Menu of January-May 1997 (sections 97.1-97.58) Bird Field Notes
by Range Bayer from the Sandpiper (a publication
of Yaquina Birders & Naturalists, Lincoln County, Oregon)
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Section Month of
No. Sandpiper, Volume 18
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97.1 January 1997
97.12 February 1997
97.20 March 1997
97.29 April 1997
97.42 May 1997
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97.1 January 1997 Sandpiper Bird Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayview
Pasture=field east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea
Bay Road, Beaver Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park,
Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, Lost Creek
SP=park about 4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, MSC=Marine Science
Center, Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge
along HWY 101, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at
Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about 3.5 mi south
of Yaquina Bay bridge, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.2 HIGH ELEVATIONS
99% or more of Lincoln Co. bird records are for elevations under
1,000 ft; however, what records we do have (e.g., Journal of Oregon
Ornithology 2:163-164, 3:261-310) suggest that bird distribution and
seasonality differs at 1,400 ft or more in the Coast Range. The
change may start below 1,400 ft.
In general, no rare species have yet been found at higher
elevations in Lincoln Co., although Rosy Finches and Snow Buntings
have been found elsewhere on Coast Range peaks. The big change is
that species diversity decreases with elevation, which is similar to
results elsewhere (JOO 3:261-262), so we should be cautious in
comparing the results at study areas of different elevations in the
Coast Range.
During the past two years, CP has visited Crown Point in NE
Lincoln Co.; on the clear and beautiful 1/14, he journeyed to the top
and was able to see more Cascade mountains in Washington and Oregon
than bird species!
QUIZ: which five species do you think he found? (Answer at the
end.)
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.3 YAQUINA BAY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT (CBC)
Count Compiler PR notes that we had good weather on 1/4, but only
12 observers who found 109 species. The only species new to the CBC
was the KING EIDER. Species found that were recorded in fewer than
five of our 24 CBC's include: CALIFORNIA QUAIL, BLACK PHOEBE,
CEDAR WAXWING, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.4 1996 BEACHED BIRD RESULTS
Starting in 1978, BLo has monitored 4.6 mi of beach at Thiel
Creek. In 1996, BLo&SLo and S&DB surveyed this beach weekly and found
a total of 552 dead birds, which is less than in most other recent
years. Does 552 seem like a lot of dead birds? Well, it actually is
abnormally low for recent years, as the 1991-1995 average was
858 birds (range 581-1,143 birds). There is no indication that oil,
fishing gear, or shooting were a significant source of mortality as
has been found elsewhere.
In 1996, taxa with more than 10 dead birds (87% of the total)
included 239 adult COMMON MURRES (abnormally high),
39 NORTHERN FULMARS, 37 CASSIN'S AUKLETS, 37 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS (31
adults and six juveniles), 31 juvenile GULL spp.,
28 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 26 identifiable WESTERN GULLS, 21 WESTERN
GREBES, and 20 BRANDT'S CORMORANTS. The total of only two juvenile
Common Murres equals their record low in 1994 and reflects very poor
nesting success. Two juvenile MARBLED MURRELETS were the first ever
found at this beach.
Without population numbers of each species, it is not possible to
determine what effect these mortalities may have. The impact may be
greatest for Common Murres because of the loss of adults, many of
which appeared to be breeding.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.5 LOONS & GREBES
A YELLOW-BILLED LOON was at the YBSJ on 1/13 (HN), 1/18 (FR, MC &
others), and 1/25 (fide JM).
Only singleton CLARK'S GREBES are rarely reported, so
3-4 reported along with WESTERN GREBES near the Toledo docks on
1/12 (JC) is highly unusual; another was reported for Yaquina Bay
on 1/19 (K&MG).
EARED GREBES were noted several times by birders looking for the
King Eider, but high counts were 3-4 at Sallys Bend on 1/12 & 19 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
The December total of one NORTHERN FULMAR and three SHEARWATERS
for 4.6 mi of beach at Thiel Creek (BLo&SLo, S&DB) seem surprisingly
low given how stormy it was.
The latest BROWN PELICANS were two at Yaquina Head on 12/25
(BLM).
AMERICAN BITTERNS are rarely perceived, and BLl discovered the
first one for his Logsden Beaver Pond on 12/25. The latest
GREAT EGRET was at the Siletz Bay NWR on 1/16 (RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.6 WATERFOWL
A GR. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE visited Yachats on 1/9 (PP) and Bayview
Pasture along with 35 Cackling, 11 Dusky, two Taverner's (?), and
247 other CANADA GEESE on 1/12 (KM).
Together with 400 or more AMERICAN WIGEON, 1-2 males and female
EURASIAN WIGEON (including a male and female that seemed obviously
paired) were at Bayview Pasture on 1/12 & 19 (KM).
Since being found on 12/8 by KM, the female KING EIDER
(Queen Eida) has been seen by many birders at the YBSJ; our latest
report is for 1/26 by PS.
OLDSQUAWS were often spotted at the YBSJ by birders looking at
Queen Eida, but a male west of the Alsea Bay bridge on 1/1 (JW) is
unusual.
Two male REDHEADS were at Eckman Lake on 1/5 (RR), 1/10 (JW, SLc;
DF), and 1/12 & 19 (KM); at Sallys Bend, where some regularly winter,
there were 16 in mid-January (RL) and 17-21 on 1/12 & 19 (KM).
Three male and three female BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were doing
courtship displays at east Alsea Bay (where they regularly winter) on
1/25 (CP); fewer than five Barrow's were also there on 1/5 (RR) and
1/28 (SLc).
BB comments that the male MANDARIN DUCK has been absent from
Yachats since at least mid-November.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.7 EAGLES, HAWKS, AND FALCONS
BALD EAGLES were often noted this month: an adult perched in a
tree south of Otter Crest on 12/25 (DC), 1-2 were at Yaquina Head
during four days in December (BLM), an adult was near Ona Beach on
1/2 (PP) and 1/6 & 7 (LO), an adult flew over the YBSJ with a
waterbird in its talons on 1/8 (BLl), an adult flew over south Beaver
Creek on 1/12 (KM), one perched in a tree above the Newport Coast
Guard Station on 1/18 (FR, MC & others), an immature twice flew over
Yaquina Head on 1/21 (DD), one with a white head and a nearly white
tail visited Lost Creek on 1/24 (DG), and an adult and an immature
were near the MSC on 1/25 (GG).
Three RED-TAILED HAWKS flew over the Yachats River on 1/20 with
two of them tumbling together in some kind of interaction (BB). On
1/1, a Red-tailed and a COMMON RAVEN circled each other warily over
SS's Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) home.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was reported at the Siuslaw South Jetty (Lane
Co.) on 1/25 (RW); none have been noted in Lincoln Co. this winter.
25 crows mobbed a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK circling over the Wendy's in
Newport on 1/25 (CP), and a COOPER'S HAWK visited north Toledo on
1/11 & 20 (PD), west Newport on 1/12 (TM), and near the town of Siletz
on 1/26 (CP).
A rare GYRFALCON scattered the gulls at Agate Beach, near Yaquina
Head, on 1/12 (CM, fide FR).
One AMERICAN KESTREL was at Yaquina Head (a favored wintering
site in other winters) only on 12/1 (BLM) and the Logsden Store
on 1/1 (BLl).
One MERLIN was viewed at Cummins Creek (Lane Co.) on 1/7 (SLc).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was at Yaquina Head during four days in
December (including one eating prey on Flattop Rock)(BLM), and an
adult was on a Yaquina Head island on 1/3 (TS) and at Siletz Bay on
1/18 (FR, MC & others).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.8 QUAIL-RAILS
MOUNTAIN QUAIL and RUFFED GROUSE were near Logsden in late
December, and a Ruffed Grouse was also there in mid-January (BLl) and
at north Beaver Creek on 1/6 (LO).
The last NORTHERN BOBWHITE was still near Neskowin on 1/15 (SS).
40 AMERICAN COOTS at Devils Lake in mid-January are far fewer
than were there prior to the introduction of grass carp (RL). A coot
along the YBSJ on 1/12 (KM) is unusual--they are usually farther up
the estuary or in freshwater.
