Menu of June-Dec. 2000 (sections 00.50-00.98) 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 21
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00.50 June-August 2000
00.60 September 2000
00.68 October 2000
00.80 November 2000
00.91 December 2000
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00.50 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the June-August 2000 Sandpiper 21(6)
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver Creek=creek
flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Lake=lake just east of
Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, HMSC
Lagoon=lagoon just north of HMSC Public Parking Lot, 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, Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south of
Yaquina Bay bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay
South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.51 LOONS-TUBENOSES
Nonbreeding, summering PACIFIC LOONS were noted during June and early
July and August at Yachats, with 35 on 7/9 (KM).
PIED-BILLED GREBES at the GP Settling Ponds south of the Yaquina
River at Toledo on 6/10 (JS) were probably nesting, as that is one of
several places they do. Nonbreeding, summering WESTERN GREBES are usual,
especially near Yaquina Head; one was at Yachats on 7/9 (KM). It is
unknown if the CLARK'S GREBE at Boiler Bay on 8/25 (PP) had oversummered
or was a fall migrant.
Many SOOTY SHEARWATERS were present nearshore, per usual.
1-3 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were noted during five August Boiler Bay
seawatches and eight were counted there on 8/28 (PP); 15 were enumerated
during the 8/4 pelagic trip from Newport (GG). An uncommon
BULLER'S SHEARWATER was spotted at Boiler Bay on 8/7 & 14 (PP), and a rare
BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER was detected there on 8/28 & 30 (PP).
A live FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL graced Boiler Bay on 8/1& 7 (PP), and
another was off the YBSJ on 8/4 (FS). Offshore, they were the most
numerous (250) bird during the 8/4 pelagic from Newport (GG); see the
following for all results: http://www.teleport.com/~guide/trips_01.htm.
Two dead along 4.6 miles of beach at Thiel Creek in July (B&SLo, S&DB, LO)
are more than normal.
Two BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES and 80 NORTHERN FULMARS were recorded
during the 8/4 Newport pelagic (GG). The two fulmars found dead along
beaches near Thiel Creek in July (B&SLo, S&DB, LO) is not a high number.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.52 CORMORANTS-WATERFOWL
RL & DPi discovered the first Lincoln County nests of
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS; the nests were in trees south of River Bend
(Yaquina Bay) on 6/21.
8-12 possible WHITE-FACED IBIS were noted at Alsea Bay on
6/9 (CP)--we had several spring sightings, too.
A 6/14 GREAT EGRET at Beaver Creek (LO) makes one wonder if they may
have nested nearby; four at Idaho Flats on 7/10 (RL) were probably
migrants.
GREEN HERONS nested at the Oregon Coast Aquarium West Pond on 6/10
(JS).
Two GREAT BLUE HERONS flying north about a mile off Boiler Bay on 7/9
(PP) may have been undergoing post-breeding dispersal as the peak count at
Yaquina Bay embayments was 157 on 7/6 (RB).
Four male MALLARDS in eclipse plumage near Criteser's Moorage
downstream of Toledo on 7/26 (KM) were probably residents as they nest in
the Yaquina.
A pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Idaho Flats on 6/4 is late (EH), but
not as late as the pair migrating north past Boiler Bay on 6/17 (PP); the
first of "fall" was at Boiler Bay on 8/28 (PP).
A late spring departure was a pair of NORTHERN SHOVELERS flying north
at Boiler Bay on 6/17 (PP).
An AMERICAN WIGEON at the GP Settling Ponds south of the Yaquina
River at Toledo on 6/10 (JS) was probably a nonbreeder; nonbreeding ducks
have oversummered there in other years. The first immigrants were two at
Boiler Bay on 8/28 (PP).
A pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL flew north past Boiler Bay on 6/17 (PP);
our first of fall visited there on 8/9 (PP). They increased rapidly as
350+ graced Siletz Bay on 8/24 (FS).
Other "fall" arrivals include GADWALL and GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Boiler
Bay on 8/7 (PP).
DPi spotted a HARLEQUIN DUCK at Seal Rocks on 7/11 that had been
banded in the Oregon Cascades--he also saw the same bird at Seal Rocks in
1997!
There were scattered sightings of nonbreeding, oversummering SURF
SCOTERS and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, which is normal; although the only
BLACK SCOTER report was on 8/12 at Seal Rocks (JG), I suspect that a few
were present throughout the summer. An oversummering, nonbreeding SCAUP
at Sallys Bend on 7/6 was to be expected (RB).
