Bicolored race).
On p. 529 of the 1957 American Ornithologists Union Checklist, the
Bicolored subspecies is listed as being confined to the Central Valley of
California. Further, on p. 606 of Gabrielson and Jewett (1940. Birds of
Oregon), Bicolored's are noted as being often reported in Oregon, but that
diligent searching had not revealed any specimens that were conclusively of
the Bicolored subspecies.
Gabrielson and Jewett additionally write that they had found male
Red-wings in Oregon with little or none of the buffy edging to the red
shoulder patch, so that they appeared bicolored. However, they noted that
the other characteristics of these birds were like the Northwestern or
Nevada subspecies that occur in Oregon, not the Bicolored subspecies.
In conclusion, bicolored Red-wings occur here, but, to my knowledge,
there is no evidence that the Bicolored subspecies has been documented in
Oregon. To do so would require careful examination of specimens by a
museum taxonomist because the subtle differences between Red-wing
subspecies would not be discernible by watching birds in the field.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.64 OTHER TERRESTRIAL BIRDS
The latest VAUX'S SWIFTS were four at Neskowin on 9/13 (SS), and
PURPLE MARTINS were last reported on 8/25 at Alsea Bay (MA).
On 9/4, a STELLER'S JAY wedged a nut into a tree trunk in NE Toledo
and pounded it in with his bill (P&MD)!
About eight WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were just east of Logsden on 8/28 (CP).
11 and 17 AMERICAN PIPITS were in the beachgrass just above the open beach
at Sandpiper Village on 9/12 and 26, respectively (DP).
Although some SAVANNAH SPARROWS can sometimes be found during winter
along our coast, most appear to be summer residents. They seem to have
departed Eckman Lake on 8/27 (JW).
SONG SPARROWS don't get any respect because they seem so ordinary, but
I don't think we know as much as we think we do about their comings and
goings. Reading Gabrielson and Jewett (1940:591-597) gives some insights
that not all our Song Sparrows along the coast are permanent residents and
that some are only winter residents. In SW Newport, RB noted fall arrivals
on 9/17, and, at their Toledo home, P&MD found the first fall arrivals two
days later.
A probable LESSER GOLDFINCH was along South Yaquina Bay Road on 8/21
(PR & BD).
A parrot in NE Toledo, presumably the "Come Home Grandpa" one reported
last month, has been regularly around CP's home in early September; his
neighbor identified it as a CANURE PARROT, but they have not been able to
coax it down to their feeders. It was also reported in the same area on
9/6, when it was being chased by crows (P&MD).
OBSERVERS: Mike Adam, David Adamson, Range Bayer, Jim Bowers,
Sara and Don Brown, Bob Demory, Pat and Meagan Dickey, Skye Etessami,
Darrel Faxon, Ruth Goodrich, Eric Horvath, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe,
Kathy Merrifield, Terry Morse, Laimons Osis, Katherine Peyton, Chuck Philo,
Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd and Luella Seabury,
Jamie Simmons, Jim and Shirley Thielen, Bill Tice, and Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.65 October 1994 Sandpiper 15(10)
Abbreviations and Site Locations: Bayview Pasture=swale east of
junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road, Eckman
Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, Idaho Flats=large
embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science Center, S14&15=sections
east of Rocky Pt. in NE Lincoln Co. at elevations up to 3,300 ft in T7S,
R9W, 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.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.66 BIRDS AT HIGH ELEVATIONS (ABOVE 1,500 FT)
Much of Lincoln County is 1,500 ft or higher in elevation, but 99% of
our observations are at sites less than 1,000 ft. The most thorough study
throughout the year at a high elevation site (1,400 ft) in the Oregon Coast
Range was done in the 1930's by James Macnab, Jane C. Dirks-Edmunds, and
others from Linfield College. They, like many others in their time, did
not have binoculars or good field guides. They did not find any rarities,
but their observations suggest that many birds are only summer residents
there (1994 Journal of Oregon Ornithology 3:261-310).
There have been a half dozen or so recent university studies of bird
communities in the Coast Range during May-July, but the high elevation
bird communities the rest of the year remain essentially unstudied. One
reason for this may be that birders go birding to see birds, and,
particularly in winter, birds can be very rare at high elevations. A
second reason is that high elevations can be inaccessible; in early March
1985, Phil Pickering and I hiked in on several feet of packed snow at
elevations of 2,500 ft or more on Saddle Bag Mt., the tallest peak in
Lincoln County, and, with great difficulty, only found seven common
species!
If we are to learn more about fall and winter birds at high
elevations, birders need to be patient and willing to regularly visit and
systematically observe the same site(s) of known elevation over and over
again, carefully documenting the time of their visits and the presence or
absence of birds while perhaps only seeing a few, relatively common
species. Doing so is what is required to determine if there may be a
substantial altitudinal migration in the Coast Range at elevations as low
as 1,250-1,500 ft.