VIRGINIA RAILS were detected near Logsden on 1/12 (BLl) and at
south Beaver Creek on 1/26 (PS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.9 SHOREBIRDS
The 16 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS at Seal Rocks on 1/12 is the biggest
concentration this month (KM), and four WHIMBRELS were near
Thiel Creek on 12/14 (BLo).
A SPOTTED SANDPIPER bobbed at the Alsea Bay Port Docks on 1/28
(SLc), and six ROCK SANDPIPERS wintered at Depoe Bay on 1/18 (FR, MC &
others).
WANDERING TATTLERS occasionally winter, and at least one was last
reported at Yaquina Head on 12/18 (BLM).
RED PHALAROPES are brought in by the storms; at least one was at
the YBSJ on 12/24 (DC) and 1/11 (HH, fide JG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.10 GULLS-ORIOLE
A first year GLAUCOUS GULL hung out near the Newport bayfront on
12/29 (EH) and 1/25 (GG).
Wintering PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were at Boiler Bay and Yaquina Bay on
1/3 (TS).
We still haven't had a SNOWY OWL in Lincoln Co. this winter, but
one was at the Siuslaw South Jetty on 1/4 (RK) and 1/25 (RW).
A rare BLACK PHOEBE was discovered at south Beaver Creek during
the 1/4 Yaquina Bay CBC and was relocated the next day (CP, LO).
Our only GRAY JAY report was of one at SS's Neskowin home on 1/5.
A sign of spring fever was a BEWICK'S WREN singing briefly
between storms on 1/30 in SW Newport (RB).
An AMERICAN ROBIN with some white plumage was noted in South
Beach in mid-January (fide SLy); such variants may be more common this
time of year.
A HERMIT THRUSH at the MSC on 1/16 was out of place (MA).
Although CEDAR WAXWINGS are present erratically in some winters,
6-8 were in Newport on 1/2 (PD) and during the 1/4 CBC.
Straggler ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS have been more reported in
recent winters; one was found during the 1/4 CBC and in Toledo on
1/8 (DF).
PALM WARBLERS were often reported at the MSC, especially since
Queen Eida's arrival, but one at Taft in Lincoln City on 1/11 (JG) is
unusual.
A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was at the MSC on 1/18 (FR, MC & others),
and at least two were again present this winter at Yaquina Head during
12 days in December (BLM). They appear to be less common recently.
An immature male or female BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was near NW 8th
Street in Newport on 1/2 (PD).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.11 ANSWER TO CROWN PT. QUIZ
With good effort, CP only found the following five species above
2,000 ft on 1/14: HAIRY WOODPECKER, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE,
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, HUTTON'S VIREO, and FOX SPARROW. Similarly,
John Lundsten only found six species above 1,500 ft on Mt. Hebo
(Tillamook Co.) in February 1993 (1994 Oregon Birds 20[3]:90-92), but
the Hebo species list was different: Ruffed Grouse, No. Pygmy-Owl,
Common Raven, Am. Robin, Varied Thrush, and Song Sparrow.
OBSERVERS.--Mike Adam, Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown,
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Dave Copeland, Jesse Crabtree,
Marcia Cutler, Don DeLisle, Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon,
Dave Gilbert, Jeff Gilligan, Greg Gillson, Keith & Mary Graves,
Hendrik Herlyn, Eric Horvath, Robert Kelsh, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Sally Lockyear (SLc), Bob (BLo) & Shirley Loeffel (SLo), Roy Lowe,
Susan Lynds (SLy), Carol McIntyre, Kathy Merrifield, Judy Meredith,
Terry Morse, Harry Nehls, Laimons Osis, Pam Parker, Chuck Philo,
Fred Ramsey, Paul Reed, Roger Robb, Shirley Schwartz, Tim Shelmerdine,
Paul Sullivan, Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland.
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97.12 February 1997 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayview
Pasture=field east of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea
Bay Road, Beaver Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park,
Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield
Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the
HMSC, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay,
Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina
Bay bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.13 YELLOW-BILLED LOON-CORMORANTS
YELLOW-BILLED LOONS at Yaquina Bay are rare and often dive and
move around a lot, so they can easily be missed. One was just east of
the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay on 2/21 (AF).
24 COMMON LOONS were in a roosting raft in the evening along the
YBSJ on 2/9 (D&BG); such evening rafts are a regular winter feature
there in the late afternoon or early evening.
2-6 EARED GREBES were at Sallys Bend, a favored haunt, on 2/2 & 9
(KM), and one was at Alsea Bay, where they are rarer, on 2/9 (KM).
Only one NORTHERN FULMAR was found during January along 4.6 miles
of beach near Thiel Creek (B&SLo, S&DB); six dark-phase and two
intermediate phase fulmars were noted during the 2/15 pelagic trip
from Depoe Bay (MH).
BROWN PELICANS made it into the New Year as at least one was at
Yaquina Head on 1/1 (BLM), but they missed the Yaquina Bay Christmas
Bird Count.
Many of the wintering birds are coming into breeding plumage; on
2/8, BT spotted a PELAGIC CORMORANT with white flank patches in the
Newport area.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.14 WATERFOWL
Queen Eida the female KING EIDER has continued to linger at the
YBSJ, giving many birders a good view, and at other times a distant
glimpse. The latest report is for 2/21 (AF).
Waterfowl often become abundant in the Beaver Creek Valley after
many leave Yaquina Bay in mid-December. On 2/19, LO detected 112
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 100 MALLARDS, 74 wigeon, 17 NORTHERN PINTAILS,
15 BUFFLEHEAD, eight HOODED MERGANSERS, and two GADWALL, even though
the Valley was drying up, so that tall grasses made counts difficult.
On 2/9, three male and two red-phase female EURASIAN WIGEON were
with 425 AMERICAN WIGEON at Bayview Pasture and a male Eurasian
accompanied 26 American Wigeon at Idaho Flats (KM).
NORTHERN PINTAIL migration is underway as RL spotted three flocks
flying north at Yaquina Head on 2/5.
17 REDHEAD at Sallys Bend on 1/19 (KM) are to be expected, but
the adult male and immature male still at Eckman Lake on 2/2 & 9 are
unusual (KM).
On 2/2, a flock of 350 scoters north of Yaquina Head was
comprised of 60% BLACK SCOTERS and 40% SURF SCOTERS with about
10 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS dispersed in the area (KM). On 2/9, a flock
of 550 at the Head had about 70% Blacks and 30% Surfs (KM). The high
number of Black Scoters is not unusual there now.
On 2/2, 45 COMMON GOLDENEYES were interacting in north Alsea Bay
and two adult male, one adult female, and one immature female-type
BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were at their customary location near the Alsea
Port Docks (KM). Three Barrow's were also at the Port Docks on
2/9 (KM).
OLDSQUAWS haven't been reported at Yaquina Bay recently, but two
were at Yaquina Head on 2/2 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.15 RAPTORS
Our first spring TURKEY VULTURE was near Toledo on 2/21 (AF).
A single BALD EAGLE graced Yaquina Head during seven days in
January (BLM), and a nearly adult eagle with some dark feathers on the
head and a dark terminal band on the tail cruised by the Head on
2/2 (KM). An adult was also at the south side of Yachats River on 2/3
(BBa) and on a snag in lower Beaver Creek on 2/24 (LO).
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was at the Florence South Jetty (Lane Co.) on
1/25 (RW); they have been rare recently in Lincoln Co.
One COOPER'S HAWK visited the YBSJ on 2/7 (BLl).
A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK flew into a window at SSc's Neskowin
(Tillamook Co.) home on 2/13 and perished; it was a beautiful bird
with fine markings. An immature walked around the USFWS Building at
the HMSC on 2/11, intently looking down as if hunting for prey (RL);
perhaps it hadn't learned yet that it was supposed to be hunting prey
from perches.
One male PEREGRINE FALCON was at the HMSC on 1/24 (RL), and a
Peregrine was also there on 2/21 (TM). One visited Yaquina Head
during five days in January, and two were spotted there on 1/29 (BLM);
an adult was at Alsea Bay on 2/2 (KM).
Our only AMERICAN KESTREL was along north Yaquina Bay Road
on 2/9 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.16 RAILS-ALCIDS
VIRGINIA RAILS were calling at Beaver Creek on 2/19 (LO).
GREATER YELLOWLEGS regularly winter in coastal freshwater marshy
areas here, and up to 13 were noted at South Beaver Creek on 2/8 (SD)
and 2/9 (J&SS).