A flock of 12 COMMON MERGANSERS floated the lower Yachats River the
first week of August (BB); they are usually most abundant at Alsea and
Siletz Bays, where they also nest. A flock of 19-21 flew north past
Boiler Bay on 8/25 and 28 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.53 RAPTORS
We often think of OSPREY as being at lakes and rivers, with
occasional ones along the ocean breakers--for example, MC & PV watched one
near the mouth of Beaver Creek on 7/19. But on 7/9, BLo saw one at least
two miles offshore of Newport that was flying shoreward with a 10-12 inch
fish, so they can go out a ways, too. Two fledglings appeared to be out
for their first flight with their parents on 7/29 in South Beach (DPi).
BALD EAGLES continued to put on a show at Yaquina Head, with five (an
immature, an adult, and three near-adults) on 5/13 (BLM). At Boiler Bay
during early August, PP notes: "I've noticed one or both of the local
pair of Bald Eagles seem to be making at least a partial living off
fishing and/or crabbing boats. They often sit in the trees on the other
side of the highway, then suddenly fly out near one or a group of boats
(sometimes over two miles out) and return with fish scraps or fish heads
in tow. Pretty amazing that they would be able to see people throwing
scraps off a boat that far away--built in spotting scopes for eyes."
Alternatively, the eagles may be cueing to the flashing of light off the
light-colored wings of adult gulls also attracted to the scraps; the
wings of tightly circling gulls flash as they turn or flap, and this
flashing can be spotted for miles.
NORTHERN HARRIERS may have nested near Newport this year; at least
one was at Yaquina Head to at least 5/27 (BLM) and at the HMSC during four
days throughout July (RB; KM; DPe & MM).
A COOPER'S HAWK soared over South Beach on 8/12 (JG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.54 CHUKARS-SHOREBIRDS
Four CHUKARS that were comfortable near people frequented the South
Beach area near 123rd Street in late August (SaL). Speaking of escapees,
a NORTHERN BOBWHITE showed up in Lincoln City in late June (fide PP).
AMERICAN COOTS were at the GP Settling Ponds on 6/10 (JS); this is
the only place in Lincoln County where they have nested recently.
A LONG-BILLED CURLEW continued to linger with WHIMBRELS at Idaho
Flats on 5/31 (PP) and 6/4 (EH); a few nonbreeding Whimbrels oversummered
at Yaquina Bay as usual.
Emigrant shorebirds include: WESTERN SANDPIPER and LEAST SANDPIPER on
7/5 near Seal Rocks (DPi), LESSER YELLOWLEGS on 7/8 at Eckman Lake (RL),
SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, BLACK TURNSTONE, RUDDY TURNSTONE, and SURFBIRD on
7/11 near Seal Rocks (DPi); RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on 7/13 at Boiler Bay
(PP), SANDERLING on 7/16 at Bayshore Beach north of Waldport (KM), RED
KNOT on 7/31 near Waldport (PP), DUNLIN on 8/4 near Waldport (DPe & MM),
WILLET on 8/4 at the HMSC Lagoon (DPe & MM), BAIRD'S SANDPIPER on 8/6 at
Waldport (MN), 10 MARBLED GODWITS on 8/18 at Idaho Flats (TB & MR),
PECTORAL SANDPIPER on 8/19 at Eckman Lake (JS), and a GOLDEN-PLOVER on
8/19 at Siletz Bay (PP).
A WANDERING TATTLER may have oversummered at Seal Rock as one was
there on 6/7 & 28 (DPi); another was also at Yachats on 6/7 (SaL), but the
one at Otter Rock on 7/6 (RL) may have been a "fall" migrant.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.55 JAEGERS-TERNS
A JAEGER was at Yaquina Head in mid-June (NH & CF).
1-4 POMARINE JAEGERS were at Boiler Bay on 6/17, 7/9, 7/11, 8/28 (PP) and
at Rocky Creek Wayside (Whale Cove) on 7/16 (JH, BTh, SW); and a
PARASITIC JAEGER was detected at Boiler Bay on 8/11 (PP).
Arriving HEERMANN'S GULLS were first encountered at Lincoln City on
6/6 (PP).
A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE at Yaquina Head on 6/29 (NH & CF) and at
Boiler Bay on 7/11 (PP) is unusual in summer.