While we surely could use more observations at inland sites above
1,500 ft, it is very easy to get LOST on the backroads in the Coast Range.
In particular, do NOT rely on Metsker maps, and it is also easy to get lost
using U.S. Forest Service and State Forestry maps. So, even though it
would be great if someone did a proper study of birds at high elevations in
the Lincoln County Coast Range, please be very cautious while exploring, so
that you DON'T GET LOST and become stranded.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.67 EDITOR'S COMMENT
September and early October are known for being a time of fall
vagrants, so it is not surprising that we have had our share of rare
species this month. What I found more noteworthy has been the prompt,
gracious sharing of details for these rarities by many observers (DF, CP,
EH, CL). Such details are useful as we try to document the birdlife of
Lincoln County.
So don't feel picked on if you see a rarity (i.e., a species with less
than 10 records in Lincoln Co. in the past 10 years) and are asked for
details.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.68 GREBES-CORMORANTS
RED-NECKED GREBES typically arrive in August or early September, but
our first report this fall was on 10/2 at Seal Rocks (KM). Are they late?
No, we are probably late in finding them.
Beginning in the fall of 1991 and every fall since then, RB has
noticed an occasional flock of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS migrating south
past Newport in V's and lines right along the shoreline. At first glance,
a casual observer could easily have thought that they were geese. This
fall, RB saw 21 passing Newport on 10/2, and RL spotted 30 flying south on
10/8 near Thiel Creek.
BRANDT'S CORMORANTS can sometimes be seen flying northward in summer,
but perhaps our first report of them apparently migrating south was a flock
of about 250 passing about a 1/4 mile offshore of Waldport on 10/3 (DF).
BLo and S&DB weekly monitor 4.6 mi of beach by Thiel Creek, and the
cause of death for most dead birds they find is unknown. But a PELAGIC
CORMORANT found entangled in fish line on 9/6 is evidence that picking up
abandoned fish line may help save birds.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.69 GEESE
Migrating geese provided a good show in late September and early
October (SS; JW; and others). WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew over Waldport on
9/27 (RL) and over the MSC on 9/28 and 29 (DP & RL), and a flock flew in
from the ocean and then east up Yaquina Bay on 10/10 (DF).
Three different flocks of migrating Taverner's or Cackling
CANADA GEESE flew over Eckman Lake on 10/10 (RL), and a flock of Cacklers
appeared ready to cross the Coast Range between Waldport and Yachats on
10/14 (RL).
Two White-fronts and several small Canadas were on the ground near the
"boathouse" at SW Idaho Flats in mid- to late October (RL; BLl). Also on
the ground were one White-front and seven Western Canada Geese at Bayview
Pasture on 10/10 (JW).
The Western Canada Geese were conspicuously present at Drift Creek
Meadows along Highway 101 by Cutler City in October (KP; PD & CC). The
ODFW has put neck collars on a lot of them, and these reports can provide
important information. For example, L&LS reported the numbers for many
collared geese at Eckman Lake on 8/5, and 15 of these individually
identifiable geese had moved northward to Idaho Flats by 8/21 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.70 OTHER WATERFOWL
Eckman Lake was our most watched spot for waterfowl and garners all
this month's first fall arrival dates including: RING-NECKED DUCKS and
RUDDY DUCKS on 9/28 (L&LS), scaup on 9/29 (L&LS), two female
NORTHERN SHOVELERS on 10/2 (KM), a male EURASIAN WIGEON on 10/3 (DF), and a
COMMON GOLDENEYE on 10/10 (DF).
On 9/23 at Boiler Bay, DF & RGe saw hundreds of scoters (mostly
SURF SCOTERS) flying south, and in about a half hour at Cape Perpetua on
10/2, KM counted 464 Surfs and 88 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and two BLACK
SCOTERS flying south. Many Surfs and White-wings were also flying south
past Seal Rocks and Cape Perpetua on 10/16 (KM).
On 9/23 at Boiler Bay, DF & RGe saw a flock of 80 NORTHERN PINTAIL
passing south. This movement of pintails was apparently not without a
cost--two freshly dead and one live pintail were found beached at Thiel
Creek on 9/29 and 30; finding even one there is a rarity (BLo, S&DB).
BB has been filling in as the duck feeder at the "Quiet Water"
development at Yachats and on 10/27 noted the gorgeous male duck that was
previously described as a MANDARIN DUCK x WOOD DUCK hybrid. It is
relatively tame and putting on quite a show. [This bird is probably not a
hybrid, but appeared so while molting earlier in the fall.]
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.71 RAPTORS
Singleton OSPREY were at Yaquina Head during four days in early
September (BLM). A single OSPREY flew south past Newport on 10/2 (RB).
Was it migrating? Perhaps. Many of us think of a visual manifestation of
migration as being tens, if not hundreds, of birds flying purposefully
north in spring or south in fall. But a lesson from the many hawkwatches
that have been conducted is that the rates of passage can be very low
(e.g., 5-10 hawks/hour), so the singleton Osprey may have been migrating,
but maybe not. It is a mystery that we can argue about.