COMMON SNIPE have become scarcer or at least are seldom reported,
and our only reports are of singletons at Beaver Creek on 2/1 (LO) and
the YBSJ near the Snowy Owl on 2/10 (BLl).
A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was at the YBSJ on 2/2 (KM) and 2/9
(J&SS).
No BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were noted from shore, but 60 adults
and two immatures were spotted during the 2/15 pelagic trip off
Depoe Bay (MH).
The only ANCIENT MURRELET report was of one washed ashore near
Thiel Creek in early January (B&SLo, S&DB). During the 2/15 pelagic
trip from Depoe Bay, 12 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS with breeding plumes and
two CASSIN'S AUKLETS were noted (MH). On 2/2, KM spotted a
MARBLED MURRELET in breeding plumage with white scapulars.
1-2 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS at Yaquina Head on 2/2 and 2/9 were not in
breeding plumage (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.17 SNOWY OWL
SOUTH BEACH SNOWY OWL.--MB first reported a SNOWY OWL this winter
in Lincoln Co.; it was seen on 2/2 about 1.5 miles south of the YBSJ.
The word spread so that many people have had a chance to see it just
south of the YBSJ; SLk and JW espied it on 2/13.
Some observers have identified this owl as being a female, and
she is (was ?) often about 1/4 to 1/2 mile south of the concrete
building and weather antennas at the YBSJ perched on a drift log in
the deflation plain, between the pine trees and the first sand dune
from the ocean.
There is some question if more than one Snowy Owl is present
there because SR thought that the head spotting pattern was different
between the owl on 2/17 (which had some spots on the back of its head
and a horizontal crest of brownish spots just above the facial disk)
and the one there the week before (which had an all white head).
A story about it was even on the front page of the Newport
"News-Times" on 2/21. But perhaps the publicity was too much for the
owl as I have not heard any reports of it in the YBSJ dunes since
then.
On 2/21, a Snowy was seen catching a cormorant along the ocean
beach just south of South Beach State Park, landing on the beach to
eat it, and then later flying off with the remains (fide TW).
The latest report in the South Beach area is of one flying over
the HMSC, screeching, and glittering in the light of the full moon at
9 PM on 2/22 (TB).
BEAVER CREEK/DRIFT CREEK SNOWY OWL.--On 1/24, TW was doing an
ODFW wildlife survey in a helicopter and detected a Snowy flying along
South Beaver Creek. This was reported on 2/18, but LO was unable to
find it the following weekend.
On 2/23, BMi (fide LO) saw a Snowy about six miles inland from
HWY 101 on a gravel road that leads to Drift Creek at Alsea Bay.
Since this isn't far from where the South Beaver Creek one was
detected, perhaps they are the same owl, and it may be staying in that
area.
COMMENTS.--Elsewhere, several Snowy Owls have been reported in
western Oregon, including at the Florence South Jetty (RW) and
Tillamook Co.
One was last previously seen in Lincoln Co. at Waldport in
November 1977, but 1973-1974 was the biggest winter in memory, with up
to three seen at a time in Newport, and one lingered to 4/12.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.18 OTHER OWLS-BROWN CREEPER
WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS were seen/heard at north Beaver Creek on
2/1 & 22 (LO) and east of Toledo on 2/8 (SD & CP). A
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL was calling at Waldport on 2/5 (RL).
Our first spring male RUFOUS HUMMER arrived just south of
Waldport on 2/17 (D&BM) and a few days later at South Beach (EH).
Male ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS have been regular winter visitors to D&BM's
feeder south of Waldport, with the first female appearing on 1/13 and
on that day up to three male and one female Anna's were at their
feeder.
One BLACK PHOEBE remains at South Beaver Creek on 2/2 (KM),
2/6 (DC & BBe), and 2/10 (VT); there were possibly two there
on 2/9 (J&SS).
HORNED LARKS have become rare here, but two were near Newport's
LNG tank on 2/5 (DP), and the mass of birders to the YBSJ spotted
eight along the YBSJ roadway and three on the ocean beach on 2/8 (BT),
10-11 in a flock along the YBSJ roadside on 2/9 and 2/20 (J&SS; D&BG;
VT), and 24 in a flock on 2/9 (BLl).
The first spring TREE SWALLOWS were at South Beach near the
Snowy Owl on 2/7 (RO), about a week earlier than at Logsden (BLl).
At 5-6 PM on 2/26, DF estimated 900 AMERICAN CROWS flying south
at Eckman Lake; he used blocks of 100 to estimate their numbers. That
is the largest concentration of crows here that I am aware of; on
5 Nov. 1991 and 1 January 1992, BLl twice saw flocks of 200-400 crows
in the Logsden area (Journal of Oregon Ornithology 2:178). It is
unclear if the Eckman Lake crows were migrating or were concentrated
for courtship and pairing.
Our only BROWN CREEPER report was of one in north Toledo on
1/27 (P&MD), and a WINTER WREN sang near Neskowin on 1/29 (SSc).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.19 BLUEBIRDS-FINCHES
Two WESTERN BLUEBIRDS flying over Thornton Creek on 2/27 (DF) are
our only observation. Two CEDAR WAXWINGS continued to linger in
Newport on 2/2 (PD); most will arrive in late May.
NORTHERN SHRIKES have become scarce in Lincoln Co.; the only
sighting this winter was one at the Siletz Bay NWR (National Wildl.
Refuge) on 1/28 (RL).
With the influx of birders, there has been an increase of
PALM WARBLER sightings near the HMSC; the latest was on 2/21 (AF).
Our first winter record of a CHIPPING SPARROW was an adult in
breeding plumage at CP's feeder in Toledo on 2/7 and confirmed by SD
on 2/8. CP & SD note that immature Chipping and Clay-colored Sparrows
can be very difficult to separate, but this was an adult Chipping
Sparrow.
Up to three WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were at RW's Florence feeder
on 1/30. There are usually more immature than adult WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS here in winter, and that has also been the case this winter
south of Waldport as the only adult was noted on 12/23 (D&BM).
A SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO first appeared at D&BM's home
south of Waldport on 12/24 and SSc's Neskowin home on 1/26.
A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was along the HMSC Nature Trail on
2/5 (R&NM).
1-2 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS graced Yaquina Head during six days in
January (BLM), and one was at YBSJ on 2/9 (J&SS).
An immature BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was in Newport in late December
(R&TN), and an immature male or female was near NW 8th Street in
Newport on 1/2 (PD).
Male HOUSE FINCHES are typically red here, but sometimes
individuals can be orange or yellow, depending upon diet; a pale
yellow one was present for only one day on 1/23 at D&BM's feeder south
of Waldport.
OBSERVERS.--Betty Bahn (BBa), Barb Bellin (BBe), Tim Bellmore,
BLM (Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina Head),
Marianne Brooks, Sara & Don Brown, Dave Copeland, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Dan & Barb Gleason,
Eric Horvath, Matt Hunter, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear (SLk),
Bob & Shirley Loeffel (B&SLo), Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield,
Bob Mikus (BMi), Rick & Nora Miller, Dawson & Bobby Mohler,
Terry Morse, Robin & Tom Nelson, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, S. Rivers, Shirley Schwartz (SSc),
Jamie & Sarah Simmons, Verda Teale, Bill Tice, Tami Wagner,
Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
97.20 March 1997 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes
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, Drift
Creek Pasture=field south of Gorton Road (from HWY 101 south of Cutler
City, turn onto Drift Cr. Road, drive about 0.4 mi, and then turn onto
Gorton Road), Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34,
HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just
east of the HMSC, Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay
bridge along HWY 101, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at
Yaquina Bay, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.21 HERRING SPAWN
Usually in February or March, herring spawn in some intertidal
areas at Yaquina Estuary. When they do, many waterbirds are attracted.
