Menu of January-May 1995 (sections 95.1-95.72) Bird Field Notes
by Range Bayer from the Sandpiper (a publication
of Yaquina Birders & Naturalists, Lincoln County, Oregon)
-----------------------------------------
Section Month of
No. Sandpiper, Volume 16
-----------------------------------------
95.1 January 1995
95.15 February 1995
95.30 March 1995
95.42 April 1995
95.60 May 1995
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.1 January 1995 Sandpiper
Comments about abundance or seasonality refer to their perceived
presence only in Lincoln County.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln County site locations: Bayshore
Beach=ocean beach along North Alsea Bay Spit, Bayview Pasture=field
east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road,
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 south
of South Beach, and Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.2 YAQUINA BAY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Our count was on 12/31, a day with very strong east winds, but it
didn't rain! The number of participants was lower than in other
years, and at our end of the day meeting, it appeared that we had only
come up with 100 species, which is pretty woeful.
But one participant missed our meeting and when his report for
Hidden Valley came in, PR (Count Compiler) reports that we ended up
with 117 species, which is not great, but it is OK.
We didn't find any "rare" species and the Blue Jay was looked for
and missed, but we did have a few records of note that are given
below.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.3 BIRDS OF THE COAST RANGE PEAKS
Our Coast Range mountains can be pretty desolate in winter
because although they are only 3,000 ft or so, alpine conditions
prevail. While it was snowing on 1/5, CP found a grand total of four
birds during an hour of observation on the top of 3,300 ft high Crown
Peak (the highest point between Saddle Bag Mt. and Stott Mt, in NE
Lincoln County). One was a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, one was a
VARIED THRUSH, and the other two birds were unidentified. The top was
a bare, grassy knob.
On 1/20, CP visited the top of Crown Peak again; it was a much
nicer day, and he could see peaks in the Cascades as well as in the
Coast Range. He also found more species: CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE,
NO. FLICKER, PINE SISKIN, and GRAY JAY.
While there were few birds during both visits, these visits were
memorable experiences because they give the weird feeling of what it
is like to be in a place without birds; the silence is also
enthralling.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.4 RAIN & FLOODING
It has been a wet winter with lots of flooding in low-lying
fields and along streams. RG reports that Rock Creek Marsh, south of
Devils Lake, has been so flooded that water has been flowing over the
road.
This flooding has effected birds. For example, RG points out
that NO. HARRIERS are now absent from Rock Creek Marsh and that even
geese are absent from some of their customary sites in the Lincoln
City area. But we really know too little about "our" birds to really
be able to tell the full extent of the effects of this flooding.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.5 LOONS-EGRETS
At 4:40 PM, 26 COMMON LOONS were in a roosting raft just inside
the mouth of Alsea Bay on 1/18 (CC). They often raft up, apparently
for the night, at Yaquina Bay, but this may be our only report for
them doing so at Alsea Bay.
A YELLOW-BILLED LOON moved between the MSC and Sallys Bend the
afternoon of 1/21 (AF).
An EARED GREBE amongst the numerous HORNED GREBES was unusual at
Boiler Bay on 1/13 (FS) and at Eckman Lake on 1/16 (JW). Also, two
Eared's were with 10 Horned's at Yaquina Head on 1/16 (KM).
A RED-NECKED GREBE at Eckman Lake on 12/19 (L&LS) and during the
1/15 YB&N field trip was rare for that site. They are fairly common
in Lincoln Co. but are usually seen in estuarine channels or near
headlands.
WESTERN GREBES and NO. FULMARS may have been hurt by the
abundance of storms this winter, as six and five, respectively, were
found dead along 4.5 mi of beach near Thiel Creek in December (BL,
S&DB). However, BL's records indicate that he found 13 and 10 Western
Grebes along the same beach in December 1979 and 1987, respectively,
so their number this December is not extra-high. Keeping records,
like BL has, is essential in being able to interpret our observations.
Our latest BROWN PELICANS this winter were two at Yaquina Head on
12/25 (BLM). Will we get some January records this year as we have
occasionally in the past?
GREAT EGRETS were missed during the 12/31 CBC, but FS had one at
Siletz Bay on 1/13, and JL found at least one at the Salmon River on
12/27.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.6 WESTERN (Great Basin) CANADA GEESE WITH NECK COLLARS
L&LS, KM, and PD & CC have carefully recorded the neck collar
numbers of Western Canada Geese in Lincoln County and reported them to
RB, who has relayed them on to Mary Jo Hedrick (867-4741) of the ODFW
and Roy Lowe (867-4550) of the USFWS.
RB's preliminary conclusions are that some are "homebodies":
163R stuck around Alsea Bay while 199R lingered at Yaquina Bay pretty
much the past year. In contrast, 160R, 161R, 205R, 206R, and at least
13 others moved between Alsea Bay and Yaquina Bay during the year. It
is possible that some also moved from or out of the County during the
year, too.
If you wish to participate, please record the date, location,
number of large Western Canada Geese with and without collars, and the
number on each collar. This information is instrumental in
documenting their movements or residence.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.7 OTHER WATERFOWL
BRANT numbers have been low at Yaquina Bay this winter with only
174 counted on 12/28-29 (RL), 275 during the 12/31 CBC, and 285 on 1/8
(KM). But only 708 Brant were counted for the whole Oregon coast on
12/28-29, which is abnormally low (RL).
In the December Sandpiper, two female NO. SHOVELERS and two male
MALLARDS were reported at a man-made pond along HWY 101 at Fox Creek,
just south of Seal Rocks; S&JT studied them on 1/5 and noted that they
were actually very good decoys!
At least 50 WOOD DUCKS came to be fed during the morning of the
12/31 CBC at Mossy Lane pond, near Toledo (CP). South of Newport,
there is another lake where they are fed and are abundant (L&LS).
Elsewhere, they are hard to find in winter.
The male MANDARIN DUCK continued to be reported at Yachats on
12/22 & 12/26 (fide T&AM).
While AMERICAN WIGEON have largely abandoned Yaquina Bay in late
December like they usually do, L&LS saw hundreds at Bayview Pasture
and at Beaver Creek on 12/29, and RL counted more at Beaver Creek on
12/28-29 than at either Siletz Bay or Yaquina Bay. On 1/4, JW found a
large flock of wigeon, including two EURASIAN WIGEON, at Beaver Creek
in the field near the Ona sign; along with them were many
NO. SHOVELERS, NO. PINTAIL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. At Bayview Pasture
on 1/8, KM counted 1,100 Am. Wigeon and three male EURASIAN WIGEON.
A pair of HARLEQUINS was at the mouth of the Yachats River on 1/2
(SL), 2-5 were at Seal Rocks during nine days in December (L&LS), and
PR & BD counted 17 between Seal Rocks and Tenmile Creek (Lane Co.) on
1/16.
REDHEADS are customarily only found in Lincoln County at Sally's
Bend, but 1-2 were at Eckman Lake on 1/5 (JW), 1/8 (OW), 1/15 YB&N
field trip, and 1/16 & 21 (JW). Also, one was near the Alsea Bay Port
Docks on 1/16 (KM), and CP discovered 35 in a pond near Toledo during
the 12/31 CBC! 22 were at Sallys Bend on 1/16 (KM).
A male OLDSQUAW mostly in breeding plumage was at Boiler Bay on
1/13 (FS); another male was at the YBSJ on 1/16 (KM).
BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were at Alsea Bay east of HWY 101 on 12/23 &
24 (L&LS), 1/6 (JW), and 1/8 & 16 (KM); but JW reports that they are
harder to find this year at Alsea Bay and that they are not as
predictably at the Alsea Bay Port docks as they were last winter.
Last month, RL found an Oregon coastal record of 792 RUDDY DUCKS
at Devils Lake, but records are made to be broken, and during his
12/28-29 USFWS aerial survey he counted 1,059!
Peak numbers of HOODED MERGANSERS at Eckman Lake occur in Oct.-
Dec., and on 1/8, OW found two, and the 1/15 YB&N field trip saw less
than a dozen.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.8 RAPTORS-COOTS
CP has given us our first ever January report of a
TURKEY VULTURE; he discovered one feeding on a dead deer just south of
Toledo on 1/1.
OSPREY are uncommon here in winter, but one in the Newport area
put on a show for us for three days. On 12/30, one flew over the MSC
Boat Basin (RO) and over Newport Reservoir (JN&KC). PS detected one
flying over the Embarcadero during the 12/31 CBC, and DW saw one at
the north end of Yaquina Bay Bridge the next day (fide CP). We've had
no reports since.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was at the Salmon River west of HWY 101 on
12/27 (JL), and a probable COOPER'S HAWK visited Newport on 1/3 (TM).
A brown NO. HARRIER started off the New Year by being hassled by
gulls at Yaquina Head on 1/1 (PM). Right along the coast, brown
(females or immature males) predominate; but inland at the Logsden
area there are relatively more gray (adult male) harriers.
A BALD EAGLE and a PEREGRINE FALCON were seen at Yaquina Head
during three days each in December, but AM. KESTRELS were noted on
17 days (BLM)!
A RUFFED GROUSE was at North Beaver Creek on 1/4 (LO). The same
day, L&LS were amazed by one standing alongside South Beaver Creek
Road--it stood still as they backed up their car, and it allowed
Luella to open her car door and touch it on its bill with a pencil!
L&LS had a good chance to appreciate a close look at its beautiful
plumage. (Perhaps it had hit a car & was still dazed???)
Devils Lake used to be a favored location for AM. COOTS, but on
12/28-29, RL discovered 0 (zero), a first for USFWS surveys there!
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.9 SHOREBIRDS
BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS sometimes aggregate here in winter, and KM
discovered 15 at Seal Rocks on 1/16.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were on the ocean beach near Sandpiper
Village as late as 12/18 (L&LS), but they have only been recorded on
three of our 21 Yaquina Bay CBC's and were not noted this year.
A few WHIMBRELS used to overwinter at Yaquina Bay, but during the
past two winters a few have only been found at Alsea Bay. One was at
Eckman Lake on 12/11 (L&LS), Bayshore Beach on 12/25 (JGr), and
McKinley's Marina (Alsea Bay) during the 1/15 YB&N field trip.
Bayview Pasture is known for its waterfowl, but it also serves as
a high tide shorebird roost at Alsea Bay. On 1/16, KM counted 40
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 45 DUNLIN, a DOWITCHER, one WESTERN SANDPIPER,
and one LEAST SANDPIPER. Except for the plovers, these are not great
numbers, but part of the area is not visible, and this place deserves
more watching.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS and DUNLIN were both missed during the 12/31
CBC, but PD & CC found both at Yaquina Bay on 12/10, and KM found
Dunlin at Idaho Flats on 1/8.
A ROCK SANDPIPER hung out with the other "rockpipers" at Seal
Rocks on 12/21 (L&LS), and three were also there on 1/16 (KM).
A lone RED PHALAROPE was at the YBSJ on 1/8 (DF) and 1/15 (CP);
no phalaropes were seen during the CBC.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.10 NOVUM SPECIES (Larus fluorenisis)
Several people have reported new species of seabirds that are not
illustrated anywhere in their field guides, although they have
diligently searched.