An immature GLAUCOUS GULL at D River Wayside on 6/4 (JH) is late, and
a BONAPARTE'S GULL at Idaho Flats on 7/27 (PP) may have oversummered. An
adult HERRING GULL at Yachats on 6/26 (KM) is late, and one at Alsea Bay
on 8/19 (JS) may have been a "fall" arrival. 1-2 MEW GULLS may have
oversummered at Yachats on 6/4 & 18 and at Yaquina Bay on 7/28 (KM)--the
one near the HMSC on 8/20 (JS) may be the first of fall. An uncommon
FRANKLIN'S GULL was at a Lincoln City beach on 6/6 (PP) and near the HMSC
on 8/4 (DPe & MM).
A large CALIFORNIA GULL movement of mostly immatures started in late
June or early July (KM; PP); on 7/16, KM did not observe any adults in a
flock of 350 at Idaho Flats; on 8/19, PP reported that 249 of roosting
261 Californias at south Siletz Bay had hatched this year.
Our only ELEGANT TERN was at Boiler Bay on 8/28 (PP), an ARCTIC TERN
was also there on 8/30 (PP), and a COMMON TERN was identified during the
8/4 Newport pelagic (GG).
A few nonbreeding CASPIAN TERNS oversummered as usual at Yaquina Bay;
and less than about a half dozen also oversummered at Yachats as they were
detected on 6/11, 18 & 26 (KM). The first juveniles were heard near Seal
Rock on 7/25 (DPi).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.56 COMMON MURRE
It appears to have been a poor year for COMMON MURRE reproduction.
The first flightless chicks were seen leaping from their Yaquina Head
nesting colonies on 6/27 (NH & CF). NH writes: "On 6/30, CF and I
observed a 'mass exodus' of Common Murre chicks at Yaquina Head. The
conditions were ideal; no wind, calm seas. The chicks started jumping
off the rocks in the late afternoon, increasing during the evening. Many
chicks were at the edge of the cliffs, waiting their turn to jump. Leap
after leap, they were dropping almost continuously. At least 100 adults
at once were calling from the water between Flat Top (island south of
Colony Rock) and Colony Rock (island west of observation deck at the
Lighthouse). Every time I looked in the water I would see a dad-chick
pair, paddling away. It was an amazing sight."
On 7/9, JW saw many chicks bailing off the Yaquina Head nesting
rocks, but there were also lots of dead ones visible at nesting areas.
Also on 7/9, RL & DPi boated over 40 miles along the coast and only saw
four live chicks. On 8/4 & 5, BB saw thousands of murres flying north
past Yachats.
Along 4.6 miles of beach at Thiel Creek, an abnormally low number of
dead juvenile murres were found in June and July--only seven were found in
July (B&SLo, S&DB, LO); this is another indication of a poor nesting year
for murres because in a good production year, many chicks die at sea.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.57 HORNED PUFFIN-EASTERN KINGBIRD
A rare HORNED PUFFIN was below the Gift Shop at Cape Foulweather on
7/16 (JH, BTh, SW).
TUFTED PUFFINS continued to be uncommon with a singleton at Yaquina
Head on 5/16 & 18 (BLM); 1-3 at Boiler Bay on 6/8, 7/3, 7/19, 8/7, 8/14,
and 8/16 (PP); and one near Waldport on 7/31 (PP).
In early August, a fledgling MARBLED MURRELET was found in a compost
heap at the town of Siletz and brought to Oregon Coast Aquarium for care
(BTa); a few years ago, another fledgling was also found alive at Siletz.
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS were abundant 3.5 mi east of Waldport in early
June, as JC were feeding them 7+ cups of sugar water a day! A probable
female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was at D&BM's feeder south of Waldport on
6/20 & 22.
Speaking of hummingbird feeders--on 7/26, RW took a walk from her
Florence (Lane Co.) home. She returned and strolled through the back door
into her kitchen. She looked out the window and said: "Oh my goodness, I
just walked past a big bear!" Fortunately, the bear didn't see her or
wasn't interested--perhaps only eating was on his mind because he went
over and slapped the hummingbird feeder. The liquid spilled over him, and
he sat there and licked it off his fur! Then he went after the garbage.
RW took some truly amazing photos of the bear perched on the railing,
acrobatically balancing to get past a cone-shaped squirrel guard and at
her suet feeder!
On 6/5, SS watched a pair of DOWNY WOODPECKERS at her home near
Neskowin (Tillamook County). SS writes: "At 6:30 AM, the female Downy
slammed into a kitchen window. Her mate called frequently for two hours
before flying away."