If the eggs are high in the intertidal, gulls tend to monopolize, but if
the eggs are low in the intertidal, then diving birds (especially
scoters) predominate. This year, CP first noted the signs of a herring
spawn (i.e., mass numbers of birds) at the YBSJ on 2/28; the same day DP
estimated about 250 scoters and a thousand gulls there. On 3/2, KM
counted 600 scoters (about 86% SURF SCOTERS, 12% WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS,
and 2% BLACK SCOTERS) and 650 gulls (80% "large," Western-type gulls and
20% MEW GULLS). In past years, 5-10,000 scoters and gulls have been
noted at particularly large Yaquina spawns. But these bird
concentrations only last about 7-10 days, so it is easy to miss them;
this year YBSJ bird numbers were back to normal by 3/9 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.22 GREBES-CORMORANTS
RED-NECKED GREBES are regularly here in winter, but 5-10 at Yaquina
Head on 3/2 and 3/23 (KM) seem like rather large concentrations.
Our only CLARK'S GREBE was amongst WESTERN GREBES at the first rock
finger west of the Yaquina Bay Bridge on 3/1 (SD).
It seems early, but some eager PELAGIC CORMORANTS were working on
their nests under the Alsea Bay Bridge on 3/22 (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.23 GEESE
On 3/21, DP had an exceptional CANADA GOOSE day at Drift Creek
Pasture with 30 Aleutian (a record for Lincoln Co.), nine Dusky, 12
Taverner's, and four Cackling Canada Geese as well as 13 GR.
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. On 3/4, four Aleutians and nine Duskies were there
(RL); since DW reported one of the Dusky band numbers last fall (fide
RL), it appears that they may have overwintered, which is very rare for
Lincoln County.
A flock of 110 Canada (probably all of the Western [Great Basin]
race) and two white-fronted geese were at Bayview Pasture on 3/23 (KM).
While watching them, KM spotted a Coyote that had a lot of black on a
buff background and bright rufous on the back of its head and back of its
ears. "It entered the field from the south, walked north just this side
of the the fence line. The geese walked towards the coyote but kept
their distance. The Coyote walked slowly, stopped to look at the geese,
and then trotted to the ravine and out of sight. From all points in the
field, the geese walked towards where the Coyote went."
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.24 KING EIDER-FALCONS
Queen Eida, the female KING EIDER at the YBSJ, was present during
the herring spawn bird flocks on 3/2 (AC & CB; SR) even though she would
have been hard to pick out amongst all the other birds. She was also
noted after the hubbub died down on 3/8 (SD, MH, & BT), 3/13 (DP),
3/17 (SL), 3/23 (KM), and 3/24 (MS & ND).
250-475 AMERICAN WIGEON along with 1-3 male and one female
red-morph EURASIAN WIGEON foraged on Bayview Pasture on 3/2 & 9 (KM).
At the YBSJ herring spawn, there were 10 HARLEQUIN DUCKS on
3/2 (SD; KM) and six pairs on 3/3 (DP) as well as up to two pairs of
OLDSQUAWS on 3/2 (SD; SR; KM), 3/8 (SD, MH, & BT), and 3/9 (KM).
1-2 male and one female BARROW'S GOLDENEYES lingered at their Alsea
Bay haunt at the Port Docks on 3/2 (KM; SD).
An adult and an immature BALD EAGLE flew together or within a few
minutes of each other at Waldport on 2/24 (D&BM) and near the mouth of
Beaver Creek on 3/15 (BLo); an immature was at Yaquina Bay State Park on
3/21 (P&MD). At Yaquina Head 1-2 were noted during seven February days,
so they were relatively common there (BLM).
Our first spring OSPREY was calling as it flew over Eckman Lake on
3/14 (RL).
A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK lingered at the HMSC on 3/3 (RL) and 3/19 (DP)
and another was circling above Newport's Embarcadero on 3/20 (CP).
Single COOPER'S HAWKS were near Ona Beach on 3/17 (RL) and south of
Waldport on 3/22 (RL).
Most wintering NORTHERN HARRIERS along the coast are females or
immature males--males are a rarity; inland near Logsden, however, males
are relatively more common in winter (BLl). The first male at the coast
was noted at the HMSC on 3/24 (MS & ND) and 3/25 (DP).
A male MERLIN picked off a junco beneath J&ST's Seal Rocks feeder
in mid-March, and, on 3/19, a female Merlin perched on a spruce limb near
J&ST's window.
An immature PEREGRINE FALCON clung to the concrete handrailing of
the Yaquina Bay Bridge during wind gusts on 3/2 (RL), one narrowly missed
catching a duck in the air at Eckman Lake on 3/14 (RL), and one put on an
aerial show at the Yaquina jetties on 3/24 (MS & ND). At Yaquina Head,
1-2 were viewed during six days in February (BLM).
Our only AMERICAN KESTREL flew over Sallys Bend on 2/22 (JP).
A BLACK OYSTERCATCHER at the first rock finger west of the Yaquina
Bay Bridge on 3/2 is out of place (KM) but may have been taking advantage
of the herring eggs.
We may complain about the weather we had in early March--it was
sometimes cold and wet. But imagine that you are a small shorebird only
a few inches tall in one of the hail storms that we had--those hailstones
would look awfully big and must hurt! On 3/12 at Seal Rocks, GH noted a
flock of SANDERLINGS huddled together, and they were screeching a lot
while the hail pounded down, but they became quiet when the hail stopped!
No shelter for them!
A straggler WHIMBREL or two sometimes winters here in recent years,
but a flock of 4-5 at Idaho Flats on 3/24 (MS & ND) and 3/25 (DP)
suggests spring migration.
Seven COMMON SNIPE at south Beaver Creek on 3/2 (KM) is a large
concentration now for this once more abundant species; some apparently
nest in high elevation marshes in NE Lincoln County.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.25 GLAUCOUS GULL
At YBSJ, a second year GLAUCOUS GULL on 3/1 (CP) and a first-winter
Glaucous on 3/2 (KM) were reported.
In spring, there have regularly been a few puzzling large gulls
that are white but have all-dark bills; however, immature GLAUCOUS GULLS
can be white and have a black tip to their bill, but the base of their
bill is flesh-colored.
Unfortunately, our field guides don't show these puzzling 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." On p. 127 of his book Ocean
Birds of the Nearshore Pacific, he also writes that old feathers become
more white as they become more abraded in Glaucous-winged and Thayer's
Gulls and that partial albinism is also relatively frequent, so that
bill size and pattern on first and second year Glaucous Gulls must be
noted before an identification can be made.
Alternatively to a faded Glaucous-winged Gull, it is also very
possible that some white gulls with dark bills could be hybrid
first-winter GLAUCOUS X GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS as SR identified one at the
YBSJ on 3/2. The key to distinguishing these two possibilities is to
scrutinize the amount of wear in the primaries (SR).
Identifying large gulls and their hybrids can be tough, and we are
still learning!
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.26 OTHER GULLS-PIGEON
SD detected an apparent yellow-eyed variety of THAYER'S GULL at the
bird parking area on the YBSJ on 3/2; he also saw one in Lincoln County
last year. The same day, SR spotted an adult Thayer's with very pale
yellow irides at Boiler Bay at the same place that he saw one that looked
exactly the same last year.
A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was feeding with other gulls at the YBSJ
herring spawn on 3/1 & 2 (CP).
Our first CASPIAN TERN of the season was picked out of the gulls
resting at Idaho Flats on 3/21 (DP). This is about 10 days earlier than
when they have been usually first reported, but given their relative
inconspicuousness (e.g., lack of calling) upon their first arrival, their
arrivals may have often been missed in the past. On 3/23, one flew over
Boiler Bay (AC & CB), Waldport (KM), and Idaho Flats (KM); and, on 3/24,
six visited Idaho Flats (MS & ND).
A very freshly dead HORNED PUFFIN in winter plumage washed ashore
at Yaquina Head on 3/6 (EB).
At Boiler Bay on 3/23, AC & CB spotted four ANCIENT MURRELETS
(late) and a single RHINOCEROS AUKLET (early).
A few PIGEON GUILLEMOTS overwinter, but the three in breeding
plumage near the HMSC on 3/9 (KM), 30 at Boiler Bay on 3/23 (AC & CB),
and 46 at Yaquina Head on 3/23 (KM) are signs of spring and the upcoming
nesting season. In recent years, wintering PG's are occasionally along
the coast but are still very rare in Yaquina Estuary.
Our first BAND-TAILED PIGEON arrived on 3/8 at Toledo (CP) and the
next day in Waldport (RL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.27 SNOWY OWL-THRUSHES
The South Beach SNOWY OWL was on driftwood along the ocean beach on
2/26 (CP), and our last report was that it was also near the YBSJ on 3/1
(fide CP).