A female NORTHERN HARRIER hunted Cascade Head on 10/1 (PD & CC), and a
pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS perched on the same tree branch along the east
side of Eckman Slough on 10/10 (JW).
In early October, DH saw a live MERLIN flying around and a few days
later one died after it flew into a window in his house (fide BLl).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was eating carrion on North Yaquina Bay Road at
about Milepost 7 on 10/15 (CP). Single Peregrines were also at Yaquina
Head on 9/18 and 24 (BLM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.72 RAILS-OWLS
VIRGINIA RAILS are under-reported here, so records of them at Eckman
Lake on 10/4 and 8 (RL) and 10/10 (JW) are welcome.
AMERICAN COOTS arrived on 9/8 at Eckman Lake (L&LS), and RGo saw only
three coots at Devils Lake on 9/27 but none later, even though Devils Lake
was once a favored location for them from fall through spring. At least
one was also at Big Creek (Newport) Reservoir on 10/8 (PD & CC), an unusual
site for them.
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS lingered at Eckman Lake on 10/1 (SL) and 10/2 and
16 (KM), and our first fall COMMON SNIPE visited Thornton Creek on 10/1
(DF). A snipe walked Idaho Point Road on 10/22 (CP).
One of the signs of a warm fall day are kettles of gulls flying around
hawking insects. On 10/8, RL spotted a kettle of 150 gulls hawking at the
MSC.
Two COMMON TERNS were at Boiler Bay on 9/24 (DF & RGe), and our latest
CASPIAN TERN was at Yaquina Head on 9/21 (BLM).
100-200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were about 6 miles up Alsea Bay on 10/8
(fide BLl), and our latest was a straggler south of Toledo on 10/25 (CP).
At Sandpiper Village, L&LS found a MOURNING DOVE until at least 9/27.
A GREAT HORNED OWL was in the top of a tree near BLo and SL's house on
10/6, and two NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS were calling simultaneously at
Thornton Creek on 10/1 (DF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.73 POORWILL-BLACK PHOEBE
Near dusk on 10/6, CP discovered a COMMON POORWILL in a clearcut about
2 mi east of Carmel Knoll (between Yaquina Head and Beverly Beach). He
left to telephone DF, who came and observed it for our first confirmed
record for Lincoln County. Perhaps there is a fall movement of them as
Alex Walker reported a specimen collected on 10/27/1933 in Tillamook Co.
(1934 Condor 36:178).
Our only ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD report was for one at Yachats on 9/22
(J&JG).
EH spotted an immature LEWIS' WOODPECKER atop an alder in a horse
pasture across from the SW corner of Idaho Flats on 10/19. We have less
than a half-dozen records for them.
At high elevations of S14&15 on 9/23 and 24, DF & RGe found no
NORTHERN FLICKERS, but they were abundant at lower elevations. The
Linfield College studies similarly found that flickers were absent in
winter at 1,400 ft.
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS have a fall movement at several sites. On
9/20, one visited Sandpiper Village (L&LS) and another drilled holes in an
apple tree at Neskowin on 10/4 (SS).
This appears to be the year of the BLACK PHOEBE in Lincoln County.
One put on a long-running show this spring at Beaver Creek, and KN found
one along the MSC Nature Trail on 10/22.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.74 JAYS-STARLINGS
GRAY JAYS often move through here in fall, but DF noted their passage
at Thornton Creek in September to be more frequent than usual. SS saw one
whistling at Neskowin on 9/25.
Some wrens have continued to sing. A WINTER WREN sang as late as
10/17 at Neskowin (SS), and a BEWICK'S WREN was singing as late as 10/19 in
Newport (RB).
20 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were 10 miles inland from Yachats on 10/10 (RL),
and a migration wave of AMERICAN ROBINS visited Eckman Lake on 10/5 (JW).
3-4 AMERICAN PIPITS were on the boulders of YBSJ on 9/30 (JW), and
they were also at Sandpiper Village during three days in mid-September
(L&LS).
A flock of about 50 CEDAR WAXWINGS were at Thiel Creek on 10/4 (BLo)
and Yachats on 10/17 (J&JG).
EURASIAN STARLINGS are highly adaptable. On 10/8, RL spotted 300
starlings amongst the gulls flying out to catch insects at the MSC.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.75 INDIGO BUNTING-PARROT
SR found an adult male INDIGO BUNTING in winter plumage along the MSC
Nature Trail on 10/9; this is the second one reported in Lincoln County.
CL found Lincoln's County's fourth CLAY-COLORED SPARROW along the
start of the MSC Nature Trail on 10/22. (Hey, what's with the Nature
Trail! For a well-used, asphalt path, it was unquestionably the SPOT for
rarities this month! Maybe it was the shoes . . .)