A rare EASTERN KINGBIRD visited the HMSC Nature Trail on 6/12 & 13
(RL & EN).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.58 DUSKY FLYCATCHER-ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
A probable DUSKY FLYCATCHER was at the north side of D River on 8/15
(PP).
PURPLE MARTIN sightings away from nest boxes include one at the north
side of D River on 6/14 (PP) & 8/18 (TB & MR) and at Eckman Lake on 8/19
(JS).
Our only BROWN CREEPER was south of Waldport on 8/6 (D&BM); they are
inconspicuous in the forest.
CP scored a thrush trifecta on 6/16 as he found singing HERMIT
THRUSHES, SWAINSON'S THRUSHES, and VARIED THRUSHES on the top of Grass
Mountain in Benton County near the Lincoln County border.
An unusual NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was at Thornton Creek on 6/17 (DF)
and South Beach on 8/7 (EH).
On 6/25, CP saw a mystery bird that appeared to be a rare BROWN
THRASHER at 7:20 AM at the YBSJ; about 40 minutes later, DF identified one
along the HMSC Nature Trail.
A rare NORTHERN PARULA, an adult in worn plumage, was at the north
side of D River on 7/12 (PP); the season's first TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and
NASHVILLE WARBLER also appeared there on 8/17 & 8/29, respectively (PP).
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS are normally rare, but there was a Western
Oregon invasion in early June. JC videotaped a male 3.5 mi east of
Waldport on 6/2, and SK saw a male at the HMSC on 6/9. On 6/10, RC
spotted a male at her Wandemere feeder; it was later confirmed and
photographed (WH; JS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.59 LAZULI BUNTING-MEADOWLARK
A female LAZULI BUNTING dallied at Wandemere on 6/6-8 (RC; CP).
Three CHIPPING SPARROWS were unseasonable near the top of Rocky Point
in NE Lincoln County on 6/24 (CP), a rare BREWER'S SPARROW was
distinguished on the north side of D River on 6/13 (PP), and an
unseasonable VESPER SPARROW at the Salmon River on 7/28 was closely
observed to be sure it was not a more likely and similar-appearing
fledgling Dark-eyed Junco (PP).
A pair of DARK-EYED JUNCOS nested late in a hanging basket on B&SLo's
front porch at Thiel Creek in early August.
Very late birds at the YBSJ include a LAPLAND LONGSPUR on 6/12 (DF)
and a WESTERN MEADOWLARK on 6/10 (JS).
OBSERVERS. Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Trent Bray, Sara & Don Brown,
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area,
Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie Ciotti, Marcia Cutler, Darrel Faxon, Colin French,
Joel Geier, Greg Gillson, Nathalie Hamel, Jeff Harding, Wayne Hoffman,
Eric Horvath, Steve Kupillas, Sally Lockyear (SaL),
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Mike McDermot, Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Eric Nelson, Mark Nikas, Laimons Osis,
Diane Pettey (DPe), Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Dave Pitkin (DPi),
Mariah Rose, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Jamie Simmons,
Bryant Tarr (BTa), Bill Thackaberry (BTh), Paula Vanderheul, Ruth Warren,
Jennifer Weiss, Steve Wratten.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.60 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the September 2000 Sandpiper 21(7)
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: 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, Thiel
Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Tidewater=about 8 mi
east of Waldport, Wandemere=0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.61 LOONS-GREBES
A very early YELLOW-BILLED LOON, probably an immature, flew by Boiler
Bay on 9/22, in company with PACIFIC LOONS (PP).
The first fall RED-NECKED GREBE as well as a CLARK'S GREBE were at
Boiler Bay on 9/16 (PP). Three PIED-BILLED GREBES returned to Eckman Lake
on 8/27 (KM), and an early EARED GREBE was in the ocean at Yachats on 9/24
(KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.62 TUBENOSES
BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, NORTHERN FULMARS, PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS,
SOOTY SHEARWATERS, BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, and FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS
were common during the 9/2 & 9/23 pelagic trips out of Newport (GG); see
the following address for all their results and pelagic trip info:
http://www.teleport.com/~guide/trips_01.htm. There were also many fulmars
and Fork-tails numbering in the low hundreds during DP & RL's pelagic trip
up to 36 miles offshore of Newport on 9/24.