Just south of Waldport, D&BM write about NORTHERN FLICKERS: "On
2/9, 'tis a tale of three flickers on a cedar snag. One male by itself
on one branch is vigorously drumming his song. In the meantime a second
male and a female are billing and necking (literally) on a parallel
branch. After a bit, the second male challenges the drummer and the two
fly off. The female waits a while and follows. On most days there is a
lot of drumming and vocalizing in various forms."
It is getting crazy out there! On 2/23, SS viewed a COMMON RAVEN
with a doughnut in its bill flying low over her Neskowin home (Tillamook
Co.)! A neighbor throws bakery products into his yard for the birds.
A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY visited Waldport on 3/22 (LO), our only
GRAY JAY was at JL's Newton Hill home north of Toledo on 2/21, and two
BROWN CREEPERS were near the Toledo Library on 3/13 (P&MD).
Three WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were near Burnt Woods on 3/10 (CP), and
both HERMIT THRUSHES and VARIED THRUSHES graced Yaquina Bay State Park on
3/7 (PD).
AMERICAN ROBINS are partially migratory here--some winter, but in
most years an influx is noticed in January or February. On 2/25, SS
discovered 51 on her Neskowin yard.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.28 WARBLERS-SISKINS
On 2/28 in Toledo, what sounded like a HERMIT WARBLER song was
heard in Toledo, but as MH points out, TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS have a similar
song and are present now--it is too early for a Hermit. Since Hermit and
Townsend's Warblers sometimes hybridize, even they may have a difficult
time distinguishing their songs! On 3/14, RL discovered that the trees
near his Waldport home were full of Townsend's, with the males in
beautiful plumage; this may have been a wave of them passing through.
In recent years, a few ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS winter, such as the
one at the HMSC on 1/20 (JP); their presence makes it difficult to tell
when immigrants arrive. One was singing on 2/28 in Newport may have
wintered, but the large number singing there on 3/24 (CP) were probably
immigrants because in past years that is about when they arrived.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS have been very conspicuous this winter and
early spring; they were in evidence at Yachats on 3/4 (SL).
On 3/14, RL saw a mysterious bird at his Waldport feeder--upon
closer inspection he discovered it was a FOX SPARROW whose outer 3-4
primaries on both wings were white!
The CHIPPING SPARROW at CP's Toledo feeder was last reported on
3/8, where it was noted to be in winter adult plumage (SD, MH, & BT).
Some WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS winter, but spring migration is often
in evidence in late March as suggested by those singing on 3/24 in Toledo
(P&MD) and Newport (RB). However, careful observations suggest that the
immigration may occur earlier as D&BM noted that the first adult appeared
at their home south of Waldport on 2/12 with five on 2/22 and eight on
2/27; earlier this year, immatures were present.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW lingered at RW's Florence (Lane Co.)
feeder through February.
A SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO visited JL's Newton Hill home on
2/21 & 22 and SS's Neskowin home on 2/26 & 27 and 3/3. Both birds were
absent after those dates.
Four WESTERN MEADOWLARKS sang near the Newport's LNG tank on
2/28 (CP), and the first HOUSE FINCH song of the year was reported south
of Waldport on 2/5 (D&BM).
PINE SISKINS have been intermittent this year. None had been at
J&ST's Seal Rocks feeder until a flock arrived on 1/31, and 200 flying
over the LNG tank on 3/3 was the first flock CP had seen in some time
because they had not been at his Toledo feeder. But they showed up at
CP's Toledo home on 3/8. A flock was also in Waldport on 3/19 (SL).
OBSERVERS.--Elayne Barclay, Range Bayer, Bureau of Land Management
at Yaquina Head (BLM), Chris Butler, Alan Contreras, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Norine Dietrich, Steve Dowlan, Gayle Hansen, Matt Hunter,
Janet Lamberson, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear, Bob Loeffel (BLo),
Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Jonathan Plissner, Skip Russell,
Shirley Schwartz, Mary Anne Sohlstrom (MS), Jim & Shirley Thielen,
Bill Tice, Dave Wagner, Ruth Warren.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
97.29 April 1997 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes
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, Drift Creek
Pasture=field south of Gorton Road (from HWY 101 south of Cutler City,
turn onto Drift Cr. Road, drive about 0.4 mi, and then turn onto Gorton
Road), Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield
Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the HMSC,
Mike Miller Park=county park on east side of HWY 101 in South Beach,
Seabrook Lane=residential area just south of Waldport near HWY 101,
Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay
bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.30 SPRING ARRIVALS & OVERSIMPLIFYING NATURE
"Cliff Swallows arrived on April 1, right on schedule."
This kind of writing often appears in field notes columns (including
mine), but is it true? Does a species arrive on the date that we first
report it and then stick around?
For many terrestrial species in Lincoln County, this type of quote
is misleading. Darrel Faxon at Thornton Creek, Lloyd and Luella Seabury
at Sandpiper Village, and Dawson and Bobby Mohler at Seabrook Lane have
made daily observations and perusal of their records indicate that many
migrating species may be present less than half of the days in the 10 day
period after the first bird is noted. This means that without daily
observation effort, we can easily miss the actual first migrant and our
"first" dates may more reflect human energy levels than actual bird
migration. Secondly, it indicates that migrants don't all arrive
together and then take up residence after the first bird appears. We can
obscure the migrants' mobility by pooling observations from many sites,
so that it appears that the species is present every day (somewhere), but
in so doing we overlook their passage through individual sites.
A second simplification of "Cliff Swallows arrived on . . ." is that
a reader could infer that there is one entity, a species, that arrived on
a particular date. This inference ignores the distinction between the
species (Cliff Swallow), which is a human concept, and the individual
birds that constitute the species. The species does nothing because it
is not a physical entity; the individual birds fly and migrate. The
species concept is useful in allowing us to try to understand Nature, but
undue reliance on it results in our overlooking the wonderful diversity
of the lives of birds. For example, the timing of arrival of individuals
may depend upon gender, age-class, wintering area, and destination.
Males may arrive first, older before younger birds, and migrants passing
through before birds that will take up residence for the season.
Further, birds of different subspecies may differ in their migration time
or residency.
"Cliff Swallows arrived on . . ." is a glib statement that we think
we understand. The problem is that we mask the diversity of Nature with
such simple statements and in so doing may delude ourselves into thinking
we know more than we do. It is worth the effort of exploring the
complexity of Nature because doing so allows us to become more aware, to
understand more than we do, and to recognize the mystery of Nature.
All that being said, the problem of authors writing field notes
columns is that there is not space to write about all the diversity, so
it is up to the reader to be aware that our writings may be
oversimplifications.
Nature is more wonder-full than we may imagine!
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.31 CONGRATS!
BLo started a beached bird walk along 4.5 mi of beach near Thiel
Creek in 1978 and has since been joined by S&DB and his wife SLo. A very
informative article written by SS about their efforts appeared in the
April 4 Newport "News-Times" on p. B-4. Great job!
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.32 WHAT A FEAT!
On 4/21, SaL ran the Boston Marathon and was surprised to be feted
by crowds around the entire course, cheering the participants on! Avid
birder that she is, she reports that while her feet were otherwise
occupied, she still spotted COMMON GRACKLES and CANADA GEESE!
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.33 ALBATROSS-EGRETS
One BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS was beached near the mouth of Alsea Bay
during the first few days in April (MR). The USFWS does beached bird
transects from Seal Rocks to Alsea Bay from June through September, and
BLo and others do beached bird walks near Thiel Creek throughout the
year, so please leave beached birds at those times or places, or, if you
take any birds, please let them know.
1-2 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS flitting over the channel between the
rock fingers west of the Yaquina Bay Bridge on 3/31 (DF) and 4/1 (DPe)
are rare, and our first BROWN PELICAN was at Boiler Bay on 4/19 (GG).
GREEN HERONS winter in very small numbers; the first one was near
the HMSC on 4/28 (RL) and at Eckman Lake within a couple of days (RL; SaL
& KH). Our only GREAT EGRET was at Lincoln City on 4/19 (GG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.34 WATERFOWL
A pair of CANADA GEESE at Yachats Bay on 3/30 is the first pair
that BB has seen there. 31 ALEUTIAN Canada Geese and 12 GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were at Drift Creek Pasture on 3/31 (DPi).