Our first reported fall FOX SPARROW was at Sandpiper Village on 9/24
(L&LS), and a few days later one visited Yaquina John Point, south of
Waldport (JW).
Many DARK-EYED JUNCOS and PINE SISKINS were at S14&15 on 10/9 (DF &
CP). They have also been abundant at Seal Rocks (S&JT) and Toledo (J&DC).
The first fall WESTERN MEADOWLARK was at Oregon Coast Aquarium in
mid-October, and another was at the YBSJ on 10/27 (BLl).
The first fall LAPLAND LONGSPUR was on a logging road about 2 mi
inland from Carmel Knoll, north of Yaquina Head on 10/11 (CP). They are
rare that far inland in Lincoln County.
The CANURE PARROT of "Come Home Grandpa" fame was last reported in
north Toledo on 9/25 (P&MD).
OBSERVERS: BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina Head),
Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Sara and Don Brown, Jesse and Doris Crabtree,
Cheri Crosby, Pat and Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Jim and Janice
Gerdemann, Roy Gerig (RGe), Ruth Goodrich (RGo), David Hesse, Eric Horvath,
Cindy Lawes, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob (BLo) and Shirley
Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Kim Nelson, Katherine Peyton,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Skip Russell, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd and Luella Seabury, Shirley and Jim Thielen, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.76 November 1994 Sandpiper 15(11)
Abbreviations and some site locations: Bayshore Beach=ocean beach
along North Alsea Bay Spit, 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 in south South Beach, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.77 LOONS-CORMORANTS
Seasonal arrivals include a YELLOW-BILLED LOON at the YBSJ on 11/21
(JLu) and 11/26 & 27 (CL), and an EARED GREBE at Sallys Bend on 10/30 (KM).
An Eared at the YBSJ on 11/16 (RO) is a rarity there.
The storms of October were not good for NORTHERN FULMARS as BL & S&DB
found 11 beached near Thiel Creek during the month.
Continuing last month's movement, several DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT
flocks were migrating south along the Lincoln Co. coast on 10/30 and
11/2-20 (RL; RB) and along the Tillamook Co. coast on 11/7 (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.78 GEESE
It seems like a lot of small CANADA GEESE & other geese have been
"falling out" this fall. RL saw an adult Taverner's land near him in the
dune grass along the MSC Nature Trail on 11/1. Two Cacklers (including the
one with the E66 neck collar) remained near the SW corner of Idaho Flats
with two WHITE-FRONTS on 10/30 & 31 (RL). A SNOW GOOSE was at Ona Beach
State Park on 11/19 (SJ et al.).
On 11/6, KP saw a Canada walking around the grass at Whale Cove. The
introduced Western Canada Goose is the most conspicuous goose here, and a
flock of about 125 were flying NORTH on 11/24 (RB). Prior to their
introduction in 1983, seeing ANY Canada Geese on the ground in Lincoln
County was uncommon, if not rare. Now, we have Canada's flying north in
fall!
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.79 OTHER WATERFOWL
A TUNDRA SWAN flew over Seal Rocks on 11/15 (J&ST), two adults & two
immatures were on a Beaver Creek pasture on 11/15 (LO), and a flock of 13
were seen migrating southeast across the Coast Range on 11/20 at the end of
the YB&N field trip.
A TRUMPETER SWAN was reported at Drift Creek Meadows near Cutler City
on 11/3 (BT, JLu; fide DF), but distinguishing Trumpeter's and Tundra's is
not very easy here because of the documented presence of extra-large
Tundra's along the Oregon Coast.
Eckman Lake is very productive for waterbirds in October and November,
and this year was no exception with a good variety of waterfowl this fall
(MA; L&LS; KM; PD & CC; 11/20 YB&N field trip).
Fall arrivals include a pair of REDHEADS at Newport Reservoir on 10/29
(TM) and 10 BRANT at Idaho Flats on 11/1 (RL). On 11/13, 17 Redheads and
155 Brant were at Sallys Bend and Idaho Flats (KM).
For some reason, BARROW'S GOLDENEYES seem to prefer Alsea Bay over
other Lincoln County estuaries. On 11/15, JW found a male and two females
at the Alsea Dock, a favored spot for them. No others were noted.
As many as 11 HARLEQUIN DUCKS (including as many as 8 drakes) were at
Seal Rocks during seven days in October (L&LS). Only one was noted in
October (10/8) at Yaquina Head (BLM).
65 RING-NECKED DUCKS at Eckman Lake on 10/30 (KM) is a large
concentration for Lincoln County.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.80 RAPTORS
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was at Drift Creek near Gorton Road near Cutler
City on 11/6 (SR). One was also seen in the same area this spring.
Three ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were interacting in hills between Depoe Bay
and Siletz on 10/28 (BL). Two flew at each other, pecked at one another,
started falling, then grasped each other's talons, and then started falling
together in a whirling fashion like a maple leaf. They dropped out of
sight, so that BL couldn't see what happened. Presumably, they gave up
playing "chicken" ("hawk" ?) before they crashed. Rough-legs have been
rare here in recent years.