One "species" has a green body, and the second "species," which
is much more common, has a bright, fluorescent orangish or reddish
body and underwings with dark gray on the upper wings. I've seen the
orange one--it really stands out in the sky! But on close
examination, these are not new seabird species but are large seagulls
(probably Western Gulls) that some prankster has caught and painted or
dyed. They are not part of a scientific research project.
It is illegal by Oregon and federal law to dye or paint gulls
without a permit, but when it really comes down to it, state and
federal laws are only a deterrent and don't protect people from
violent crimes, so it should come as no surprise that they don't
protect wildlife, either.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.11 ALCIDS-PIGEONS
COMMON MURRES come in and out of our vision in winter. They were
missed during the 12/31 CBC, although 1,254 were counted during the
1975 CBC. But, while doing an aerial survey, RL estimated about
50,000 a half mile off the mouth of Tenmile Creek (Lane Co.) on 12/29.
RL notes that he also saw some in the same area in early December
1994, and that this is the only area along the Oregon Coast in
December and January that he has regularly seen such murre
concentrations in past years, too.
A PIGEON GUILLEMOT was at Boiler Bay on 1/13 (FS), and two with
very light heads were at Yaquina Head on 1/16 (KM).
The CASSIN'S AUKLET die-off appears to have finally tailed off,
as only seven were found beached near Thiel Creek in December (BL,
S&DB). 10 ANCIENT MURRELETS and several MARBLED MURRELETS were at
Boiler Bay on 1/13 (FS).
In addition to the two BAND-TAILED PIGEONS found during the 12/31
Yaquina Bay CBC at Hidden Valley (AF), BB saw two at Yachats during
several days in December, including 12/26. Prior to 1994, they have
only been found here in December on 2 December 1983 and 22 December
1990.
MOURNING DOVES had hung around Sandpiper Village through
November, but none were noted in December there (L&LS) or elsewhere.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.12 OWLS-THRUSHES
BARN OWLS are seldom reported here, but JL discovered one at the
Salmon River, just east of HWY 101 on 12/27.
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS remained in late December at Yachats (J&JG)
and at Sandpiper Village (L&LS).
LO didn't see the BLUE JAY at his Thiel Creek feeder from
Christmas until 1/5, when it re-appeared. BL also saw it nearby on
1/6, and LO heard it on 1/17.
COMMON RAVENS were spotted this month in some unusual spots.
PS & RB noted one at the LNG Tank at Sallys Bend during the 12/31 CBC,
CP spotted two at the YBSJ on 1/5, and RB saw two fly over his Newport
residence on 1/21. Are ravens trying to be as common along our
Lincoln Co. beaches as they are at some other Oregon beaches?
MARSH WRENS were at Eckman Lake on 1/15 (JW; YB&N field trip);
they are under-reported here, especially in winter. A WINTER WREN was
vigorously practicing its song by SS's Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.)
on 1/7.
At least one HERMIT THRUSH was at Sandpiper Village on 12/7
(L&LS), at South Beach on 12/28 (EH), and at Salmon River west of
HWY 101 on 12/27 (JL).
VARIED THRUSHES continue to visit lowland areas, with some in
Newport in late December (MN), near Neskowin in early Jan. (SS), two
in north Toledo on 1/6 (P&MD), and three in Waldport in early Jan.
(LL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.13 MOCKINGBIRD-WARBLERS
The first NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in several months was at EH's South
Beach home on 12/28; one that met its end by a cat was in that same
area a few winters ago.
PR's records indicate that PALM WARBLERS have never been recorded
during a Yaquina Bay CBC,
Although PR's Yaquina Bay CBC compilation for Count Days did not
include PALM WARBLERS, PR reports that his other records indicate that
they were reported on Count Day of three CBC's. Unfortunately, they
were missed again this year, but one was at the HMSC on 12/30 and 1/18
(RO), so we had one during Count Week, like in some other years.
Two TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were in north Toledo on 12/19 (P&MD).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.14 JUNCO-HOUSE SPARROW
A PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO continued to linger at Thornton
Creek on 1/13 (DF). This appears to be our first record for this
subspecies.
A SONG SPARROW was occasionally singing at Nelscott in mid-
January (RG), and two SWAMP SPARROWS and one WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
were at Hidden Valley during the 12/31 CBC (AF). LINCOLN'S SPARROWS
are often missed here in winter, but they were reported during the
12/31 CBC and JL also found them at the Salmon River on 12/27.
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS continue to be reported more this winter in a
greater variety of locations than in recent years. Some were in
Waldport in early December (VK), two were near the LNG Tank during the
12/31 CBC (PS), and six were four miles up the Alsea River on 12/31
(fide RD). At Yaquina Head, as many as three were noted during 10
days in December at the Lower Quarry (BLM), and one was at the YBSJ on
1/20 (JW).
Although some RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS appear to be migratory here,
males & females were at Logsden on 1/15 (ML), a place where they have
also been found in other winters.
2-4 AM. GOLDFINCHES were at CC's feeder in west Waldport on 1/6 &
1/16; a few often winter right along the coastline at some sites, but
none were at Sandpiper Village in December (L&LS).
In late December, a HOUSE SPARROW visited J&JG's Yachats' home,
which was a first for that site!
OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head),
Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Kemper Carlsen, Cheri Crosby,
Ray Davis, Bob Demory, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon,
Anthony Floyd, Eric Horvath, Jim & Janice Gerdemann, Ruth Goodrich,
Jill Grover (JGr), Mr. & Mrs. Vern Kelso, Lola Landis,
Martha Llewellyn, Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe,
John Lundsten, Kathy Merrifield, Tom & Allison Mickel, Terry Morse,
Pennie Mumm, John Neiger, Michael Noack, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Paul Reed, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz,
Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Patty Shreve, Shirley & Jim Thielen,
Jean Weakland, Dee Weaver, and Orr Wieman.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.15 February 1995 Sandpiper
Comments about abundance or seasonality refer to their perceived
presence only in Lincoln County.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations:
Bayview Pasture=field east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North
Alsea Bay Road, Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman
Lake, HY=hatch-year (bird in the calendar year of its hatching),
Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the MSC, MSC=Marine Science
Center, Nute Slough=easternmost of two freshwater impoundments at
railroad trestles along North Yaquina Bay Road, Sallys Bend=large
embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, Sandpiper
Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just north of Waldport,
Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport Airport south of South
Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty, Yaquina John Point=point near HWY 101
and just south of Waldport).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.16 EARLY SPRING?
There has been much talk about signs of an early spring this
year--perhaps because we have been getting tired of all the rain and
winter weather. A few birds sporadically singing in January got our
hopes up and then the first (and hopefully last) snow of the season
covered the coast on 2/13!
How soon we forget that it snowed in Newport on 1-2 February 1989
(4 in) and 13 February 1990 (2 in), so birds singing in winter do not
mean that spring is upon us, although we may wish it so.
Thankfully, our weather appears milder than in the past. During
1887-1930, the average monthly snowfall in Newport in December-
February was 0.3, 1.0, and 0.3 inch, respectively; with a trace of
snow on the average in March! In Toledo, the average monthly snowfall
for November-March was 0.1, 0.6, 2.0, 0.6, and 0.4 inch, with a trace
of snow on the average in April! Now, snow in Newport is front-page
news!
Just 100 years ago, B. J. Bretherton "birded" Yaquina Head when
the last killing frost in Newport was on April 5 and in Toledo was on
May 8! Brrr!
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.17 BEACHED BIRDS
Birds die.
BLo has done 17 years of year-around Beached Bird Walks (BBW)
along 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek, and he has been assisted in
these walks since 1983 by S&DB. Their surveys provide an important
baseline for determining abnormal die-offs of waterbirds.
With the help of the ODFW Non-Game Program, BLo has done annual
reports of their results. The latest report indicates that they found
a total of 159 HY and 60 older COMMON MURRES in 1994; the number of
HY murres is lower than average. They also found 422 other birds,
which is in the mid-range for their surveys.
A total of 581 dead birds/year may sound like a lot, but, in 1982
and 1989, far more (1,000-1,200 HY murres alone) were found. This
murre mortality appears to result from poor feeding conditions, not
oil spills or gill netting as occurs in other areas.
The beach they walk is the same, but each year brings new
discoveries and the unexpected. Who knows what this year will bring?
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.18 LOONS-CORMORANTS
15+ COMMON LOONS, 4 RED-THROATED LOONS, and one PACIFIC LOON were
at the YBSJ on 1/22 (C&CL). Common Loons will often raft up west of
the Yaquina Bay Bridge at high tide and especially near dusk, so 15+
loons is not unexpected.
One RED-NECKED GREBE continued to linger at the unlikely site of
Eckman Lake on 1/25 (CP). Six EARED GREBES at Eckman Slough on 2/16
(JW) is an unusual concentration for that site; two were also at the
YBSJ on 1/29 (KM).
The fall southerly flights of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS along the
Lincoln Co. coast can sometimes be conspicuous, and a northward flight
of five adults past Newport on 2/23 (RB) may have been a migratory
return.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.19 GREAT BLUE HERONS
On 2/12, KM saw three GREAT BLUE HERONS kiting with gulls near
the south end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge. They were facing west into
the wind and had to flap slowly to remain stationary.
Flocks of 32 and 23 GBH's soaring at tree-top level at Alsea Bay
on 2/15 (JW) may have resulted from their being disturbed from a roost
or colony. Less likely, this mass flight may have been a
manifestation of migration as there is some evidence that GBH's are
partially migratory here. Courtship displaying at western Oregon
colonies has been noted several times in late January, so they may
have been at a colony, although mass courtship flights have not been
reported. It is also possible that they, like the GBH's on 2/12, were
kiting into the wind.
A GBH along the outer coast at the Lower Quarry of Yaquina Head
on 1/16 & 21 (BLM) is uncommon, but singletons also frequent protected
coves at Whale Cove and Boiler Bay, if undisturbed.
PR noted a GBH along a sand beach in
mid-February; this is rare because herons here give up quickly on
trying to make a living in the surf.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.20 EGRET-GEESE
One GREAT EGRET was at Siletz Bay on 2/6 (SH).
On 2/4, ST saw a GREEN HERON just west of Eddyville, which is
farther inland than wintering birds have been noted before. Spring
arrivals are to be expected in late March.
On 12/16 at Eckman Lake, L&LSe discovered a WESTERN (Great Basin)
CANADA GOOSE with a neck collar of 32CT, but most of the ones found
around here have three numbers and the letter R (e.g., 163R). RL
reports that 32CT was banded on the Columbia River and has visited the
Salmon River Estuary once, Devils Lake twice, and Siletz Bay three
times; so good old 32CT is a Mover!
A hybrid CANADA GOOSE with orange legs and much white on the head
was at Bayview Pasture on 1/24 & 28 (L&LSe).
The only WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE report was for the Gorton Road area
of Drift Creek near Lincoln City in late January (L&LSp).
Some BLACK BRANT have colored leg bands with numbers, but it is
not often that anyone can see these bands because brant are usually at
a distance or swimming. However, RH was able to read the bands for
several brant at the western edge of Idaho Flats on 1/30. The area
along the MSC Nature Trail is probably the best place for people with
spotting scopes to read bands of Brant in Lincoln County. Give it a
try!