On 4/13, CK noted about 600 birds (probably geese) migrating north
in large "V's" at Newport, and the next day in the afternoon, CP was at
South Beach and saw 80 white-fronteds flying west towards the ocean.
Flights west across the Lincoln County Coast Range are a regular spring
feature, and the geese may do so to conserve energy by taking a Great
Circle Route (1995 Oregon Birds 21:10-12). On 4/14, FS saw five large
flocks of geese flying north along the Lincoln City coastline.
DPi has been carefully reading BRANT leg bands the past two winters
at Yaquina Bay and has found that at least nine have resided there over
140 days, so "it's official," some are clearly winter residents! DPi
found that 4 of 5 members of one family that arrived last October 24 were
still here until at least 4/7, and one of them was here to at least 4/15
(170 days).
1-2 CINNAMON TEAL at Eckman Lake on 4/12 (RL) and the next day at
Beaver Creek (DF) were our first, and late records include a male and two
female NORTHERN SHOVELERS in a freshwater pond by the YBSJ fence on 3/4
(CP), a male EURASIAN WIGEON at south Beaver Creek on 4/6 (KM), and a
pair of OLDSQUAWS at Yaquina Head on 4/6 (KM).
Up to eight SURF SCOTERS swam in the shallows or stood or walked on
the sand beach just south of Waldport on 3/29; they appeared to be
feeding (JS), perhaps on Mole Crabs (Emerita analoga)?
Many scoters linger near Yaquina Head, with 650 there on 4/6; about
50% were Surfs and 50% were BLACK SCOTERS (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.35 RAPTORS
We have been getting many BALD EAGLE sightings, so only those of
special note are listed. One caught a COMMON MURRE at Yaquina Head in
mid-March (fide RO) and flushed murres from their colony on 4/6 (fide
KM). An adult has been flying north over the hill at the Yachats River
mouth at least twice a week in March (BB), and, on 4/17, a pair of adults
perched together at Seal Rocks (J&ST); there are no known nests near
either location.
A pair of OSPREY were calling at Mike Miller Park on 3/23 (DF), and
one was near the nest there on 3/31 (B& SLo). It is not clear if one at
the South Beach State Park nest on 3/31 (RL) may also go to Mike Miller
Park. One with a fish flew over JW's head at Yaquina John Point, south
of Waldport, on 4/25.
Our only accipiter was a COOPER'S HAWK at Toledo on 4/12 (CP), and
a male NORTHERN HARRIER was at the HMSC on 3/29 (MC) and 4/21 (DPi);
generally female or immature male harriers predominate along the coast.
A PEREGRINE FALCON was at Beaver Creek on 3/29 (MC), near RO's
Newport home on 3/30, at Yaquina Head on 4/9 (JF) and 4/19 (GG), at north
Siletz Bay on 4/12 (FS), and at Cape Foulweather during the winter and in
late April (SW). A MERLIN visited RL's Eckman Lake home on 4/7.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.36 SHOREBIRDS
Three downy KILLDEER chicks, including one so small that it could
barely stand, were on the sidewalk near the USFWS building at the HMSC on
4/7 (DPi).
Spring arrivals include: 17 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and one
LONG-BILLED CURLEW at Idaho Flats on 4/7 (DPi), and a MARBLED GODWIT at
Alsea Bay on 4/21 (DF). A second curlew was with Whimbrels on the beach
just north of the mouth of Beaver Creek on 4/28 (DF).
The peak of peep (small shorebird) migration is usually the last
few days of April or first few days of May, and on 4/29, RL estimated
about 3,000 peeps at a portion of Idaho Flats with waves taking off and
flying north at 5 PM.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.37 GULLS-HUMMINGBIRDS
Over twenty BONAPARTE'S GULLS in winter or breeding plumage at
Idaho Flats on 4/9 (DPi) were our first of the spring, and an adult
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE at the Yachats River mouth on 4/13 (KM) was the
only one reported.
The first contingents of CASPIAN TERNS were silent, but some were
very vocal by 3/29 at Alsea Bay (MC). Their numbers have built up
quickly, as JF counted 48 at Idaho Flats on 4/9.
A beached RHINOCEROS AUKLET was near Thiel Creek on 3/31 (B&SLo,
S&DB), and a pair were alive at Yaquina Head on 4/19 (GG).
On 2/28, a dead HORNED PUFFIN washed ashore near Thiel Creek
(B&SLo, S&DB), and, as reported last month, a freshly dead one was also
beached at Yaquina Head on 3/6 (EB). Evidently, there must have been
some kind of movement, or at least die-off, during that time.
Large numbers of PIGEON GUILLEMOTS continue at Yaquina Head with
347 in breeding plumage on 4/6 (KM).
During a night owling expedition on 3/29, JS & MC heard a
NO. PYGMY-OWL and a WESTERN SCREECH-OWL in the hills south of Waldport.
On 4/4 & 7, RL heard a pygmy owl calling near his Eckman Lake home.
VAUX'S SWIFTS were first noted on 4/24 over the Toledo High School
Track on 4/24 (RL) and the next day at CP's Toledo home and RO's Newport
home.
In early March, a male and female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD were sometimes
on opposite sides of D&BM's Seabrook Lane feeder, and the first female
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD arrived at their feeder on 3/13; after then, only a
male Anna's Hummingbird was seen at the feeder during the day.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.38 SWALLOWS
Spring arrivals include: NO. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW at north Beaver
Creek on 3/29 (MC), BARN SWALLOW at Thornton Creek on 4/4 (DF), CLIFF
SWALLOW at Beaver Creek on 4/13 (DF), and PURPLE MARTIN at the HMSC on
4/15 (RL).
Swallow numbers aren't often estimated, although they can be
numerous sometimes over wetlands or lakes. On 4/13, KM roughly estimated
270 at Eckman Lake, about 70% of which seemed to be Tree Swallows and
about 30% were VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.39 BROWN CREEPER-WARBLERS
A BROWN CREEPER visited Seal Rocks in mid-April (J&ST), and
MARSH WRENS were singing at Beaver Creek on 3/29 (MC); both species are
underreported.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS don't get much attention, but some were
flycatching and singing at Beaver Creek on 3/29 (MC).
A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE in a clearcut south of Waldport and about
3 mi inland from HWY 101 on 3/28 (JS) is a very good find, and a pair of
WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in a young clearcut near Palmer Creek (Siletz River) on
3/30 was a welcome sight (MH)! Our latest HERMIT THRUSH was at SaL's
Yachats home on 4/7.
Arriving warblers include: WILSON'S WARBLER at Thornton Creek on
4/17 (DF) and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER at Thornton Creek on 4/18 (DF).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.40 SPARROWS
Last reports include a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in full breeding
plumage on 4/4 and two CHIPPING SPARROWS on 4/15 at CP's Toledo feeder.
Three subspecies of SAVANNAH SPARROWS occur along the Oregon Coast
(1994 J. Oregon Ornithology 3:324), two of which are spring and fall
migrants, the other can reside and nest. On 4/30, BLl saw many
light-brown ones with pronounced yellow lores along the YBSJ that seem
unlike those further inland.
Band records are always interesting because they provide some
individual background about birds. A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW found dead in
South Beach on 4/22 was banded last September 30 in Ventana Wilderness
Sanctuary, just east of Monterey, California (fide DPi). Their mobility
is also illustrated by the different subspecies that may be present as,
on 4/26 at Yaquina Head, JR noted that most were of the Gambel's
subspecies, but the 1940 and 1994 "Birds of Oregon" both indicate that
the Puget Sound subspecies is the one that nests in western Oregon
although Gambel's may move through.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.41 LONGSPUR-EVENING GROSBEAK
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR in partial breeding plumage visited the YBSJ
roadside on 3/31 (DF). On 4/6 along the YBSJ road, JS saw a male in
breeding plumage and a second one in winter plumage, and DF spotted a
female and two males in breeding plumage. The last one was noted on 4/9
(JF). This is a great spring showing for them!
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS are adaptable. On 3/16 at south Beaver
Creek, DF saw a female sallying forth from a perch and flycatching like a
flycatcher, and he notes that in several falls he has seen Red-wings in
coastal spruce trees appearing to go after seeds as the cones opened.