WHITE-TAILED KITES first became regular in Lincoln County in about
1979, but we have no records of nests or eggs for them. However, JSt saw
three together this fall at Hidden Valley between Newport and Toledo where
he previously usually only saw 1-2 at a time, so they may have nested there
this year.
An OSPREY and a TURKEY VULTURE between Toledo and Newport on 11/13
(AF) are late.
We have had a lot of MERLIN reports this month: 10/29 at Toledo (CP),
10/31 at Waldport (CC), 10/30, 11/6 & 12 in SW Newport (RB); 11/14 at
Siletz Bay (JLe), and 11/15 at the MSC (RO).
1-2 PEREGRINE FALCONS were noted at Yaquina Head during 15 days in
October (BLM).
AMERICAN KESTRELS were not reported.
A COOPER'S HAWK was between Toledo and the town of Siletz on 10/30
(CP), and one perched and put on a good show for the YB&N field trip at the
NW corner of Alsea Bay Bridge on 11/20.
One immature SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was at Eckman Lake on 9/27 (MA); a
probable sharpie was at Thiel Creek on 11/1 (BL).
An immature BALD EAGLE was chased by gulls near the mouth of Thiel
Creek on 11/11 (LO), and possibly the same eagle perched on a South Beach
power pole, where it was harassed by crows on 11/15 (S&DB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.81 SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS
BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS sometimes flock here in winter. On 11/19, SJ et
al. found 13 at Seal Rocks.
Two ROCK SANDPIPERS were at Boiler Bay on 11/11 and at Seal Rocks on
11/12 (AF). RUDDY TURNSTONES were noted as late as 10/12 at Seal Rocks
(L&LS).
A STILT SANDPIPER reported on 11/12 at Eckman Slough (L&LS) is
extraordinarily late as well as being rare here.
Many DOWITCHERS that were probably all Long-billed's were noted at the
"island" on the south end of Eckman Lake on 11/11 (PD & CC) and 11/20 (YB&N
field trip).
COMMON SNIPE don't seem so common here anymore, but L&LS noted snipe
at Eckman Lake on 10/27 & 28, and AF found one somewhere in Lincoln County
on 11/11.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were noted five days in mid-October at Yaquina
Head (BLM).
Our latest HEERMANN'S GULL report was at Sandpiper Village on 10/25
(L&LS) and Cape Perpetua on 10/30 (KM); some usually remain to about 11/25.
The latest CASPIAN TERN lingered at Yaquina Head on 10/9 (BLM).
Along their 4.6 mi of beach at Thiel Creek, BL and S&DB found
26 CASSIN'S AUKLETS beached in October. DP also noted many dead Cassin's
in late October along a Tillamook County beach (fide RL).
ANCIENT MURRELETS continue to be regular, if not sometimes abundant,
here in winter: 7 were at Boiler Bay on 11/11 (AF) and 50-75 were at
Yaquina Head on 11/21 (JLu).
RL heard MARBLED MURRELETS calling in the early morning in a forest
near Yachats on 10/30.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.82 DOVE-BLACK PHOEBE
MOURNING DOVES generally don't overwinter here, but at least one
continued to linger at Sandpiper Village through October (L&LS). Our most
recent BAND-TAILED PIGEON was at Toledo on 11/1 (J&DC).
RL noted that NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS have been calling in many inland
areas this winter, and he heard them near Yachats on 10/30.
Our second COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD record was first noted near Yaquina
Head on 11/10 (ES) and confirmed on 11/12 (AF); this male has been noted by
many (SJ, GG, and Corvallis Audubon field trip; JLu) and most recently
reported on 11/27 (CL). The earlier record was of a male at Yaquina Bay
State Park on 12/28/1984.
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS are the hummers to be expected here in winter and
are fairly frequent within about a half mile of the coast. The were noted
in mid-October at Sandpiper Village (L&LS) and in November near Yaquina
Head with the Costa's (many observers).
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS continue their fall visitation to some sites;
they were at Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 10/23 (SS) and South Beach on
11/16 (S&DB).
A BLACK PHOEBE had been visiting S&DB's South Beach feeder for about a
month as of 11/13. Prior to 1993, we only had two records for them. This
year, we have had at least one spring and two fall records.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.83 BLUE JAYS
We get a lot of reports of jays that are blue ("blue jays"), but these
refer to the Steller's Jay or, more rarely here, the Scrub Jay. This fall,
we had our first Lincoln County record of the eastern BLUE JAY. MF found
one at her Bayshore Beach feeder on at least 11/10 (fide DF); it was last
reported there at about 10 AM on 11/12 (AF). Also on 11/12, L&VO saw &
videotaped a Blue Jay at 1 PM at their Thiel Creek home, about 9 miles
north & 3 hr later than the last report at Bayshore Beach.