During 16 seawatches in September through 9/27 at Boiler Bay, PP
observed that Sooty Shearwaters were the most abundant tubenose, along
with as many as 24 Pink-footeds, 1-2 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels on 9/1, 3,
& 7; a rare MANX SHEARWATER on 9/1 & 12, a SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER on 9/7,
12 & 27; and a fulmar on 9/8, 16, & 27. Other onshore tubenose sightings
include fulmars off the Yaquina jetties on 9/2 (PP).
The only beached tubenoses along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek
in August were one fulmar and one Sooty Shearwater (B&SLo, S&DB, LO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.63 PELICANS-WATERFOWL
The highest BROWN PELICANS were a flock of 28 estimated to be about
800 ft over the Yaquina Bay Bridge on 9/5 (DP)--maybe they found a
thermal. During the 9/16 North American Migration Count (NAMC), a total
of 1,425 pelicans was recorded in Lincoln County (BC). Since they are
very mobile, some may have been counted more than once during the NAMC,
but PP saw at least 1,200 on 9/12 and at least 500-800 during six days
from 9/13 through 9/25 at Boiler Bay and 450 at north Siletz Bay on 9/16.
RL (USFWS biologist) reports: "PELAGIC CORMORANT numbers attempting
to nest in this area were the third lowest we have recorded. Jan Hodder
saw the same thing at Cape Arago but reports average productivity of
those that did nest."
As many as 400-1,600 BRANDT'S CORMORANTS, most of which were flying
north, were noted during nine of PP's 16 September seawatches through 9/27
at Boiler Bay.
No flocks of southerly flying DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were
detected.
175 WESTERN CANADA GEESE on the mudflats at Yaquina Bay on 9/1 (RB)
were unexpected--since few nest at the Yaquina most of them must have been
migrants.
A flock of nine WOOD DUCKS graced Tidewater on 9/19 (B&PW).
Fall arrivals include four NORTHERN SHOVELERS at Boiler Bay on 9/1
(PP), a LESSER SCAUP at Boiler Bay on 9/7 (PP), a LONG-TAILED DUCK
(formerly Oldsquaw) during the 9/23 pelagic (GG) and onshore on 9/27 at
Boiler Bay (PP), and three HOODED MERGANSERS at Eckman Lake on 8/27 (KM).
A BUFFLEHEAD at Eckman Lake on 8/27 (KM) and at Boiler Bay on 9/11
(PP) is too early to be migrants, which generally arrive in October.
At Yachats on 8/27, about 70% of 300 scoters on the water were
SURF SCOTERS--the remainder were WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (KM). Their numbers
increased with 3,850 there on 9/17--over 95% appeared to be Surfs (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.64 RAPTORS-TERNS
A NORTHERN HARRIER was at Yaquina Head during at least three days in
early June (BLM), so they may have nested in the Newport area.
Our only accipiter was a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK hunting birds at RL's
Waldport feeder on 9/10.
The first fall AMERICAN COOTS checked in at Eckman Lake on 9/1 (RL).
Peeps have been scarce at Yaquina Bay so far, but KM saw a flock of
1,700 a mile upstream from Criteser's Moorage (which is at about mile 10.2
along north Yaquina Bay Road) on 8/27--95% appeared to be
WESTERN SANDPIPERS, the remainder LEAST SANDPIPERS.
During pelagic trips, 25 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were within 10 miles
of shore on 9/23, but 360 RED PHALAROPES and only two Red-necked
Phalaropes were further offshore (GG). At Boiler Bay, 50-4,000 Red-necks
were seen during 10 September seawatches through 9/16, and the only Red
Phalaropes were four with at least a hundred Red-necks on 9/22 (PP). So
Red Phalaropes were rare along the coastline in September.
Three SOUTH POLAR SKUAS were over 10 miles offshore during the 9/23
pelagic (GG). During both the 9/2 & 9/23 pelagics, POMARINE JAEGERS and
PARASITIC JAEGERS were noted, and LONG-TAILED JAEGERS were also detected
during the 9/2 pelagic (GG). DP & RL also watched a Pomarine and a
Long-tailed during their 9/24 pelagic. At Boiler Bay, 1-3 Pomarine and/or
Parasitic Jaegers were noted during nine of PP's 16 September seawatches
through 9/27.
22 and one SABINE'S GULLS were noted during the 9/2 & 9/23 pelagics,
respectively (GG); and DP & RL saw five during their 9/24 pelagic.