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.21 OTHER WATERFOWL
Four WOOD DUCKS were noted on 2/8 (OW) at a lake south of Newport
where they and MALLARDS are regularly fed in winter (L&LSe). L&LSe
write that there are fewer Woodies here than in the past, perhaps
because Mallards are taking over.
The male MANDARIN DUCK lingered on 2/10 with the Mallards at the
Quiet Water Development at Yachats (BB). GADWALL and
RING-NECKED DUCKS continued at Eckman Lake on 1/22 and 2/4 (OW).
While AM. WIGEON have mostly abandoned the estuaries, about a thousand
were at Bayview Pasture on 1/16 & 28 (L&LSe).
One REDHEAD remained at Eckman Lake on 1/6 (L&LSe) and 1/25 (CP);
13-18 were at favored Sallys Bend on 1/29 and 2/12 (KM).
A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was cooperatively by a female
COMMON GOLDENEYE for a good comparative study at Siletz Bay on 1/28
(DL). The only Barrow's at Yaquina Bay was noted on 1/19 (L&LSe);
L&LSe and KM also saw Barrow's during five days in late January at
east Alsea Bay.
At YBSJ, there was one female OLDSQUAW on 1/22 (C&CL), 1-3 on
1/29 (DF; KM), and two on 2/12 (KM). Another was at Yaquina Head in
late January (L&LSp) and 1/24 (BLM).
During their HARLEQUIN DUCK survey from the YBSJ to Squaw Creek
in Lane Co., PR and BD counted 21 Harlequins, with most in Lane Co.
At the YBSJ, there were 3-7 during January (L&LSe; P&ML; KM; RH & TK).
At Seal Rocks, as many as 13 were counted January and early February
(L&LSe; ST; SH). Harlequins were only reported one day during January
at Yaquina Head (BLM), and two females were at Yachats on 1/29 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.22 ACCIPITERS
One SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was standing on the ground at Thiel Creek
on 1/20 (BLo), and another was in Toledo on 1/30 (P&MD) and near the
coast at Makai on 2/4 (CP).
A COOPER'S HAWK was at YBSJ on 2/2 (CP), at Thiel Creek on 2/4
(CP), and in JO's backyard in Newport perched on a fence on 2/25.
Accipiters can't always be identified with assurance, and it is
better to correctly report one as a Cooper's or Sharpie than to
perhaps incorrectly identify one. A Cooper's/Sharpie was at Waldport
on 2/6 (BB) and at Thiel Creek on 2/24 (LO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.23 OTHER RAPTORS
The first spring TURKEY VULTURE was at Seal Rocks on 2/15 (JN).
On 1/30, a WHITE-TAILED KITE was at Nute Slough (RH & TK); they may
have nested in that area last year. One OSPREY continued to linger at
Yaquina Bay on 1/11-16 (EH) and 2/13-17 (RO; BLl).
One BALD EAGLE was just north of Yachats on 1/22 (CF), at Yaquina
Head on 1/12 & 22 (BLM) and 2/12 (KM), at Devils Lake on 1/29 and 2/15
(RG), and at South Beach Peninsula on 2/6 (SH) and 2/15 (BLl).
An adult PEREGRINE FALCON perched in the top of a large spruce at
the corner of 6th and Lee Streets in Newport on 1/22, 2/4, and 2/11
(SK). A Peregrine visited Yachats on 1/29 (KM), rode the uplift of
Yaquina Bay Bridge on 1/30 (RL), was at Yaquina Head during eight days
in January (BLM), scared up a mass of shorebirds at Seal Rocks on 2/2
(EH), and came back to Seal Rocks on 2/6 (SH).
A MERLIN was in the lower branches of the Peregrine's spruce at
6th and Lee Streets on 2/11 (SK) and stood in the middle of the road
at YBSJ on 2/15 (CP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.24 RAIL-SHOREBIRDS
Freshwater marsh birds such as Am. Bittern, rails, Sora, and
Marsh Wrens are the least reported group of birds in Lincoln County,
so a report of VIRGINIA RAILS at south Devils Lake on 1/30 (RH & TD)
is welcome.
Flocks of 3-6 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were at Boiler Bay on 1/22
(P&ML) and at Seal Rocks on 2/2 (EH). WHIMBRELS used to overwinter at
Yaquina Bay, but the one at east Alsea Bay on 1/25 (L&LSe) is our only
report this month.
A ROCK SANDPIPER was at Seal Rocks on 1/28 (DL), and four were
there on 2/2 (EH); one was also at Depoe Bay on 1/30 (RH & TK).
On 2/4, DG was walking along the shoreline just north of Ona
Beach, when he observed a SANDERLING "executing, either accidentally
or by design, what is called in basketball, and to some extent in
football, a pick play (or screen). A flock of about 200 Sanderlings
were feeding desultorily as I walked by. My path pushed about a
third of them into flight a few yards ahead of me. After they
landed, two more Sanderlings flew in, circled, and landed,
quartering toward me, both at an absolute dead run. One had food in
its bill, and the other Sanderling, slightly behind and to the left,
was pursuing it. The leader ran (by design or not?) through a group
of birds and then just to the right of a crossing bird. The pursuing
Sanderling slammed up to the crossing bird and had to stop suddenly
as the pursued ran free and then slowed for leisurely feeding. A
perfect pick."
Bayview Pasture continued attracting shorebirds as well as wigeon
and Canada Geese. L&LSe regularly spotted DUNLIN and BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVERS there in January, and a WESTERN SANDPIPER was also there on
1/5. On 1/29, KM found 42 Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlin, two BLACK
TURNSTONES, three Western Sandpipers, and a LEAST SANDPIPER.
COMMON SNIPE don't seem to be as common or abundant as they once
were, but L&LSe counted 25 at one site in south Beaver Creek on 1/19.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.25 GULLS-PIGEON
A first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at the YBSJ on 1/29 (DF; KM) and
south of Waldport on 1/30 (DF). Two BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were at
Yaquina Head on 2/11 (AF).
A PIGEON GUILLEMOT partway between winter and breeding plumage at
the YBSJ on 2/18 (RO) is at about the time when they begin becoming
frequent in the spring. But they have become so regularly found in
recent winters that it is difficult to tell when they first "arrive."
For example, six were noted at Boiler Bay on 1/30 (RH & TK).
SS heard two MARBLED MURRELETS calling near dawn on 2/19 & 21
near her home in Neskowin (Tillamook Co.). One in winter plumage was
at Yaquina Head on 2/12 (KM).
A raft of about 3,000 COMMON MURRES was near their Yaquina Head
nesting area on 2/4, and their first landing was on 2/7 (MN, GM),
which is about normal.
Two BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were at Toledo on 2/4 (J&DC) and at
Waldport on 2/20 (RL). It is hard telling if these overwintered or
are the vanguard of spring migration that usually starts in late
February.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.26 OWLS-KINGFISHERS
RL had an experience with GREAT HORNED OWLS at his Waldport home.
He noted that they had been calling a lot in late January, so at about
6 PM on 2/3: "I decided to call to them. They responded immediately
to my calls and after a few minutes one of them flew into the tree
above me and continued to call. About a minute later, the other one
flew in, and they began a chorus. My whole family came out to watch,
including the dog, and the owls just moved closer and continued to
call. I finally went into the house, and they stayed out there
calling for some time before they finally left." Before calling, an
owl bent over and pointed its tail straight up.
On 2/22 east of Neskowin, SS saw a NO. PYGMY-OWL sunning itself
on a branch; it seemed unperturbed by the humans watching it just
across the road.
The first RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was detected on 2/19 at Neskowin
(SS) and Waldport (RL).
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS have been regular at Sandpiper Village
(L&LSe) and near Yaquina John Point throughout the winter to at least
2/13 (D&BM).
It is not clear if BELTED KINGFISHERS (especially females
[queenfishers ?]) are migratory in the interior of Lincoln Co., but
one kingfisher was about a half mile west of Thornton Creek on 2/10
(EH) and a female was at Toledo on 1/23 (P&MD). In 1994, DF noted
that a male was consistently around Thornton Creek in January-March
but that it was first joined by a female on April 3.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.27 WOODPECKERS-THRUSHES
A PILEATED WOODPECKER graced CF's New Year day at Yachats on 1/1.
After an absence of about a month, the eastern BLUE JAY re-appeared
at Thiel Creek on 2/26 (LO).
An AMERICAN CROW with an upper beak abnormality has been near
Yaquina John Point this winter (D&BM). DM writes: "The beak is
short, and the face is compressed so that the eyes are closer to each
other and to the beak. Apparently the deformation does not prevent
the bird from feeding. I remember the poultry breeding literature of
the 1940's describing a similar abnormality in chickens."
One BROWN CREEPER continues to roost at SS's porch in Neskowin in
mid-February. At least one was at Sandpiper Village during two days
in early January (L&LSe) and near the Toledo Library on 1/24 (P&MD).
Did the snow of 2/13 drive WESTERN BLUEBIRDS to the coastline?
BB discovered about a dozen males and females at the Yachats Cemetery
on 2/14; these were the first that she has ever seen there. Eight
were also near the BLM's office at Yaquina Head on 2/14 & 15 (fide
MN), and two males and a female were between the Newport Coast Guard
Station and the bridge on 2/15 (P&MD); both places are unusual sites
for them.
HERMIT THRUSHES don't appear to have been common this winter, but
at least one was spotted during four days in mid-January at Sandpiper
Village (L&LSe), and this species was also noted at the Siletz Bay NWR
and at Devils Lake on 2/20 (PD & CC).
VARIED THRUSHES were still in the Yachats area on 2/1-4 (BB; SL)
and south of South Beach on 2/10 (DG).
AMERICAN ROBINS appear partially migratory here, and small flocks of
7-14 robins began appearing the week of Feb. 5 near Yaquina John Point
(D&BM), and an influx was also noted in mid-February at Newport (RO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.28 VIREOS-JUNCO
HUTTON'S VIREOS don't get much of our attention, but CP heard
many of them singing the first three days of February between the town
of Siletz and the coast.
LINCOLN'S SPARROWS are probably commoner than our few records
this winter indicate. On 1/30, RH & TK found two at the MSC.
A FOX SPARROW that was individually identifiable because of one
white feather in its back has been present this winter near Yaquina
John Point (D&BM).
P&MD write that: "One of the SONG SPARROWS that lives behind our
house [in north Toledo] was 'practicing' or 'tuning up' [on 1/25] by
singing with its beak closed. The pattern of a Song Sparrow song was
clearly present, but it was muffled and fuzzy--almost like he had a
sore throat or didn't know the song yet!"
The PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO was still at Thornton Creek on 2/4
(DF). Reports for the various forms of juncos are most welcome!
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.29 MEADOWLARK-EVENING GROSBEAK
It continues to be a good winter for WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, with
three seen inland along Big Elk Road southeast of Elk City and eight
at the more expected location of YBSJ on 1/26 (CP). As many as four
were noted at Yaquina Head during 15 days in January (BLM), two were
at the MSC on 2/6 (SH), and a flock of about 10 were out and about
Waldport during the snow day of 2/13 (fide JW).