It is certainly possible that the Bayshore jay could have flown 9 mi
to the the Osis's feeder within 3 hr, but I have my doubts. Unfortunately,
observation effort to see if the Bayshore Blue Jay may still be somewhere
in that area has ceased because the one at L&VO's is putting on such a good
show for many observers (e.g., DF; JLu; JSi) and was seen as recently as
11/27 (CL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.84 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE-MOCKINGBIRD
SS reports that a MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE (which is rare for the Coast) was
at her Neskowin home on 11/7.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES have been using JW's Waldport feeder this year
for the first time. RW has also noted them at Florence (Lane Co.), and
they were also at J&DC's Toledo feeder. Their presence here waxes and
wanes, and perhaps this is a winter when this irruptive species is more
abundant than usual.
A BROWN CREEPER clung to the siding of SS's Neskowin home in the early
morning of 11/6 & 7. Perhaps this may be the same one that often roosted
overnight at her place last winter.
Creepers are often overlooked here and so are AMERICAN DIPPERS. KM
watched two dippers singing and flying up and down Fall Creek in eastern
Lincoln County on 10/30.
CP saw a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE about 2 mi east of Carmel Knoll (which
is between Yaquina Head and Beverly Beach State Park). They (along with
Gray Jays) appear to spread to the coast in winter.
We haven't had a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in a while, but JLu and his
daughter found one at the MSC on 11/21.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.85 SHRIKE-HOUSE FINCH
NORTHERN SHRIKES have become uncommon here in recent years, but one
was reported at the MSC Nature Trail on 11/3 (BT, JLu; fide DF).
The first PALM WARBLER of the winter was at the MSC on 11/4 (RL); on
11/11, one was visible in the dunes south of the YBSJ, and another was
along the MSC Nature Trail (AF).
On 11/11, AF found a male WHITE-THROATED SPARROW singing at the south
end of the MSC.
For the third winter in a row, S&DB have an albino DARK-EYED JUNCO
show up at their South Beach feeder. At first it was hard to identify, but
it had the size, shape, and behavior of a junco, and has some spotting on
its back. During the first winter, it was timid, and easily displaced by
other birds, but this winter it is much more assertive.
Some SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCOS are occasionally here every
winter, but there have been few reports this winter. One was in SW Newport
on 11/24 (RB).
Another fall arrival is the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS on 10/8 near
Eckman Lake (MA) and Florence (RW).
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS are generally found during winter right along the
coast; for example, the BLM found one at Yaquina Head on 10/1, L&LS found
at least one at Sandpiper Village on 10/16, and TM saw another at the MSC
on 10/28. The two inland at Toledo on 11/13 (CP) are unusual.
Male HOUSE FINCHES here are usually red, but we occasionally have
orangish or yellowish variants that result from birds not getting enough of
the right pigments in their diet. On 11/12, CC detected an orange one at
Waldport.
OBSERVERS: Mike Adam, BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina
Head), Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Cheri Crosby,
Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Marjorie Freeman,
Greg Gillson, Scott Johnson, Cindy Lawes, Janet Leonard (JLe), Bob Loeffel,
Roy Lowe, John Lundsten (JLu), Kathy Merrifield, Terry Morse, Robert Olson,
Laimons & Vicki Osis, Katherine Peyton, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin,
Skip Russell, Eva Schultz (sp. ?), Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella
Seabury, Jamie Simmons (JSi), Joe Steenkolk (JSt), Jim & Shirley Thielen,
Bill Tice, Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
94.86 December 1994 Sandpiper 15(12)
Abbreviations and some site locations: Bayview Pasture=field east of
junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road, 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.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.87 GREBE-WATERFOWL
An EARED GREBE was at Sallys Bend on 11/27 (CL). A concentrated flock
of 32 at Yaquina Head on 12/11 (KM) is probably the largest flock for
Lincoln County! In winter, they are more often found in the Sallys Bend
area.
A TUNDRA SWAN on Siletz Bay on 12/5 (RL) is unusual as are some swans
on the ground south of Toledo in mid-December (fide CP) and two adult and
two immature swans on Alsea Bay on 12/27 (JS).
Two EMPEROR GEESE were at Netarts Bay (Tillamook Co.) on 12/13 (RL &
DP) and later.
A small, probable Cackling CANADA GOOSE about gull-size was consorting
with the gulls at the north side of the Yachats River mouth on 12/6 (PR),
12/10 & 11 (SL), 12/11 (KM), and 12/24-28 (BB). Large, Western Canada's
with neck collars were near the llama farm along North Yaquina Bay Road [at
about Milepost 7.5] on 12/10 (PD & CC).
In early December, two male MALLARDS were seemingly paired with two
female NORTHERN SHOVELERS in a pond south of Seal Rocks (J&ST).
At the YBSJ, SR spotted a male OLDSQUAW on 11/23, RH found a male on
12/14, and DF saw one flanked on either side by an adult male
HARLEQUIN DUCK in late November. What a sight!