Onshore at Boiler Bay, the only Sabine's was a juvenile on 9/18 (PP).
1-4 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES visited Boiler Bay on 9/11, 25, & 27
(PP).
CASPIAN TERNS were widely noted, but Boiler Bay was the site for
other terns. 1-2 ELEGANT TERNS were there on 9/3 (DH & AE) & 9/25 (PP) as
well as 2-6 COMMON TERNS on 9/7, 17, & 25 and an ARCTIC TERN on 9/12 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.65 ALCIDS
RL comments about COMMON MURRE nesting success this year: "Murre
production north of Yaquina Head was likely low to non-existent at most
colonies because of BALD EAGLE disturbance. The colonies are really
getting hammered to the point that eagles are driving murres from the
colonies daily. On the south coast where eagles are not an issue (yet!)
there was apparently very good production as Jan Hodder reports seeing
more murre chicks on the water than she has seen in years." Since murre
chicks and their fathers swim north, their presence in the ocean along
the mid- and north coast does not necessarily mean that they came from
local colonies--the chicks may have come from the south. The 10 murres
beached near Thiel Creek in August is lower than average (B&SLo, S&DB,
LO). Bald Eagles were frequent visitors to Yaquina Head until July 21
while murres were nesting but were absent in August after the murres left
(BLM).
ANCIENT MURRELETS occasionally appear in July, but this year the
first was a pair flying south at Boiler Bay on 9/1 (PP).
The only TUFTED PUFFINS in September were two at Boiler Bay on 9/1
(PP).
At Boiler Bay, 2,000-3,500 CASSIN'S AUKLETS flew by on 9/7 & 15 and
140-200 on 9/13 & 16, but there were 0-24 during PP's other 12 September
seawatches through 9/27; many Cassin's were also noted during DP & RL's
9/24 pelagic.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.66 BIRDS FEEDING ON INSECT SWARMS
Starting in mid- to late August, especially on hot, calm days,
nuptial swarms of insects often fly up into the air near the coast, where
they are vulnerable to birds that "hawk" them out of the sky.
In mid-August, RL saw what appeared to be swarming moths at Waldport.
He noted CEDAR WAXWINGS, HOUSE FINCHES, and COMMON NIGHTHAWKS "hawking"
them at sunset, and the birds were replaced by 30-40 bats as it became
dark. He also had a STELLER'S JAY "hawking" flying ants at his home in
late August.
Near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.), SS writes that on 9/13: "There is an
increase of flying insects. The Steller's Jays are on the roof, on the
deck, in the eaves, in bushes, in the air and on the ground, feeding
happily. Even a dragonfly was snapping at an insect in flight. The jays
are not my favorite bird, but thank goodness the jays enjoy eating
carpenter ants and termites."
The first report of gulls and EUROPEAN STARLINGS "hawking" swarms of
insects in Newport was on 9/11 (RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.67 HUMMINGBIRDS-FINCHES
At J&JG's home in Yachats, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS and ANNA HUMMINGBIRDS
are usually not present at the same time--this year, Rufous' had left by
9/10, when Anna's arrived. An Anna's sang at Wandemere on 9/23 (RC).
Our first fall NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow-shafts arrived at
Wandemere on 9/24 (RC).
An unusually late WESTERN KINGBIRD was at Boiler Bay on 9/5 (PP)--in
past years, Tropical Kingbirds were occasionally spotted about this time.
On 9/5, EH counted 47 PURPLE MARTINS perched in one tree by Idaho
Flats--martins were last reported on 9/7 at the HMSC (RB).
A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY 3.5 mi east of Waldport on 9/25 was eating
sunflower seeds that a chipmunk had collected from a feeder and buried
(J&KC).
A RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH picking kelp flies off the walls of the
Yaquina Head Lighthouse on 9/23 (WH) was unexpected for that location.
Fall arrivals include AMERICAN PIPITS at Boiler Bay on 9/12 (PP), a
FOX SPARROW at D River on 9/11 (PP), and a calling LAPLAND LONGSPUR at
Boiler Bay on 9/17 (PP).
A flock of about 200 finches were around some Bayshore Beach houses
northwest of Waldport on 9/20 (DP)--they were most likely HOUSE FINCHES,
which have been found in such large flocks along the coast in past years.