4-6 GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES and one SNOW BUNTING were on Marys
Peak (Benton Co.) on 2/4 (SH). About 2 miles east of Lincoln Co. on
Sugarloaf Mt. (Polk Co.), BT has made several visits this winter to
see Rosy Finches and saw 14-20 on 1/27 and 2/3, although they were
absent on other days. Here in Lincoln Co, we have only one record
ever (two at Yaquina Head on 12 March 1976); however, I don't think
anyone has looked on any of our Coast Range peaks in December-January,
either.
EVENING GROSBEAKS regularly winter in Toledo, but one at Logsden
on 2/15 is unusual and was the first in about a year (BLl). HOUSE
SPARROWS are not ubiquitous in Lincoln County, and the first in some
time arrived at Thornton Creek on 2/4 (DF)
OBSERVERS.--BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina
Head), Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown,
Jesse & Doris Crabtree, Cheri Crosby, Bob Demory, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Claudia Freeman, Dave Gilbert,
Ruth Goodrich, Scott Haywood, Eric Horvath, Rich Hoyer Jr.,
Steve Kapillas, Ted Kenefick, P&ML (pland@efn.org),
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe,
Chris & Catharina Lundberg, Donna Lusthoff, Kathy Merrifield,
Gary Meyer, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, John Neiger, Michael Noack,
Robert & Jerryann Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Paul Reed,
Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury (L&LSe),
Lou & LaRene Spady (L&LSp), Sandy Thiele, Bill Tice, Jean Weakland,
and Orr Wieman.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.30 March 1995 Sandpiper
Comments about abundance or seasonality refer to Lincoln County only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Eckman Slough=slough
between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, MSC=Marine Science Center, NWR=National
Wildlife Refuge, Sandpiper Village=residential area west of HWY 101 and just
north of Waldport, SP=state park, Thiel Creek=creek just south of the Newport
Airport south of South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and
Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.31 HIGH ELEVATIONS
Probably the least explored and least understood areas in Lincoln Co. are
sites above 1,500 ft and particularly above 2,000 ft. The few records we have
indicate that the seasonality of bird communities at high elevations is quite
differ than below 1,000 ft and that there are fewer species at high
elevations.
On 3/23, CP hiked in on snow to Rocky Point in NE Lincoln Co. Between
1,800 and 2,600 ft, he found BLUE GROUSE, NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL,
DOWNY WOODPECKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, TREE SWALLOW, STELLER'S JAY,
VARIED THRUSH, AMERICAN ROBIN, SONG SPARROW, and DARK-EYED JUNCO; the Song
Sparrows were not that high earlier in the winter. Evidently, WINTER WRENS
didn't like the high country on 3/23 as they were abundant below 1,000 ft but
were absent above 1,800 ft.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.32 GREBES-SCAUP
Two EARED GREBES were at Eckman Slough on 3/17 (JW); a site where they
have been regular this winter. A singleton was also at Boiler Bay on 3/12
(FS); a site where they are more unexpected, although FS also saw one (the
same bird ?) there on 1/13.
On the 3/11 pelagic trip at about 20-25 miles off Newport, GG & others
saw BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, SOOTY SHEARWATERS, SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS, and
PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS. They first started seeing albatrosses at 15 miles
out.
A WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE hung out with the gulls in the mud puddles along
the YBSJ road on 3/18 (CP; JS).
An aberrant-plumaged GREEN-WINGED TEAL was at Siletz Bay on 2/25 (AC); it
may have been a hybrid or a variant of the Common subspecies.
A pair of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were at Eckman Slough on 2/26 (JW);
Barrow's were also viewed at east Alsea Bay during six other days in February
(L&LS).
TM found three male REDHEADS at Newport Reservoir on 2/25; they are rare
there. But Redheads seem more widely dispersed this winter than in the past.
One of the exciting things about birdwatching is finding the unexpected,
whether it be a rare species or birds behaving differently than what we
expect. On 3/19, JS found two pairs of GREATER SCAUP swimming close to shore
in the surf at Patterson SP south of Waldport. For about 15 minutes, they
even stood on the sand and preened. This is not typical behavior for scaup,
which aren't to be expected along our open coast, let alone in the surf.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.33 HARLEQUIN DUCKS
BANDING.--On 3/6, LO watched a female Harlequin preening in the water at
the YBSJ, when his attention was drawn to an orange, plastic color band on her
left leg. He promptly reported it to RL, a USFWS biologist, and, on that day
and the next, RL and DP scrutinized the band with a 45x telescope and a
Questar and managed to read enough of the metal USFWS band to identify her as
being banded as a duckling at Glacier National Park in Montana in August 1992!
RL last reported seeing her at the YBSJ on 3/14.
RL reports that this is the first sighting in Oregon of a color banded
Harlequin!
In Lincoln Co., a few Harlequins are regulars along rocky coastline areas
in winter. This banding record indicates that at least some may be coming
here from long distances. However, since there are two nesting records for
Tillamook Co., others may be moving shorter distances.
If you see a banded Harlequin or one with a nasal saddle, please contact
RL (867-4550; lower@ext32.oes.orst.edu) as soon as possible. Your prompt
report can make a difference!
OTHER.-- Harlequins were also reported at Yachats on 2/26 (CL&CC) and as
many as six were at the herring spawn at the YBSJ in March (BLl; RL & DP; JS;
KM).
L&LS found Harlequins at Seal Rocks during 14 days in February; a maximum
of 18 was counted on 2/18.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.34 HERRING SPAWN
Every spring, herring come into Yaquina Bay and spawn at least once; this
is regular enough that there is a limited-entry fishery to harvest some of the
herring for their eggs. Yaquina Bay is the only site with such a fishery in
Oregon.
Although sealions, cormorants, and gulls sometimes team up to feed on
live herring, these aggregations are short-lived, irregular, and relatively
inconspicuous.
When herring spawn, their eggs are attached to the intertidal substrate:
rocks, pilings, eelgrass, tree branches, etc. These eggs are very nutritious
and are feasted on by fish, crabs, and birds. One of the easiest ways to
detect and locate a herring spawn is to watch bird activity.
This spring there was a herring spawn near the Yaquina Bay Bridge by
3/10. RL and CP independently reported the spawn that was pointed out to them
by the large numbers of scoters, up to five OLDSQUAWS, and other birds. Most
scoters were SURF SCOTERS, but BLACK SCOTERS (MA; JS) and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS
were also represented; on 3/12, KM counted 540 Surf, 36 Black, and only four
White-winged Scoters.
Usually these bird aggregations only last about 7-10 days, and there
was still evidence of the effects of the spawn on 3/18 when 100+ scoters were
still there (LO & OW; JS). As many as five Oldsquaws were often noted there
often during this time (JS; BLl; LO & OW; RL & DP; KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.35 RAPTORS-JAEGER
Accipiter reports: one COOPER'S HAWK was at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 3/12
(BLl), and a COOPER'S or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was at Beaver Creek on 3/15 (BSl).
A female OSPREY was at the MSC on 1/19 (TM); a male was at Newport
Reservoir on 2/25 and at Yaquina Bay on 3/5 (TM). These sightings along with
those reported in the past few months indicate that both a male and a female
may have wintered in the Newport area. In other years we have only had
scattered winter records, if we had any records at all. They generally arrive
in early April.
An adult BALD EAGLE was near Yachats on 3/15 (BSl), at Beaver Creek on
3/18 (LO & OW), and Ona Beach SP on 3/19 (JW); two adults were on a snag at
Alsea Bay on 2/26 (KM). An immature was at Eckman Lake on 3/17 (JW). Bald
Eagles of unspecified age-class were at Seal Rocks on 2/8 (L&LS), Lost Creek
north of Ona Beach SP on 3/4 (DG), and at Lincoln City on 3/11 (F&JS).
A MERLIN glided through SW Newport on 2/25 (RB). An adult PEREGRINE
FALCON was espied at Seal Rocks on 2/14 (L&LS) and cruised the beach at Lost
Creek on 2/28 (MA).
MOUNTAIN QUAIL have been coming to BSl's feeder near Yachats throughout
Feb. and March; last summer she had a covey of 15. We seldom get reports of
quail, although they are common in the Coast Range.
10 POMARINE JAEGERS were 20-25 miles offshore of Newport during the 3/11
pelagic trip (GG & others); they are very rarely reported onshore in spring.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.36 ALL WHITE GULLS IN SPRING
In mid-March, BLo saw a pure white gull with a a black tip on its
yellowish bill near Thiel Creek; the gull was relatively large. Because of
its white color it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that it might be a
Glaucous or Ivory Gull. However, a white gull doth not a rare species maketh.
Such white gulls have been noted here in previous springs.
Unfortunately, our field guides don't deal with these gulls but Rich
Stallcup (1992 Point Reyes Bird Obs. Newsl. 60:10) notes that gulls become
paler as their feathers wear, so that "a cream and tan mottled Glaucous-winged
Gull in October will be chalky white with a much reduced pattern by March."
He adds that this is true for many gull species, so that ". . . the closer to
spring, the lighter the bird, and some individuals can hardly be identified."
Accordingly, in spring, it is important to look not just at the white
color of a gull, but at its bill color and other characteristics to identify
the bird.
Based on the yellowish bill color, my guess is that BLo saw a
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL or a hybrid with worn, faded feathers.
Immature GLAUCOUS GULLS can be white and have a black tip to their bill,
but the base of their bill is more flesh-colored. 2-3 second winter Glaucous'
were at Yachats on 2/26 and 3/12 (KM), and a first winter bird was at the
south end of Waldport on 3/19 (JS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.37 OTHER GULLS-TERN
A singleton BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at Boiler Bay on 2/25 (AC), the
Newport bayfront on 3/10 & 14 (CP), and Yachats on 3/18 (JS); one at Yachats
on 3/5 was in breeding plumage (KM). Yachats seems to be a good place for
them as KM saw three adults in nonbreeding plumage and an immature there on
2/26 and another five on 3/12. Few are usually seen and they are not often
reported onshore, but GG & others saw about 350 on 3/11 about 20-25 miles off
Newport.
KM reports a probable HERRING X GLAUCOUS GULL hybrid at Yachats on 2/26.
BLo and S&DB only found seven dead birds along their beach near Thiel Cr.
in February. Perhaps the highlight was one WESTERN GULL tangled in fishing
line, which points out that it is important to pick up fishing line and other
items that can entangle birds.
A CASPIAN TERN flying south near Waldport on 3/19 (JS) is our second
earliest date; they usually appear the first week in April, although they have
often been arriving the last week of March since 1987.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.38 ALCIDS-OWLS
A RHINOCEROS AUKLET at Boiler Bay on 2/25 (AC) and at Seal Rocks on 2/26
(KM) are rare onshore sightings in spring; they are usually first reported
from shore in April. Offshore, their seasonality may be quite different; on
3/11, some were seen just a few miles offshore of Newport and about a hundred
were 20-25 miles off Newport. This is another example of how the seasonality
of a species can dramatically differ over short distances.
Up to 150 COMMON MURRES at a time were flying counter-clockwise in long
elliptical flights past their nesting islands at Yaquina Head on 2/26 and 3/12
(KM). On 3/12, KM noted another 700 murres on the water and that only three
were in winter plumage; older murres come into breeding plumage earlier than
younger ones, so those in winter plumage were probably young murres.
On 2/26, one PIGEON GUILLEMOT was in full breeding plumage at Yaquina
Head, but another was still in winter plumage at the YBSJ (KM). They arrived
en masse sometime by 3/12, when KM counted 34 in breeding plumage at Yaquina
Head.