A WESTERN MEADOWLARK in RO's residential yard in Newport on 4/20 is
out of place.
As noted last month, too, flocks of PINE SISKINS appeared in
mid-March. The first flock of more than a dozen arrived at D&BM's
Seabrook Lane feeder on 3/7.
Many EVENING GROSBEAKS were at MH's Newport feeder in early
April--they sometimes also put on a good show in May.
OBSERVERS.--Elayne Barclay, Betty Bahn, Sara & Don Brown,
Marcia Cutler, Darrel Faxon, Jeff Fleischer, Greg Gillson, Mary Holbert,
Karen Houston, Clyde Kelly, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear (SaL),
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Robert Olson, Diane Pettey (DPe), Chuck Philo,
Dave Pitkin (DPi), Mike Rivers, Joe Russin, Floyd Schrock,
Sharon SeaBrook, Jamie Simmons, Jim & Shirley Thielen, Jean Weakland,
Susan Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
97.42 May 1997 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes
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, Driftwood
Beach SP=park about halfway between Seal Rocks and Waldport,
Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield Marine
Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the HMSC,
Mike Miller Park=county park on east side of HWY 101 in South Beach,
Nute Slough=freshwater slough at about mile 9.3 along north Yaquina Bay
Road, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay,
Seabrook Lane=residential area just south of Waldport near HWY 101,
Thiel Creek=creek south of Airport and about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay
bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.43 TEAM BIRDING
We were blessed this month with field notes from several groups,
who in sharing their observations, help give us a better idea of what
birds were here. They included the 5/2-4 Portland Audubon Society
Birdathon teams, the abbreviated-for-rough-seas 5/4 pelagic trip from
Depoe Bay, Oregon Big Day groups on 5/13 and 15, the YB&N Field Trip on
5/17 led by CP, and the HMSC Marine Biology Class in mid-May led by RO.
It is not feasible to list everyone, so only the name of the leader or
the person reporting the field notes is given. Thank you!
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.44 LOONS, GREBES, & TUBENOSES
Lots of loons flying north were seen from onshore locations; many
PACIFIC LOONS were flying north offshore of Depoe Bay on 5/4 (MHu) and
past Yaquina Bay on 5/19 (RO). A PIED-BILLED GREBE on the freshwater
side of Nute Slough on 5/18 (KM) is late for there and may indicate
possible nesting.
A BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS washed ashore near Thiel Creek on 4/26
(B&SLo, S&DB), and eight live ones were flying about 22 nautical miles
(nmi) west of Beverly Beach, just north of Yaquina Head, on 5/25 (RL).
During the 5/4 pelagic trip from Depoe Bay, MHu noted about
15 SOOTY SHEARWATERS that showed heavy molt of their inner primaries and
some upperwing coverts, and during TJ and other's 5/15 Oregon Big Day,
they spotted hundreds of Sooties from Boiler Bay and Rocky Creek Wayside
(Whale Cove). On 5/25, RL noted about 300 Sooty and eight
PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS in a boat offshore of the Newport area.
Our only FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL was a singleton flying by
Beverly Beach on 5/15 (TJ et al.).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.45 PELICANS & CORMORANTS
Our second BROWN PELICAN this April was one at Depoe Bay on 4/21
(CG); in May, three were at Boiler Bay on 5/3 (PAS), an immature flew
south near Depoe Bay on 5/4 (MHu), an adult and an immature were at
Yaquina Head on 5/4 (KM), one was off Siletz Bay on 5/10 (TJ et al.),
16 were on a rock off Seal Rocks on 5/18 (KM), and nine flew north at
Yaquina Head on 5/20 (RO). Pelicans started appearing in the spring of
1982, and it is unclear if the large number of sightings this year
represents an increase in pelicans or in observation effort and
reporting.
On 5/4 at Yaquina Head, KM estimated 550 BRANDT'S CORMORANTS on
Colony Rock, 175 on Flattop Rock south of Colony Rock, 150 on the
headland, and 180 south of the headland for a total of 1,055 with many
involved in courtship displays.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.46 WATERFOWL
During spring migration and summer, BLACK BRANT can show up at
coastal locations where there are no wintering birds. On 5/18, KM spotted
11 flying at Alsea Bay; some were noticeably lighter than others, but
this could be because they were partially molting, not because they were
Atlantic Brant. On 5/19, DP spotted six Brant (including two with leg
bands) at the Otter Rock Marine Gardens and eight Brant west of the
Yaquina Bay Bridge (including one with a leg band).
On 5/19, a flock of about 60 CANADA GEESE were heading north over
Newport's Arctic Circle (restaurant) at 8:30 AM and some were also flying
north about the same on previous days (CP). They may have been the
vanguard of the late May northerly flight of Western Canada Geese that
has been noted in recent years; RL & DP also spotted a flock of eight
Westerns heading north over Yaquina Bay on 5/21. Westerns may be having
a successful nesting season as RL spotted eight broods at Eckman Slough
on 5/3.
A female MALLARD with 11 newly hatched ducklings at Eckman Lake on
5/1 (RL) had her "hands" full!
Late ducks include a nonbreeding-plumage male OLDSQUAW near the
Alsea Bay Port Dock on 4/27 (KM), a male NORTHERN SHOVELER at Idaho Flats
on 5/4 (KM), a pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL and a male CINNAMON TEAL at
Eckman Lake on 5/5 (RL), and a female or immature male HARLEQUIN DUCK at
Yaquina Head on 5/18 (KM).
Scoters migrate north along the coast en masse in spring, but
migration is stressful and not all of them make it; a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
and three SURF SCOTERS were beached near Thiel Creek in mid-April (B&SLo,
S&DB). On 4/27, KM found that about 50% of a flock of 150 scoters to the
NE of Yaquina Head were Surfs and the other 50% were BLACK SCOTERS, but
of a flock of 360 scoters at Yachats, about 40% were Surfs, 30% were
Blacks, and 30% were White-wings, so the flocks can differ in
composition, even on the same day.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.47 RAPTORS
An OSPREY has been at the Mike Miller Park nest in early May, but
there hasn't been any activity at the South Beach State Park nest (BLo).
One was on the Mike Miller nest, and the other perched nearby on 5/4
(D&BM).
There were many reports of BALD EAGLES, including one circling over
some ducks in Beaver Creek in early May, when a RED-TAILED HAWK flew from
out of the woods, folded its wings and struck the eagle in the back (fide
LO)!
A male NORTHERN HARRIER at Thiel Creek on 5/7 (BLo) is later than
most, but a few are occasionally present in summer, and the only
WHITE-TAILED KITE was at the Florence (Lane Co.) airport on 4/29 (RW).
From the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop, KP watched a PEREGRINE FALCON
eating prey on a cliff on 5/1, and a PAS team saw one taking a European
Starling from the air as it emerged from a Purple Martin house in Newport
on 5/2 or 3. SG noted that two had often been at Yaquina Head, but left
(to nest ?) by mid-May.
RW reports seeing a GYRFALCON flying in front of her car at
Lily Lake (Lane Co.) on 5/13, which is very late for one.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.48 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS & RAILS
WILD TURKEYS were released near Burnt Woods at least several years
ago, and stragglers have appeared along the coast. On 5/11, R&LL drove
up to a "wild" hen in the middle of the Eckman Creek Road; RL writes "The
turkey walked off the road, then crouched in the gravel on the side of
the roadway. I got out of the truck and slowly walked over to the
cowering bird. I bent down and began petting the bird!" The next day,
LL saw the hen squatted down in the middle of the road to "hide"! This
may be a case where a bird in the bush is worth more than a dozen in the
hand!
VIRGINIA RAILS were heard calling at several places along Beaver
Creek on 4/23 (LO) and 5/3 (MHu et al.).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.49 SHOREBIRDS
The rarest bird for Lincoln County this month was an
AMERICAN AVOCET at Idaho Flats on 5/13 that was discovered at the end of
TJ and others' Oregon Big Day that recorded 206 species!
The fun part about spring shorebird migration is to see birds in
breeding plumage that look dramatically different than during winter. On
5/21, south of the YBSJ, CP saw a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER in breeding
plumage in great light that looked exquisite!
A KILLDEER nest with five eggs was near the HMSC public wing on
5/21 (fide RO).