OBSERVERS. Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek,
Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, Barbara Combs, Anne Esche, Jim & Janice Gerdemann,
Greg Gillson, Dan Heyerly, Wayne Hoffman, Eric Horvath, Bob & Shirley
(SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Laimons Osis, Phil Pickering,
Dave Pitkin, Shirley Schwartz, Bunny & Pat Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.68 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the October 2000 Sandpiper 21(8)
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, Ona Beach=State
Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 101, Thornton
Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of
Ona Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.69 LOONS-TUBENOSES
A YELLOW-BILLED LOON flew by Boiler Bay on 10/12 (PP) and 10/14 (WH).
PACIFIC LOONS were the most common loon there with a peak count of about
7,000 during a 2.5 hour seawatch the morning of 10/18 (PP).
This may have been our best month ever for CLARK'S GREBE sightings:
1-2 were at Boiler Bay on 10/14, 17, 19, 21, 25, & 30 (PP; WH; HH), and
one was at YBSJ on 10/17 (EH) and 10/21 (TB).
Our only EARED GREBES were singletons at Ona Beach State Park on 10/6
(RC) and Boiler Bay on 10/25 (PP).
PP estimated as many as 3,000 SOOTY SHEARWATERS during October at
Boiler Bay, and DF estimated about 5,000 off of Sandpiper Village north of
Waldport on 9/29. Other shearwaters seen from shore at Boiler Bay in
October included one SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER during four days (PP),
1-2 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS during five days and 116 on 10/18 (PP; WH),
and 1-26 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS during nine days and 65 on 10/18 (PP).
Two Pink-footeds were also seen from the YBSJ on 10/19 (EH).
NORTHERN FULMARS were often spotted at Boiler Bay, commencing on
10/14 (WH), with a peak count of about 300 on 10/20 (PP). No
storm-petrels were noted from shore.
Pelagic trips out of Newport on 10/7 and 10/21 recorded many
tubenoses, including a juvenile SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS on 10/21 (GG); see
the following address for all results and pelagic trip info:
http://www.teleport.com/~guide/trips_01.htm
Only one fulmar, two Sooties, and one Short-tailed Shearwater were
dead along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek (about 3.5 mi south of
Yaquina Bay bridge) in September (B&SLo, LO).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.70 PELICANS-EGRET
BROWN PELICANS continued to be extraordinarily numerous with 350-600
in Siletz Bay on 10/2, 10/9, and 10/15 (PP); and 150 at Alsea Bay on 10/15
(JW). The peak count was about 600 at Boiler Bay on 10/18 (PP).
This fall the only southerly flights of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS
(which appear very similar to geese when migrating at a distance) were
those spotted by KM at Yachats (a flock of 13 at Yachats on 10/8 and a
total of 22 in two flocks on 10/15) and by WH at Boiler Bay (six flocks
with a total of about 800 birds the morning of 10/21).
PP continued to see BRANDT'S CORMORANTS flying north during his
October seawatches at Boiler Bay.
A GREAT EGRET remained at Eckman Lake on 10/20 (B&PW).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.71 WATERFOWL
Flights of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were perceived at Toledo on
9/22 & 10/1 (CP), Siletz Bay on 10/1 (EN), South Beach on 10/18 (BLl), and
Boiler Bay on 10/21 (WH).
Many CANADA GEESE were migrating this month, with 700 passing Yachats
the afternoon of 10/17 (SaL). A total of about 3,000 ALEUTIAN CANADA
GEESE were counted flying by Boiler Bay during part of 10/17-19 (PP), and
130 were reported flying past YBSJ on 10/19 (EH). 55 CACKLING CANADA
GEESE were flying east up Yaquina Estuary on 10/1 (DP)--a trans-Coast
Range fall migration has also been noticed in previous falls.
On the ground at Bayview Pasture, there were six Cacklers, two
white-fronts, and 40 WESTERN CANADA GEESE on 10/6 (RC), One white-fronted
was also grounded at Idaho Flats on 10/16 (MR).
Three BRANT were noted at Boiler Bay on 10/1 & 10/10 (PP); they
typically do not arrive within Yaquina Bay until the last week of October.
Our first fall EURASIAN WIGEON was a male at Idaho Flats on 10/1
(EH). We had several HARLEQUIN DUCK reports, with a high count of seven
males and four females at the YBSJ on 10/28 (RC & WN).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.72 RAPTORS
WHITE-TAILED KITES put on a good showing with one at south Siletz Bay
on 10/3 (RL & DP), one at YBSJ on 10/5 (fide RC), one perched in tree at
Nute Slough (a slough at about mile 9.3 along north Yaquina Bay Road) on
10/7 (CP), and two west of Nute Slough on 10/21 (TB).