MOURNING DOVES typically don't overwinter here; those at Sandpiper
Village departed on 2/4 (L&LS). They have only been seen a few years here in
March; they are much more common in April and especially May, but CP
discovered two near the town of Siletz on 3/12.
Other than the one cited above at Rocky Point, our only owl was a
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL at Yachats on 2/18 (J&JG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.39 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS
In past years, when Rufous Hummingbirds arrive at J&JG's feeder in
Yachats, they chase off the ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS. But this year, they met
their match in a feisty male Anna's that turned the tables and is chasing them
away. The Anna's has an injured wing that sticks out, but he can still fly.
Perhaps he realizes that he needs to make a stand because life is harder away
from the feeder.
Male Rufous are the first to arrive; females first arrived at SS' feeder
near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 3/5.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.40 FLICKER-BUSHTIT
A NORTHERN FLICKER began drumming on a dead cedar south of Waldport on
2/19 (D&BM).
The first TREE SWALLOW returned at Thornton Creek on 2/22 (DF) and a few
days later at Logsden (BLl). Our first report of a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW was
at Beaver Creek on 3/18 (LO & OW); they probably arrived at least two weeks
earlier. BARN SWALLOWS typically arrive here after 3/28, but DP discovered
two at Pacific City (Tillamook Co.) on 3/22.
On 3/13 at Neskowin, SS heard the cry of a stressed COMMON RAVEN that was
being chased by a RED-TAILED HAWK. Such chasing also occurred last year
there.
The AMERICAN CROW near Waldport with the bill abnormality that was
reported last month was last seen on 3/7 (D&BM).
BUSHTITS come and go and are often missed, but they were noted at
Sandpiper Village in late February (L&LS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.41 THRUSHES-MEADOWLARK
During the 2/13 snow, VARIED THRUSHES were plentiful in LL's yard at
Waldport.
Last month, we had two reports of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS right along the coast
during or shortly after the 2/13 snow; L&LS supply an additional report of at
least one at Seal Rocks on 2/14. Evidently, bluebirds are particularly
affected by snow and that is the only time we see them along the coast strip,
although they can be locally common a few miles inland.
TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were in Waldport on 3/3 (LL) and at Yachats on 3/15
(J&JG).
During the day of snow on 2/13, RW's bird feeder in Florence (Lane Co.)
was very popular--visitors included two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS.
The PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO was still at Thornton Creek on 3/20 (DF).
RED CROSSBILLS come and go and visit where they will. D&CH saw some in a
pine near their Newport home in late February; they have never seen them there
before.
This appears to have been a good winter for WESTERN MEADOWLARKS at
Nestucca Bay NWR (Tillamook Co.) as DP counted a flock of 35 on Cannery Hill
on 3/10.
D&BM have not taken particular notice of the Whirlybird spp. passing
their home south of Waldport until 2/16 when a flock of four flew by.
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Catharina Coenen,
Alan Contreras, Darrel Faxon, Jim & Janice Gerdemann, David Gilbert,
Greg Gillson, David & Cedar Hesse, Lola Landis, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe, Chris Lundberg, Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin,
Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Fred & Judy Shipley,
Jamie Simmons, Betty Slauson (BSl), Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland, and Orr Wieman.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.42 April 1995 Sandpiper
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to Lincoln
County only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver Creek=creek
flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay
and Eckman Lake, 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 south of South
Beach, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay
South Jetty, and Yaquina John Point=point near HWY 101 and just south of
Waldport).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.43 MIGRATION
Some big migratory flights have already passed through. Mostly, we miss
these flights because they can be subtle--the skies do not darken, the ground
does not shake during their passage . . . But they pass nonetheless.
And we don't have to go somewhere exotic or aesthetically pleasing to see
these flights. On 4/23 from my apartment window in SW Newport, I saw four
flights within 10 minutes at about 0815. First, a flock of four
SAVANNAH SPARROWS flew north and alit in a lodgepole pine, then flocks of up
to 15 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS passed purposefully northward, 33 CANADA GEESE
migrated out over the breakers, and finally a flock of seven adult
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS also passed northward. While just about anyone
would identify the geese as migrating, it would be very easy to overlook the
passage of the others. If I was a better observer, I might have also been
able to "see" the passage of other species as well.
And while we can be preoccupied with the birds that have yet to migrate
through, some of the local residents already have broods of young out and
about.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.44 GREBES
On 4/9, about a hundred HORNED GREBES in full or close to full breeding
plumage at Boiler Bay (DBa & SRu) and about 30 at Yaquina Head (KM) were large
concentrations indicative of migration. Four EARED GREBES in breeding plumage
were also at Yaquina Head on 4/9 & 23 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.45 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS
In Lincoln County, this species is rarely noted from shore or found
beached. But in the spring of 1985 they were common within Yaquina Bay and
seen by many observers. Their onshore showing may indicate that they were
stressed because the most Fork-tails found beached since 1978 along BLo &
S&DBr's 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek were discovered in 1985 in March
(12 Fork-tails) and April (4 Fork-tails); generally only 0-2 Fork-tails are
found each year.
This year, on 3/25, PS & DS saw many Fork-tails flying and sitting on the
water at the YBSJ and up Yaquina Bay as far as the LNG tank (fide TMi). At
Boiler Bay, DBa & SRu saw at least three just west of the kelp beds on 4/9,
and FS saw one on 4/15. This minishow of Fork-tails onshore again coincides
with an unusual die-off as three were discovered along S&DBr's beach in
mid-April (fide BLo).
Although Fork-tails may be stressed this spring, it is inappropriate to
jump to the conclusion that all seabirds are stressed because BLo and S&DBr
found relatively few beached birds and no alcids this year in either March or
April, but during past El Nino years, there has also usually been a large
die-off of alcids in spring. Time will tell . . .
During the 4/9 pelagic trip out of Newport, MH, GG, and others found six
5-29 miles offshore. Since there have been so few pelagics in spring off
Newport, it is impossible to tell if this number is unusual.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.46 OTHER TUBENOSES-HERON
Speaking of the 4/9 pelagic trip, other pelagic species recorded
5-29 miles out were four NORTHERN FULMARS, 72 SOOTY SHEARWATERS,
nine PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, one FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER (rare), and
100+ BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES (MH, GG, and others)! There are more pelagics
coming up--go out and see what you can't see from shore!
A few of us have come to recognize the regular, infrequent fall southward
passage of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS; it appears that there is also a regular
spring northward passage as well with flights of 12-16 at the Coos/Curry
County border and in Coos Co. on 4/11 (RL), 20 flying over Cape Lookout
(Tillamook Co.) on 4/17 (DPi), and 2-12 noted at Newport on 3/28 and 4/23, 24,
and 27 (RB). As some of us have learned the hard way, it is easy to casually
misidentify flocks of these cormorants that often fly in V's or lines like
geese as geese--one has to look more carefully.
DBa writes about the courtship of BRANDT'S CORMORANTS at Yaquina Head on
4/9: "They were pointing their bills and expanding their bright blue throat
pouches. Their fluffy white head and back plumes were blowing in the ocean
wind like light wisps of hair. They lifted their wings over their backs and
contorted themselves in all sorts of bent positions. An excellent show--check
it out if you can."
A GREEN HERON at Eckman Slough on 4/4 (JW) was probably a migrant.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.47 CANADA GEESE
A flock of about 300 small CANADA GEESE flew north over the MSC on 4/17
(RL).
While many Canada's are passing in migration, the local, introduced birds
are parading their young. On 4/15 west of McKinley Marina in Alsea Bay, AK
saw one with four goslings, and, on 4/24 at Eckman Slough, JW saw two goslings
with their neckcollared parents 205R and 217R; a second brood of at least two
goslings were with 204R and an unmarked adult.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.48 MANDARIN DUCK SAGA: HE GETS AROUND?
Undoubtedly an escapee, a male Mandarin was first recorded along the
Cape Perpetua AutoTour in early May 1993; one early report said that there was
also a female Mandarin with him. In early April 1994, a male supposedly
absconded with a female domestic duck in the Yachats River Valley.
This past winter, a semi-tame male was regularly being fed at the Quiet
Water development in the lower Yachats River but left sometime in early March
(BB). Our next report of a male was at a pond near Heceta Beach (Lane Co.) on
4/6 and the "previous three weeks" (fide RW). Then, on 4/17, RT saw a male
again at the Cape Perpetua AutoTour pond.
So, my guess is that this one male Mandarin has been doing some cruising
around, although it is basically content in the Yachats area.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.49 OTHER WATERFOWL
At the Siuslaw South Jetty (Lane Co.), RW only counted a maximum of
15 TUNDRA SWANS this winter, which is fewer than she has seen in the past; she
last saw two at Florence on 2/30.
One BLACK BRANT feeding on the grass along the roadside at the YBSJ on
3/27 (LO) is unusual--they spend most of time in bay in water or on mudflats.
A hundred were still at Yaquina Bay on 4/15 (EH).
A flock of about 55 geese flew towards the NW near Neskowin (Tillamook
Co.) on 4/16 (SS), and, on 4/18, many flew over Waldport (LL) and 100-200 flew
north at Seal Rocks (CC). Both Canada and GR. WHITE-FRONTED'S can migrate
through here in such numbers. Our latest report of a GR. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
was for a field near Siletz Bay on 4/15 (T&DPa).
A female MALLARD and her brood of ducklings that appeared to be a couple
of weeks old were at a pond along the YBSJ on 4/17 (CP).
March was another slow month for beached birds along 4.6 miles of beach
near Thiel Creek as BLo and S&DBr only found one WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and two
immature gulls.
Flocks of SURF SCOTERS were seen flying north off Boiler Bay on 4/15
(SD).
On 3/26, the middle reservoir of Newport Reservoir was filled with ducks:
two male WOOD DUCKS, seven HOODED MERGANSERS, four Mallards, and several
unidentified ducks (TMo). The middle pond is probably the best place here to
see Wood Duck broods later on.
On 5/1, CP reports that a great spot for waterfowl was a flooded field
along the west side of South Beaver Creek Road; he saw CINNAMON TEAL,
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and MALLARDS.
Departures: BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at Alsea Bay on 3/4 (L&LS), EURASIAN
WIGEON at south Beaver Creek on 3/25 (L&LS), and a female OLDSQUAW at YBSJ on
4/9 (KM). A LESSER SCAUP at Sallys Bend on 4/23 (KM) is late; Greater's are
the scaup to be expected for the rest of the spring.
L&LS have been diligently censusing HARLEQUIN DUCKS at Seal Rocks, a site
where Harlequin numbers peak in spring and fall. L&LS' diligence has paid off
with a record-high count for Seal Rocks of 10 males and six females on 3/12;
the previous max. there was LO's count of 14 in November 1982. Very
significant is L&LS' consistent finding in March of about 1.5-3 times as many
males as females; this is consistent with results there in the past and sex
ratios at the YBSJ, but differs from the even sex ratio that used to be found
at Yaquina Head (1993 Journal of Oregon Ornithology 3:245). They have become
rarer at Yaquina Head in recent years, but a male was there on 4/23 (KM).
They don't nest in Lincoln Co., but there are at least two nesting records for
Tillamook County.