Migrant SPOTTED SANDPIPERS often drop out during May in unlikely
locations such as the ocean beach; for example, two were on the YBSJ
rocks on 5/4 (KM). 1-5 at Newport Reservoir on 5/2 and 5/10 (BLo) and
Eckman Lake on 5/10 (RL) and 5/18 (KM) were at freshwater locations where
they could nest, but I believe all our nesting records are further inland
around streams, so even these will probably not remain.
1-6 MARBLED GODWITS were at Siletz Bay (DH) and Nye Beach
(Newport)(PAS) on 5/3, Sallys Bend on 5/4 (MHu et al.), and Idaho Flats
on 5/13 (TJ et al.).
2-3 WANDERING TATTLERS visited Yaquina Head and Siletz Bay on
5/2 & 3 (PAS) and Depoe Bay on 5/4 (MHu et al.).
There were 20-30 WHIMBRELS at Siletz Bay on 5/3 (DH), 95 at Yaquina
Bay on 5/4 (MHu et al.), a dozen on a Yachats beach in mid-May (KH), and
about a hundred along the beach south of Driftwood Beach State Park
during the 5/17 YB&N field trip (CP et al.). The most unexpected were
two on the Salishan Golf Course fairway adjacent to HWY 101 on 5/3 (DH).
Two were eating amphipods and mole crabs (Emerita sp.) at Seal Rocks on
5/4--the crabs were hard for a Whimbrel to handle as they wiggled out of
its bill, fell to the sand, and immediately began burrowing (KM)!
1-2 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS were amongst the Whimbrels at Idaho Flats
on 5/4 (MHu et al.; KM) and Siletz Bay on 5/15 (TJ et al.).
Latest reports included a WESTERN SANDPIPER and five DUNLIN at
Idaho Flats on 5/13 (TJ et al.) and a LEAST SANDPIPER at Sallys Bend on
5/18 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.50 GULLS & TERNS
Only four of 99 BONAPARTE'S GULLS at Sallys Bend on 5/18 were in
breeding plumage (KM). In other years, immatures arrived en masse after
adults, and a few oversummered.
On 5/25 about 22 nmi west of Cape Foulweather, RL found
16 SABINE'S GULLS in breeding and nonbreeding plumage, and our only
COMMON TERN report was a flock of 11 roosting on the ocean about
21 nmi off Depoe Bay on 5/25 (RL)! As usual, Caspian Terns were regulars.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.51 ALCIDS
On 4/27, 10 MARBLED MURRELETS were at both Seal Rocks and Yachats
(KM), on 5/15, a late ANCIENT MURRELET was with three Marbleds in the
surf off Mooloch Beach, just north of Yaquina Head (TJ et al.), and, on
5/19, 20 Marbleds in flocks of up to five birds were noted from a boat
between the YBSJ and Yaquina Head (RO).
On 4/27, four RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were at Yaquina Head and two
Rhinos were at Seal Rocks (KM); during the 5/4 pelagic trip out of
Depoe Bay, two CASSIN'S AUKLETS and five Rhinos were detected (MHu); a
Cassin's was discovered at Boiler Bay on 5/15 (TJ et al.); and two
Rhinos were also at Yaquina Head on 5/18 (KM).
261-277 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were on the water at Yaquina Head on
4/27 & 5/4 (KM).
This may be a good year for COMMON MURRE nesting at Yaquina Head
away from their favored Colony Rock as 400 were on Flattop Rock and
115 were on the mainland on 5/4 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.52 DOVES, OWLS, & SWIFTS
Two MOURNING DOVES pecked on the mud at the Nute Slough salt marsh
on 5/4 (KM), and another was at the Ona Grange Hall near Beaver Creek on
5/14 (LO). They have been suspected of nesting in the Nute Slough area
in past years.
A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was calling during broad daylight at
Thornton Creek on 5/22 (DF).
A kettle of 75 VAUX'S SWIFTS over SW Eckman Lake on 5/6 (RL) is a
large concentration. On 5/26, about eight flew down the chimney of RO's
neighbor in Newport--they have nested there in past years.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.53 HUMMERS, WOODPECKERS, & FLYCATCHERS
A female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was still at Seabrook Lane through
5/4 (D&BM); the RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS there found the blooming red currant
to be more attractive than hummingbird feeders in early April.
A PILEATED WOODPECKER was flying through the smoke over the
Newport Asphalt Plant on 5/1 (CP).
Arrivals included PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER at north Toledo on
5/14 (P&MD), WESTERN KINGBIRD at the HMSC on 5/14 (RL & DP), and
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS singing for the YB&N field trip at Mike Miller
Park on 5/17 (CP et al).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.54 SWALLOWS
In the 1950's, PURPLE MARTINS nested in the snags at Beaver Creek,
but in recent years they have been confined to nesting at nest boxes at
Yaquina, Alsea, and Siletz Bays; so martins at several places along
Beaver Creek on 5/4 (MHu et al.), and a female spotted at the mouth of
Thiel Creek on 5/18 (BLo) is intriguing.
While exploring for a nesting home, some birds make mistakes. On
5/10, D&BM heard a fluttering in their Seabrook Lane wood stove and when
the door was opened, out popped a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW!
Two NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were active around an oceanside
cliff at Seal Rocks on 5/18 (KM)--perhaps they will nest there?
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.55 JAYS, CHICKADEES, THRUSHES, & PIPITS
Courtship feeding sometimes accompanies pairbonding, and an example
of this is an adult STELLER'S JAY feeding another adult twice at SS's
Neskowin home (Tillamook Co.) on 5/3.
A CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE collected dog hairs from the bed of
SS's dog in Neskowin on 5/4 and in doing so looked as if it had a hefty
mustache!
Our first SWAINSON'S THRUSH calls (not songs) were heard at Beaver
Creek on 5/7 (LO), and they were singing at Seal Rocks by 5/21 (J&ST).
In early May, SS was very close to an AMERICAN ROBIN singing
heartily at dusk and noted that "there are nuances to the notes that one
does not hear from a greater distance."
The only AMERICAN PIPITS were a flock of 16 at Bayview Pasture on
5/4 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.56 WAXWINGS, WARBLERS, & TANAGERS
More arrivals include MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER in north Toledo on
5/2 (P&MD), BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK at Beaver Creek on 5/8 (LO),
WESTERN TANAGER at Eckman Lake on 5/11 (RL), and CEDAR WAXWINGS in
SW Newport on 5/20 (RB).
A MYRTLE YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER singing in north Toledo on 4/25
(P&MD) reminds us that just because a bird sings, does not mean that it
will stay and nest, as Myrtle's depart here for their breeding range.
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.57 SPARROWS
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS are often quite conspicuous in late April
and early May. 25 were at north Beaver Creek on 4/23 (LO), and several
were at a Yachats feeder on 5/3 (SaL & KH). D&BM noted that at their
Seabrook Lane home that adult-plumaged birds first started appearing on
4/18; perhaps most of those that winter are immatures.
Departures include a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at RW's feeder in
Florence through 4/13 and a SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO at Seabrook Lane
on 4/7 (D&BM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
97.58 MEADOWLARK-EVENING GROSBEAK
A WESTERN MEADOWLARK at Boiler Bay on 5/3 (MHu et al.) is late,
although they may nest inland. The first BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD was noted
at Seabrook Lane on 4/23 (D&BM).
BULLOCK'S ORIOLES are not found here every year, but one visited
Thornton Creek on 5/13 (DF), and RL heard one at the HMSC on 5/15.
AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES arrived at P&MD's north Toledo home on 4/26
and a few days later at MHo's Newport feeder.
A flock of about 30-50 EVENING GROSBEAKS were in north Toledo on
4/26 (P&MD) is to be expected then.
OBSERVERS.--Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Pat & Meagan Dickey,
Darrel Faxon, Chuck Gates, Steve Gobat, Dan Heyerly, Mary Holbert (MHo),
Karen Houston, Matt Hunter (MHu), Tim Janzen, Sally Lockyear (SaL),
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy & Laurie Lowe, Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Katherine Peyton,
Chuck Philo, Dave Pitkin, Shirley Schwartz, PAS (Portland Audubon Society
Birdathon teams), Jim & Shirley Thielen, and Ruth Warren.
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