Also at the YBSJ, 2-4 HARLEQUINS were viewed on 11/23 (JS), 11/26
(CL), and 12/3 (KM). L&LS saw up to 15 Harlequins at Seal Rocks during
eight days in November. DF also reported a male Harlequin at Thornton
Creek on 11/12, which is a first for that site and the furthest inland one
has been reported in Lincoln County.
The male MANDARIN DUCK was still at Yachats on 12/25 (BB), and we had
a chance to view BB's pictures of it at the December 20 meeting. BB
reports that it is becoming more brazen and is even bossing the larger
Mallards.
WOOD DUCKS are overwintering at one of their haunts where they are fed
south of Newport (L&LS).
On 12/5, RL counted 792 RUDDY DUCKS at Devils Lake; this is their
largest concentration at any Oregon coastal site during USFWS aerial
surveys.
1-2 BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were discovered at Eckman Lake on 11/10 (L&LS)
and at Alsea Bay on 12/10 (MA) and 12/27 (JS); as to be expected, none have
been reported elsewhere in Lincoln County so far this winter.
Four male and one female REDHEAD were noted at Eckman Lake on 11/27
(RL; KM), but their favorite haunt seems to be Sallys Bend, where KM saw 27
on 11/27, and RL counted 25 on 12/5.
HOODED MERGANSERS continued to be concentrated at Eckman Lake, with a
dozen there on 12/8 (OW).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.88 RAPTORS-COOT
An AMERICAN KESTREL was at the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop on 12/8
(KP), another was at Beaver Creek on 12/18 (JW), but, again, we had fewer
kestrel reports than for the other falcons.
Two PEREGRINE FALCONS were playing by repeatedly gliding down the hill
into the wind from the Newport Elks towards the Embarcadero on 12/15 (CP)!
Singleton Peregrines and MERLINS were seen during at least three days in
December in SW Newport (RB).
Accipiters were mainly reported along the coast. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
was at Sandpiper Village on 11/5 (L&LS), Waldport on 12/3 (MA), and near
Newport Airport on 12/7 (BLo). A COOPER'S HAWK visited Sandpiper Village
on 11/13 (L&LS) and SW Newport on 12/18 & 21 (RB).
An OSPREY at Eckman Lake on 12/9 (RL) is late.
One adult BALD EAGLE waterlogged from all the rain was perched on a
tree by the Fall Creek Fish Hatchery near the Alsea River on 11/25 (RL); it
may have been feeding on salmon carcasses as we have a few scattered
reports of them doing so in the Logsden area. An immature Bald Eagle was
perched on a beached fish along a beach near Thiel Creek on 12/4 (LO).
Devils Lake used to be AMERICAN COOT "heaven," but far fewer have been
there in recent years. On 12/5, RL only found 80 there.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.89 SHOREBIRD HIGH TIDE ROOSTS
As well as often being frequented by waterfowl (particularly geese),
Bayview Pasture often serves as a winter high-roost site for shorebirds at
Alsea Bay; on 12/18, JW estimated that 100 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS were
there.
The Drift Creek field near Gorton Road southeast of Cutler City serves
as a shorebird high-tide roost for Siletz Bay; on 11/23, JS found about a
hundred Black-bellied's there, as well as about 15 KILLDEER.
I know of no such high-tide roost near Yaquina Bay, although they were
once reported to be doing so near the beach about 1/2 mile south of the
YBSJ.
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.90 OTHER SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS
BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS sometimes flock in winter, and L&LS saw 27 at
Seal Rocks on 11/27. It is not clear if these are migrants or just
aggregations from other local areas.
Ten GREATER YELLOWLEGS were at Beaver Creek on 12/18 (JW); they seem to
avoid estuaries in winter.
Two WILLETS were near the MSC on 11/23 (SR), and one was at the MSC
Lagoon on 12/3 (KM). The Lagoon has been their favorite location the past
few winters.
Two ROCK SANDPIPERS were at the YBSJ on 11/23 (SR), and two
LONG-BILLED CURLEWS were espied at Netarts Bay on 12/13 (RL & DP).
On 12/7, RL found a RUDDY TURNSTONE near Yachats; they are uncommon to
rare here in winter. The same day, RL also watched a weak RED PHALAROPE
near Waldport that was probably a victim of all the storms.
An adult BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at the mouth of the Yachats River
on 11/27 (KM). Our latest report of a BONAPARTE'S GULL was of one at
Yachats on 12/11 (KM); a first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL was also there the same
day (KM).
A winter-plumaged PIGEON GUILLEMOT visited the YBSJ on 12/11 (KM).
They used to be very rarely seen during winter, but in recent years they
have been more commonly discovered.
MARBLED MURRELETS sometimes come inland during the winter. SS heard
them flying over her home near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 11/13, 11/24,
and 12/9.
About 20 ANCIENT MURRELETS were at Boiler Bay on 11/23 (JS), and 12
were at Yaquina Head on 12/11 (KM).