COMMON MERGANSERS can often be found in our freshwater rivers, but they
were at the Logsden Store Pond several times in mid-March (BLl) and 4/21; that
is an unusual site for them. There, Hooded Mergansers are to be expected and
even bring their broods.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.50 OSPREY
OSPREY were an item this month. On 4/4, BLl saw a pair flying at Idaho
Flats, and one dropped down and carried off some vegetation and flew with it
towards the south, presumably to a nest site.
In early April, RL watched a pair re-constructing a nest in
South Beach--one broke off tree branches for the nest by flying down at the
branch talons first! Not a whole lot of finesse!
An Osprey was west of Yaquina Bay Bridge on 3/5 (TMo), at Newport
Reservoir on 3/26 (TMo) and 4/1 (BLo), at Seal Rocks on 4/16 (KM), at Waldport
on 4/19 (MA), and at Logsden Store on 4/21 (BLl); a pair was at their Alsea
Bay nest on 4/13 (JW).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.51 BALD EAGLE
Seeing 1-2 adults at a time happens regularly, seeing three is a treat,
but on 4/2, BB saw four perched together just south of Yachats, which is
probably the largest concentration of adults here in recent years. Since they
should be nesting then, the purpose of such a large concentration is a
mystery.
Generally, adults are reported much more often than immatures, but this
month, the other big news was all of the immatures. Two were over Yaquina
John Point on 3/27 (JW), and one was at Waldport on 4/18 (CC). On 4/25, three
immatures and one adult were on a sandbar west of the Alsea Bay Bridge
(fide JW); while JW incredulously watched, two immatures flew and tumbled
together in flight while they grasped each other's talons--in the excitement,
one dropped into the Bay!
On 4/24, at Eckman Slough, JW saw an adult Bald Eagle doing aerial
acrobatics and calling. There were also several other reports of single
adults or birds of unspecified age.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.52 OTHER RAPTORS-RAILS
On 4/21, BLl spotted a COOPER'S HAWK flying four miles east of Logsden
with a quail tightly clutched in its talons--this is also our only quail
report this month!
Our latest NO. HARRIER was at Yaquina Head on 3/28 (BLM).
A MERLIN visited Yaquina Head on 3/13 (BLM), Yaquina Bay Bridge on
3/29 (CP), the MSC on 4/24 (RL), and SW Newport on 4/13, 16, and 19 (RB).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was noted at Yaquina Head during five days in March
(BLM), at Seal Rocks on 3/12 (L&LS) and 3/24 (MS), and at Boiler Bay on
4/15 (SD). One was carrying away a bird in its talons just north of Yaquina
Head on 4/22 (FC).
A RUFFED GROUSE drumming at Beaver Creek on 3/29 (LO) was our only grouse
report.
A SORA was at Beaver Creek on 4/9 (DF)--we have so few records of them
that it is not clear if they nest here, are a regular migrant, or are just a
vagrant. (We need a marsh birder!)
Near Devils Lake, a VIRGINIA RAIL was noted on 3/25 (SRo, CL, and others)
and called in response to clacking stones on 4/15 (SD).
Our latest AMERICAN COOT was one at Yaquina Bay on 4/9 (MH); the only
place they are known to nest here is in a pond near Toledo.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.53 SHOREBIRDS
A pair of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were mating at Yaquina Head on 4/16 (ThM).
GREATER YELLOWLEGS appeared to be on the move by 3/28 as they were
sighted at several sites at Yaquina Estuary (CP). On 4/30, DF discovered a
SOLITARY SANDPIPER at a flooded field along the west side of South Beaver
Creek Road and called CP about it. On 5/1, CP saw the Solitary Sandpiper as
well as many other shorebirds at the site, including GREATER YELLOWLEGS,
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and many dowitchers.
One WHIMBREL overwintered at Alsea Bay, but sightings of 20-30 at Idaho
Flats on 4/9 (DBa & SRu), Siletz Bay on 4/15 (SD) and at Nye Beach in Newport
on 4/17 (CP) indicates that they were on the move.
MARBLED GODWITS sometimes overwinter, but this year they were first
reported on 4/23 at Sallys Bend (AC & DK).
COMMON SNIPE are not being reported much. RO and his class found one at
the Idaho Flats salt marsh on 4/8. They probably nest in marshes above
2000 ft in NE Lincoln County.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.54 GULLS-ALCIDS
Our first BONAPARTE'S GULL in breeding plumage was along the beach near
Beaver Creek on 3/21 (BLo); a flock of 75 were feeding near Seal Rock on
3/26 (DF).
A GLAUCOUS GULL was at Sandpiper Village beach on 3/19 (L&LS), and one
was transitioning to second summer plumage at Idaho Flats on 4/9 (SRu & DBa).
An adult SABINE'S GULL was about 20 miles off Newport on 4/9 (MH, GG, and
others).
One BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at the Newport bayfront on 4/9 (RK; MH),
at Yaquina Head on 4/9 (KM), at Idaho Flats on 4/15 (SD; T&DPa), at Boiler Bay
on 4/15 (FS), and at Seal Rocks on 4/23 (KM). This pattern of singletons
onshore in spring is typical. In contrast to the 3/11 pelagic trip when they
were numerous, only four kittiwakes were recorded offshore during the
4/9 pelagic (MH, GG, and others).
A flock of about 30 CASPIAN TERNS were at Idaho Flats on 4/9 (DBa & SRu)
and south of Lincoln City on 4/16 (ThM).
East of Neskowin, SS lives along a timbered flight corridor for MARBLED
MURRELETS, and she has heard them calling at about 6:30 AM during several
mornings in April. At Boiler Bay, 1-2 were noted on 3/25 (CL, SRo, and
others), 4/9 (DBa & SRu), 4/15 (SD; FS), and 4/23 (AC & DK). The largest
concentration was a dozen in breeding plumage and paired at Seal Rocks
on 4/9 (KM).
RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and CASSIN'S AUKLETS appear to be still mostly
offshore as 12 and 24, respectively, were recorded 5-29 miles off Newport
during the 4/9 pelagic (MH, GG, and others). Three Rhinos were at Yaquina
Head on 4/23 (KM); this is about when they are first seen onshore.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.55 PIGEON-WOODPECKERS
Two MOURNING DOVES were at CC's Waldport feeder in mid-April, and they
again started to be sighted regularly at Sandpiper Village on
3/22 (L&LS)--these are probably among the vanguard of the spring immigrants.
During mid-April, a nautical BAND-TAILED PIGEON has been coming to JG's
feeder in Sandpiper Village--it perches on a boat near the feeder and waits.
At Crown Point in NE Lincoln Co., NO. PYGMY-OWLS were copulating on
4/2 (CP).
BARN OWLS have been rarely reported here in recent years--none were noted
in 1992 at all! So JM's report of a pair in his Toledo barn in late April is
most welcome.
Two VAUX'S SWIFTS arrived at Neskowin on 4/10 (SS).
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS were both still present to at
least 4/15 at D&BM's feeders south of Waldport. A male Anna's was also coming
to a feeder in Sandpiper Village on 4/17 (fide L&LS). Maybe this year we will
verify their nesting here?
A pair of HAIRY WOODPECKERS have been courting near the Newport Golf
Course on 4/13 & 20 (DG). On 3/25, SS watched a male chip out a cavity in a
red alder near her Neskowin home for at least 15 minutes before moving to
another tree and repeating the process!
D&BM have been observing menage a trois NORTHERN FLICKER behavior near
their home south of Yaquina John Point the past month. DM writes "They get
our attention by the 'whackety whackety' call which seems invariably to signal
an interaction of three birds. I have seen two males and one female in
several threesomes. The 3/23 confrontation was between two females, bobbing
and pointing beaks at each other while the male waited them out; most of the
time he tried not to pay attention."
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.56 SWALLOWS
First reports: CLIFF SWALLOWS at Beaver Creek on 4/9 (DF) and
NO. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS calling at Siletz Bay on 4/9 (DBa & SRu).
In SW Newport, RB has noted the passage of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS during
several days in late April. Their passage is subtle--they flew "purposefully"
northward at an average rate of usually less than 1/minute and not in the
circling or milling around fashion that they usually do while foraging. Such
flights are easy to overlook, and I wonder how many flights of passage of
other species that are even less conspicuous are missed.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.57 UNCOMMON RAVENS
Ravens can sometimes be difficult to find, but the Waldport dump's
apparent attractiveness to ravens allows D&BM the luxury of being able to
watch them at their home south of Yaquina John Point in more detail than we
usually get the chance. On 4/15, DM writes:
"In the past month, most of our raven sightings were made of birds
perched in a snag and croaking for attention. On a few occasions, there were
two ravens together. Once I watched as one raven hopped up the limbs to sit
beside the other and after a pause to begin grooming its neck feathers.
"Another time, four ravens flew past a raven alone in the tree. As if
responding to its croaking call, one raven peeled away from the others to join
the lonely bird in the tree.
"Best of all, on 4/14, I watched a pair dancing together over a course of
a mile. They tumbled, did roll-overs, clutched at each other's talons, always
almost touching. The dancers were talking in muted sexy (?) growls to each
other."
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.58 OTHER CORVIDS-STARLING
V&LO heard and saw the eastern BLUE JAY at Thiel Creek on 3/28 and
4/16--will it stay?
A SCRUB JAY was reported near Devils Lake on 3/25 (SRo, CL, and others);
they are very rare here early in the year as we have no records in February
and only one year with a March record (1982) for our records through 1992.
Although always uncommon here, they become more frequent in May.
MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES are seldom in Lincoln Co., but SS reported a pair
near her Neskowin home on 4/11; she writes "They visit every year but not this
early and usually I see only one."
Perhaps this is going to be a good year for BUSHTITS. Many were at
Oregon Coast Aquarium on 3/28 (BLl) and a flock was just south of Waldport
on 4/11 (JW).
THE first HOUSE WREN arrived at Thornton Creek on 4/17 (DF).
MA spotted two AMERICAN DIPPERS near Fall Creek, east of Waldport during
4/1-8; dippers are too often missed and are under-reported.
VARIED THRUSHES lingering at sites where they do not nest were at Oregon
Coast Aquarium on 4/5 (BLl), Newport Golf Course on 4/11-20 (DG), and
Thiel Creek on 5/1 (BLo). They nest here in stands of large conifers in the
Spruce Zone or at high elevations.
Our latest HERMIT THRUSH was for 3/25 at Sandpiper Village (L&LS).
At least one AMERICAN PIPIT was at a YBSJ road puddle on 4/23 (KM)--they
often show in the spring, but this is our only report so far.
EUROPEAN STARLINGS are becoming a dominant feature that we can't ignore.
There is much that we don't know about them. In winter, large, noisy flocks
are common in Newport, but those flocks have dispersed (migrated ?) by March.
On 4/8, they were nesting at the Waldport Fire Hall (LL); at P&MD's Toledo
home starlings are rare, but they appeared on 4/13.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.59 WARBLERS-GOLDFINCH
Spring arrivals: ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at Waldport on 3/27 (DF),
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Thornton Creek on 3/30 (DF), and, believe it or not,
we have a three-way tie for the first BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER on 4/14: at
Toledo (P&MD), Eckman Lake (JW), and Thornton Creek (DF)
Many Myrtle and Audubon's forms of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were at Toledo
on 4/6 (CP). A large flock of Yellow-rumps was also at Yachats on 4/15 (JS).
Our latest TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was at Eckman Lake on 4/14 (JW).
As noted at the start of this column, four SAVANNAH SPARROWS were seen
flying through Newport on 4/23--the same day, AC & DK noted at least 150 along
the road and fence of the YBSJ, and many were also active around the water
including intertidal algae at the YBSJ (KM).
Some WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS overwinter along the coast line, but
immigrants typically arrive the last week of March and begin singing; they did
that again this year at Thiel Creek (LO) and elsewhere.
Our latest WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was a singleton in Toledo on
3/13 (P&MD).
4/15 was the last day of the PINK-SIDED DARK-EYED JUNCO at Thornton Creek
that was present almost daily all winter and was photographed (DF).
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were last reported at Yaquina Head on 3/5 (BLM).
Some AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES overwinter along the coast at select locations,
but most are migrants--the first at S&JT's feeder in Seal Rocks arrived on
4/9. More should be arriving shortly.
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina
Head), Betty Bahn, David Bailey (DBa), Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown (S&DBr),
Frank Cleland, Alan Contreras, Cheri Crosby, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon, Don Giles, Greg Gillson, Jill Grover,
Eric Horvath, Matt Hunter, Anne Kaizer, Doug Koenig, Raymond Korpi,
Lola Landis, Cindy Lawes, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Bob Loeffel (BLo), Roy Lowe,
Jonathan Mee, Kathy Merrifield, Tom Mickel (TMi), "The Millers" (ThM),
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Terry Morse (TMo), Robert Olson, Laimons & Vicki Osis,
Terry & Diane Pancoast (T&DPa), Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin (DPi),
Steve Royce (SRo), Skip Russell (SRu), Floyd Schrock, Don Schrouder,
Shirley Schwartz, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Paul Sherrell, Jamie Simmons, Mike
Snowden, Ron Taves, Shirley & Jim Thielen, Ruth Warren, and Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
95.60 May 1995 Sandpiper
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to Lincoln
County only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayview Pasture=field
east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road, Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Slough=slough between
Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, 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, SoBvCr=south Beaver Creek flooded pasture/pond, Thiel Creek=creek
just south of the Newport Airport south of South Beach, Thornton Creek=creek
between Toledo and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty, Yaquina John
Point=point near HWY 101 and just south of Waldport).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.61 LOONS-EGRET
Tis the season for loon migration, particularly PACIFIC LOONS. TK
estimated that about 1500-2000 Pacifics were passing Boiler Bay on 5/7.
Our latest CLARK'S GREBE was at Yachats State Park on 5/20 (RKe). Our
last PIED-BILLED GREBE was at Eckman Lake on 4/27 (L&LS); they don't nest
there, but they do at some other ponds in Lincoln County.
About 20 miles off Newport during the 5/14 pelagic trip, MH et al. saw
40 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 35 NORTHERN FULMARS, 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and
two PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS. If you get a chance, go on the pelagics out of
Newport in June and July!
As reported in the last Sandpiper, FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS are rarely
noted in Lincoln County, but 1995 is proving exceptional. On 5/2, PR & PS
found one dead just north of Yaquina Head; on 5/7, one graced Boiler Bay (TK);
on 5/8, RW and others saw one at the YBSJ and another near the Yaquina Bay LNG
Tank at the west edge of Sallys Bend. On 5/14, about 15 were in Yaquina Bay,
and 70 were 20 mi off Newport (MH et al.). During the misty afternoon of
5/15, CP found about a dozen at the YBSJ. During the morning of 5/16, DF & CP
estimated at least 100 flying north past YBSJ. On 5/17, LO saw 2-3 from the
South Beach Marina to the LNG Tank in Yaquina Bay, and on 5/21, SR observed
one at Boiler Bay.
Some faux geese (DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS) were again seen flying
northward in flocks on 5/11 near Cape Meares (Tillamook Co.) and
Cape Foulweather (DP). It is unclear if these were migrating or not.
BROWN PELICANS used to be very rare in spring, but since 1982 they have
regularly been reported in April and/or May. However, our only report this
spring has been four at Seal Rocks on 5/21 (KM).
We've gone too long without AMERICAN BITTERNS, and this month two were
discovered. One was at the Salmon River on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY), and another
skulked in a pond south of Toledo on 5/14 (CP).
GREAT BLUE HERONS have been putting on a show at Alsea Bay. On 4/10, DO
saw 20-50 at Eckman Slough; some were so close to the road culvert that they
were disturbed by her passing car and flew away. On 5/22, JW counted 50 along
the north side of the Alsea River near Eckman Slough, but it was too early for
any of them to be fledglings.
SR found our latest GREAT EGRET at Siletz Bay on 5/21.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.62 CANADA GEESE
RLo notes that the neck-collared Canada's with a brood at Alsea Bay on
4/24 that JW reported were probably three year old birds that may have been
nesting for their first time.
Prior to the ODFW's introduction of Western Canada Geese in the early
1980's, it was very rare to see a Canada Goose here in late May or during the
summer. However, in the past two years, flocks of northerly flying Westerns
have been noted occasionally in late May. This year, flocks of 8-68 Westerns
were discovered on 5/20, 21, and 24 in the Newport-Waldport area (RLo; RB)
and, on 5/23, west of Neahkahnie Mt. (Tillamook Co.)(RLo). RLo notes that
these flocks may be composed of nonbreeders going somewhere to molt.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.63 OTHER WATERFOWL
300 GR. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew north over Newport on 5/3 (CP); however,
a flock of 30 were flying the wrong-way (south) at Cougar Mt. (east of Lincoln
City) on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY).
BLACK BRANT overwinter at Yaquina Bay, but during spring migration they
can be found elsewhere; for example, one was at Alsea Bay on 5/20 (RKe).
At SoBvCr, DF saw two CINNAMON TEAL on 5/3, but BLUE-WINGED TEAL reports
have been scarce. A Blue-wing pair was at the West Pond between the MSC and
Oregon Coast Aquarium on 5/13 (PR), and another pair was at a South Beach
marsh on 5/16 & 17 (DP).
At SoBvCr, there were 4-6 WOOD DUCKS on 5/3 (DF) and 5/24 (PS). A female
with a brood was at Eckman Lake on 5/2 (RLo) and a South Beach marsh on 5/22
(DP).
Mallard broods were observed at Eckman Lake on 5/20 (JW) and SoBvCr on
5/24 (PS).
Departures include: EURASIAN WIGEON at south Beaver Creek on 4/14 (L&LS),
BUFFLEHEAD at Idaho Flats on 4/30 (KM), GADWALL at Eckman Lake on 5/4 (OW),
and 40 AM. WIGEON at SoBvCr on 5/3 (DF). On 5/5, DF, BB, & WY also noted the
last COMMON GOLDENEYES at Salmon River, NORTHERN PINTAIL at Siletz Bay,
GREEN-WINGED TEAL in northern Lincoln County, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS at the
Lincoln City Sewage Ponds. On 5/21, SR found the latest OLDSQUAW at Boiler
Bay.
A pair of RING-NECKED DUCKS at Sallys Bend on 5/13 (PR) is an unusual
estuarine record here for this freshwater duck.
Monthly record numbers of HARLEQUIN DUCKS for Seal Rocks were counted.
On 4/30, KM found 11 males and six females--an April record; and on 5/1, L&LS
found three males and two females, a May record high count for Seal Rocks.
A female HOODED MERGANSER was at Eckman Lake on 5/4 (OW)--they may nest
nearby.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.64 RAPTORS
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at Kernville south of Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB,
& WY) is unusual, although singletons have been seen in that same general area
in recent years. Could they nest there?
A dark-phase RED-TAILED HAWK rode thermals at Cape Perpetua on 4/16
(D&BM). A pair of Red-tails, one carrying a snake in its talons, graced South
Beach on 5/21 (BL).
Our only accipiter report was a COOPER'S HAWK that snatched an American
Goldfinch in P&MD's Toledo yard on 5/16!
One BALD EAGLE was in transitional plumage at Alsea Bay on 5/18 (CC), and
four of unspecified age were at south Alsea Bay on 5/20 (RKe).
A male NORTHERN HARRIER was flying acrobatically at South Beach
(Henderson Creek) on 5/3 (RLo), a female was along the trail between South
Beach State Park and YBSJ on 5/7 (PD & CC), and another harrier was at South
Beach Peninsula on 5/13 (PR). Could they be nesting in that area? Although
we have had summer sightings, I don't think we have a Lincoln Co. nesting
record for them, so this is a chance for some patient soul to make a
discovery!
The last MERLIN was at South Beach Peninsula on 5/13 (PR).
Although it is possible that AMERICAN KESTRELS may occasionally nest
here, we have no records, and our latest records are one at Idaho Flats on 5/6
(PR) and a female in SW Newport on 5/19 (RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.65 QUAIL-RAILS
One CALIFORNIA QUAIL at South Beach on 5/12 (DP) is our first record in
some time; MOUNTAIN QUAIL were calling near BSl's Yachats home on 5/24.
RING-NECKED PHEASANTS are rare here, and most have probably been
released, so a male near the top of Rocky Point in NE Lincoln County on 5/14
(CP) is unexpected as is a female with about 20 young at the Siuslaw South
Jetty (Lane Co.) on 5/21 (R&KW).
PS discovered a SANDHILL CRANE (our 8th record) at Bayview Pasture the
morning of 5/10. Thanks to her timely telephone call, others were alerted,
and JW later saw it that morning twice.
A good month--two rail reports. VIRGINIA RAILS were in northern Lincoln
County on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY) and at a South Beach marsh on 5/12 (DP).
Our latest AMERICAN COOT was at Yaquina Bay on 4/18 (L&LS); their only
known nest site here is in a pond south of Toledo.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.66 SHOREBIRDS
Although BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS typically are only on rocky intertidal
areas, two were on a sandy beach at Road's End on 5/9 (EH). (Note that the
Am. Ornithologist's Union changed the name American Black Oystercatcher back
to Black Oystercatcher in 1985 Auk 102[3]:681.)
On 5/25, CP discovered an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER at SoBvCr for only our
third spring record for this species.
69 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS on the open beach between Alsea Bay and Seal
Rocks on 5/3 (DP) is our highest report; the 25 that DF found at SoBvCr on 5/3
seems to be an unusual inland location for them. The eight DL found at Idaho
Flats with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on 5/19 are the latest date for both species.
Six MARBLED GODWITS promenaded on the open beach between Seal Rocks and
Yachats on 5/3 (DP), and one was at Idaho Flats on 5/8 (GG & TJ).
WHIMBRELS can be numerous here in May. On 5/7, TK counted 160 at Idaho
Flats.
A SOLITARY SANDPIPER (uncommon to rare here) was at a South Beach marsh
on 5/8 (DP).
During their May migration SPOTTED SANDPIPERS often show up at salt water
sites where they are not noted otherwise. This May is no exception as BL saw
one in breeding plumage along the ocean beach south of Thiel Creek on 5/15; it
is the first one that he has ever seen there. Two were also at Eckman Lake on
5/19 (JW), and two were also at Boiler Bay and Yaquina Bay on 5/21 (SR); SR
notes that a Spotted at Yaquina Bay was swimming in the water like a
phalarope!