The high mortality of CASSIN'S AUKLETS continued with 38 found along
4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek in November (BLo, S&DB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.91 PIGEON-FLICKER
Two BAND-TAILED PIGEONS at BB's Yachats feeder on 12/26 are the latest
ever reported in Lincoln County.
MOURNING DOVES were still noted at Sandpiper Village throughout
November (L&LS), but there were no reports elsewhere, although we have
had November records in a few other years.
A SHORT-EARED OWL in a field near Edenfield Dairy between Newport and
Toledo on 12/21 (DF) is a good find because they are sparse here. PS & DCo
admired a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL at Beaver Creek on 12/2, and a
GREAT HORNED OWL was calling at Yachats on 12/7 (BB).
Some people have gone to see the COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD at the 57th
Street feeder at Agate Beach and have only seen ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS. Some
birders may have mistakenly thought that an Anna's they saw was a Costa's,
so some skeptics have doubted that a Costa's was present at all. But after
three visits of seeing only Anna's, DF saw a male Costa's on his 4th trip
on December 13 and didn't think it was an aberrant Anna's. Patience is
sometimes required in finding birds and in judging sightings.
A YELLOW-SHAFTED NORTHERN FLICKER graced Neptune State Park (Lane Co.)
on 12/6 (PR); they seem to be scarcer than usual this winter. On 11/14,
two NORTHERN FLICKERS tried to get the remaining berries on SS's holly tree
near Neskowin and put on a show. SS writes: "They are big birds, and the
ends of the branches do not support them. They are trying every way they
can to get the berries, and they even snap at the berries in mid-air. One
hung by his beak, later by one foot, and still later he hung on with both
feet, upside down like a chickadee!"
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.92 BLUE JAY-THRUSHES
The BLUE JAY in the Thiel Creek neighborhood (especially 9540 SE
Cedar) has continued to linger (LO, BLo, and others) but may also be
roaming as FS saw one several blocks away at 253 SE 126th Drive on 12/4.
On 12/11, LO spotted the Blue Jay, a STELLER'S JAY, and a GRAY JAY at or
near his feeder at the same time! Now if only a Scrub Jay had
appeared . . .
A few AMERICAN CROWS with white on the underpart of their wings
continue to grace the Seal Rocks area in early December (J&ST).
The first HERMIT THRUSH of the season was at Thornton Creek on 11/8
(DF), another was at Seal Rocks in early December (J&ST), and one was near
Thiel Creek on 12/28 (JS). They are uncommon in winter.
With the advent of cold weather, VARIED THRUSHES spread into more
lowland locations and arrived at PR's Newport home on 12/5, at LO's Thiel
Creek home on 12/11, and at BB's Yachats home in mid-December. They have
been busy flipping alder leaves with their bills while hunting for food at
Neskowin (SS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
94.93 PIPIT-LESSER GOLDFINCH
Two AMERICAN PIPITS lingered in dunes near Sandpiper Village on 11/3
(L&LS).
One PALM WARBLER was amongst many YELLOW-RUMP WARBLERS at the YBSJ on
12/17 (SR).
CP found a LARK SPARROW south of Toledo on 12/23; it appears to be our
first since 1984.
A few WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS are usually present every winter
somewhere along our coast, but the first ever at CP's Toledo home arrived
on 12/4. Another was at Thornton Creek on 10/24 (DF).
Several races of DARK-EYED JUNCOS can occur here. Perhaps the
Slate-colored form is the most conspicuous, and one was around with an even
rarer PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO in late November at Thornton Creek (DF).
To complete the junco bonanza, a GRAY-HEADED DARK-EYED JUNCO was at J&DC's
Toledo feeder on 10/24.
It has been a good year for WESTERN MEADOWLARKS sightings at a variety
of sites: at least one at Sandpiper Village on 11/23 (L&LS), one at YBSJ on
11/23 (JS), 18 in grassy field south of the Newport Airfield runway on 12/7
(BLo), five at SE Harmony Street in Waldport on 12/11 (RB), 2-10 in
Waldport near Eckman Lake on 12/3 & 10 (MA), and 20 near the "One Spot"
locomotive near Toledo Port Docks on 12/20 (fide CP). They used to be a
welcome winter visitor to South Beach Peninsula, but perhaps all the human
activity there in recent years has not been to their liking.
A LESSER GOLDFINCH at Yaquina Head on 11/23 (SR) is only our second
record of them in late fall or winter.
OBSERVERS: Mike Adam, Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown,
Dave Compton (DCo), Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Cheri Crosby, Pat Dickey,
Darrel Faxon, Rich Hoyer Jr., Cindy Lawes, Sally Lockyear,
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Laimons Osis,
Katherine Peyton, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Skip Russell,
Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Patty Shreve, Jamie Simmons,
Frank Srp, Jim & Shirley Thielen, Jean Weakland, and Orr Wieman.
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