Nine RED KNOTS were at Idaho Flats on 5/6 (PR), and four were there the
next day (TK). At the YBSJ, flocks of 10 and 31 passed during the misty
afternoon of 5/15 (CP).
Two WANDERING TATTLERS were on rocks at Road's End at the north end of
Lincoln City in mid-May (EH).
About 4-6 RUDDY TURNSTONES were on the open beach between Seal Rocks and
Alsea Bay on 5/3 (DP), at the Sandpiper Village Beach on 5/4 (OW), at Idaho
Flats on 5/6 (PR), and at Alsea Bay on 5/6 (RKo). In past springs, 20-40
Ruddies were sometimes counted.
Our last COMMON SNIPE was at south Beaver Creek on 4/14 (L&LS);
hopefully, someone will find them nesting in Lincoln Co. this summer.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPES are regular spring migrants, but some years they
make a better showing than others. At Boiler Bay, they were numerous on 5/6
(RKo) and 5/8 (GG & TJ), and about a thousand were reported on 5/21 (SR).
Many were in Yaquina Bay on 5/14 (MH et al.), and thousands were at the YBSJ
during the misty afternoon of 5/15 (CP).
Our only WILSON'S PHALAROPE was at SoBvCr on 5/24, DF telephoned in the
report and thereby PS was later able to find it.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.67 JAEGER-ALCIDS
The afternoon of 5/15 was misty in Newport, and this may have caused some
pelagic birds to come onshore. That afternoon CP spotted two LONG-TAILED
JAEGERS at the YBSJ, only our second spring record for them.
Gull departures include: GLAUCOUS GULL at Yachats on 5/1 (DF), HERRING
GULL at Idaho Flats on 5/21 (KM), a MEW GULL in first summer plumage at
Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY), and one BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE in Yaquina
Bay on 5/14 (MH et al.).
Many BONAPARTE'S GULLS were at the YBSJ on 5/15 (CP). On 5/16, DL saw
about 60-70 at Idaho Flats; most were in nonbreeding plumage (sans black
head). On 5/21, SR noted about 200 at Newport, and the same day KM counted
192 at Idaho Flats, about 90% of them in nonbreeding plumage.
Five adult SABINE'S GULLS were noted during the 5/14 pelagic trip off
Newport (MH et al.).
Hundreds of ARCTIC TERNS and many COMMON TERNS were at the YBSJ during
the misty afternoon of 5/15 (CP), and at least one Arctic and several Commons
were there on a clearer 5/16 (DF & CP). Otherwise, there were no onshore
reports.
COMMON MURRES have had their ups and downs. This spring 3-7 subadult and
two adult BALD EAGLES took up residence and preyed on murres at the murre's
nesting area at Three Arch Rocks (Tillamook Co.); the murres decided not to
land and attempt nesting (RLo & DP). Bald Eagles have been noticed to have a
similar effect in Washington and Alaska. On 5/23, the murres finally returned
(RLo), but they will be nesting later than usual, so it is unclear how
successful they may be.
A CASSIN'S AUKLET was at the breakers of Cape Perpetua on 5/2 (JN & KC).
MARBLED MURRELETS often fly overland calling at dawn--SS heard them at
5:49 AM at her Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.) on 4/30, and they were often
detected at Cape Perpetua Campground on 5/7 (JN & KC). 27 were counted at
Seal Rocks on 4/30 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.68 PIGEON-SWALLOWS
Six BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were feeding on seeds below DG's Newport feeder
on 5/4 (DG), and a flock of 20-25 were at J&DC's Toledo feeder on 5/12.
MOURNING DOVES were recorded nearly every day in mid-April at Sandpiper
Village (L&LS).
Only one owl: a GREAT HORNED OWL at South Beach on 5/9 (BL).
Three VAUX'S SWIFTS cruised NE Newport on 5/2 (RO), four called at Toledo
on 5/4 (RLo), and four visited SW Newport on 5/18 (RB).
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS quit using D&BM's feeder south near Yaquina John
Point on 4/26, and our last report is for Sandpiper Village on 4/29 (L&LS).
Anyone still have them? We don't have a nesting record for them yet.
An ACORN WOODPECKER at R&KW's suet feeder in Florence (Lane Co.) on 5/18
is rare; we don't have any records for them in Lincoln Co.
Arrivals: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER east of Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, &
WY), OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at Neskowin on 5/9 (SS), and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at
SW Newport on 5/16 (RB)(although pewees probably arrived much earlier).
One WESTERN KINGBIRD was between King and McCaffery Sloughs south of
Yaquina Estuary on 5/4 (BL), and four decorated a tree at the Salmon River on
5/5 (DF, BB, & WY).
A pair of PURPLE MARTINS were at the MSC on 5/10 (RO); one was also there
on 5/16 (RB) and 5/21 (SR).
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were at Eckman Lake on 4/27 (L&LS) and 5/4
(OW) and at south Beaver Creek on 4/14 (L&LS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.69 CROW HAWKS
AMERICAN CROWS are highly adaptable! Between late April and 5/7, RLe
three times noted a crow flying over her yard in Sandpiper Village do a power
dive and kill small birds feeding in the short grass. Once a crow killed and
ate whole a DARK-EYED JUNCO, another time a crow landed and hit a HOUSE FINCH,
and the third time a crow dove and killed a small unidentified bird. The
crows dove bill-first like pelicans at the necks of their intended victims.
It is unknown if one crow has learned this or if several crows are doing it.
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.70 OTHER CORVIDS-DIPPER
A STELLER'S JAY nest with three nestlings was visible from J&DC's kitchen
window in Toledo on 5/12. One near Thiel Creek on 5/8 only had one good leg
and a stub for a foot on the other side (BL). Steller's can be good mimics,
and one did a very good imitation of a Red-tailed Hawk in P&MD's Toledo yard
on 5/9.
The eastern BLUE JAY was at Thiel Creek on 5/10 (BL) and lingered there
until at least 5/16 (LO).
COMMON RAVENS and AMERICAN CROWS have been fighting a lot near D&BM's
home near Yaquina John Point recently. The busiest day was 5/3, when D&BM
noted six noisy chases of 1-2 crows flight pursuing a raven. My impression
has been that ravens and crows don't get along very well along the Lincoln
County coast and the abundance of crows along our coastline may be one reason
why ravens are not more common here.
A RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH near CH's feeder in Newport on 5/1 was a first
for that site--this appears to be a year when they are making a good showing.
An AMERICAN DIPPER graced a creek at Neskowin on 4/30 (SS). On 5/7, a
pair were flying to and from a nest under a waterfall at Moonshine Park north
of Logsden (D&BM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.71 THRUSHES-WARBLERS
WESTERN BLUEBIRDS have been becoming more common in recent years because
of snag retention and Bluebird Trails such as the one in Corvallis. The first
ever at J&DC's Toledo home was a male on 5/18.
Although VARIED THRUSHES nest in large timber in the Sitka Spruce Zone,
most depart local lowland locations; the last at Yachats were noted on 4/11
(BSl), at Sandpiper Village on 4/25 (L&LS), and in SS's Neskowin yard on 5/7.
The first spring SWAINSON'S THRUSH was detected at Thornton Creek on 5/3
(DF). Our only AMERICAN PIPIT report was for two in SW Newport on 5/7 (RB).
The first CEDAR WAXWINGS were at Newport on 5/15 (BSl), which is about on
schedule.
Fledgling EUROPEAN STARLINGS were first reported in SW Newport on 5/13
(RB) and at Thiel Creek on 5/16 (LO). The fledglings at P&MD's Toledo yard on
5/18 were "obviously new at flying--they were squawking at each other and
venturing from tree branch to roof to branch very cautiously."
Arrivals: SOLITARY VIREO east of Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY),
WILSON'S WARBLER at Yachats on 4/21 (BSl), HERMIT WARBLER at Yachats on 4/27
(BSl), YELLOW WARBLER at the MSC on 5/21 (JS)(but they probably arrived much
earlier and were overlooked), WESTERN TANAGER at Newport on 5/1 (CH), and
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK near Lincoln City on 5/5 (DF, BB, & WY) and a few days
later in Toledo (J&DC) and Yachats (BSl).
The latest TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was in the Lincoln City area on 5/8 (GG &
TJ).
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER seemed to be drinking from a hummingbird feeder
near Yaquina John Point on 4/19 & 20 (D&BM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
95.72 SPARROWS-EVENING GROSBEAK
The first CHIPPING SPARROW was perceived south of Toledo on 5/14 (CP),
and another was at the MSC on 5/21 (JS).
Our records for LINCOLN'S SPARROWS suggest that there is a spring
migration of them in late April and early May. This year fits that pattern,
too, as they were near Yaquina John Point on 4/27 & 28 (D&BM), at the MSC on
5/6 (TK), and near Lincoln City on 5/8 (GG & TJ).
A SAVANNAH SPARROW brightened the area near the Alsea Bay docks on 5/6
(SL).
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS first appeared at Yachats on 4/24, and most had
passed through by 5/5 (BSl); they also were also noted there during that time
period by SL in Yachats and in Neskowin by SS.
A male DARK-EYED JUNCO was desperately flying into the glass windows of
D&BM's home near Yaquina John Point on 4/20 & 21 and 5/9. My guess is that he
was seeing his reflection in the glass and thought the reflection was another
male intruding into his territory; as he escalated his threats his
"reflection" returned them! Don't laugh too hard at the junco--many of us
also sometimes rile at self-created, reflected threats!
The last FOX SPARROW was noted at Sandpiper Village on 4/22 (L&LS).
Our only YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD this spring was a male at Boiler Bay on
5/5 (DF, BB, & WY).
PINE SISKINS have been regulars at some feeders in mid-May in Waldport
(CC) and Newport (DG).
A flight of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES passed through in early May. On 5/9 at
Sandpiper Village, RLe counted 49 on a wire, another 60 in pines, and others
calling nearby. They were also common in early May at CC's Waldport feeder
and D&MG's Newport feeder and about 50 were in Toledo on 5/16 (P&MD).
Some EVENING GROSBEAKS usually overwinter at some Toledo sites, but they
become more widespread in spring. They were noted during 5/9-22 at Toledo
where they were absent in winter (J&DC; P&MD) and also in Yachats (BSl) and
Waldport (JW). Flocks of 10-15 were flying around Newport in mid-May (JN &
KC).
OBSERVERS.--Range Bayer, Barb Bellin, Kemper Carlsen, Jesse & Doris
Crabtree, Cheri Crosby, Don DeLisle, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon,
David & Marge Gilbert, Greg Gillson, Cedar Hesse, Eileen Hoog, Matt Hunter,
Tim Janzen, Robert Kelsh (RKe), Ted Kenefick, Raymond Korpi (RKo), Ruthanne
LeBaron (RLe), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel, Roy Lowe (RLo), Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, John Neiger, Dorothy Olson, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Paul Reed, Skip Russell, Shirley Schwartz,
Patty Shreve, Lloyd & Luella Seabury, Jamie Simmons, Betty Slauson (BSl),
Ruth & Ken Warren, Jean Weakland, Orr Wieman, and Walt Yungen.
Back to Lincoln County (Oregon) Bird Information