A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, two COOPER'S HAWKS, a TURKEY VULTURE, and a
NORTHERN HARRIER were migrating south at Thornton Creek on 10/3 (DF). A
Sharp-shinned and an immature Cooper's were also 3.5 miles east of
Waldport in early October (JC).
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK flying south at Boiler Bay on 10/17 (PP) is a
rarity for here.
On 10/5 at Idaho Flats, RO watched a PEREGRINE FALCON chase a
BONAPARTE'S GULL for about 20 minutes before catching and killing it, but
mobbing gulls forced the Peregrine to abandon its prize and leave. On
10/7 at Eckman Lake, RL "saw a peregrine twice drive a GREATER YELLOWLEGS
into the water. The Peregrine was in hot pursuit, but the yellowlegs was
extremely maneuverable. When the Peregrine got to within a foot, the
yellowlegs folded its wings and crashed into the lake to avoid being hit.
The second time, the yellowlegs just stayed in the water until the
Peregrine was distracted by some nearby ducks, then it quickly flew out to
the bay."
Our only MERLIN was at Boiler Bay on 10/27 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.73 SHOREBIRDS
A GOLDEN-PLOVER (probably a Pacific) was at a beach between Waldport
and Yachats on 10/16 (MR).
A rare, possible BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW flew by Boiler Bay on 9/29
(PP), and a MARBLED GODWIT was at Idaho Flats on 10/9 (DS).
Singleton PECTORAL SANDPIPER visited the Lincoln City Sewage Ponds on
10/4 (AS), Sandpiper Village north of Waldport on 10/9 (DP), and Idaho
Flats on 10/9 (DS) and 10/21 (PB). As many as four ROCK SANDPIPERS were
at the YBSJ on 10/27 (TB) & 10/28 (SyM; RC).
Our first COMMON SNIPE was along a logging road west of Siletz on
10/4 (CP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.74 JAEGERS-ALCIDS
Two PARASITIC JAEGERS graced Yachats on 10/1 (KM), one chased a
Heermann's Gull at YBSJ on 10/16 (EH), and as many as seven Parasitics
were seen at Boiler Bay during 10 days in October (PP).
1-12 POMARINE JAEGERS were also spotted at Boiler Bay during three October
days (PP).
1-2 SABINE'S GULLS were viewed at Boiler Bay on 10/18 (PP) and 10/21
(TB; WH), and a FRANKLIN'S GULL was also there on 10/27 (PP).
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were often noted with a peak count of 46 at Boiler
Bay on 10/15 (PP). The 400 HEERMANN'S GULLS at Siletz Bay on 10/2 is a
large concentration for them (PP).
A southerly flight of gulls was noted by many observers during the
month--species included Heermann's Gulls, California Gulls, and large
Western-type gulls.
The afternoon of 10/23, RC discovered a diffuse flock of as many as
30 gulls, mostly MEW GULLS along with some California Gulls and two
RING-BILLED GULLS that were aerially feeding on insects at Wandemere.
This was our only report of "hawking" gulls for the month.
Arriving gulls include a HERRING GULL on 10/2 and a THAYER'S GULL at
Boiler Bay on 10/16 (PP). Our latest CASPIAN TERN persisted to 9/21 at
Yaquina Head (BLM).
ANCIENT MURRELETS were sometimes spotted at Boiler Bay with a peak
count of 47 flying south in flocks of 2-5 on 10/27 (PP).
1-2 CASSIN'S AUKLETS were at Yachats on 10/8 (KM) and only spotted at
Boiler Bay during 10/15-18 (PP). But RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were regulars at
Boiler Bay with 15 still present on 10/27, along with 50 COMMON MURRES and
two PIGEON GUILLEMOTS (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.75 BARN OWL-TROPICAL KINGBIRD
Our only BARN OWL called as it flew over EH's South Beach home during
the night of 10/12.
SS videotaped two NORTHERN FLICKERS that faced each other, stuck
their bills into the air, and made jerky head movements at each other near
Neskowin (Tillamook County) on 10/15. The flicker with yellow-shafts was
still at Wandemere on 10/15 (RC).
PILEATED WOODPECKERS seem to migrate into the lowlands in fall, and,
on 10/15, one was near Newport (SG) and at Beaver Creek (LO).
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS also arrive in fall, with one at Beaver Creek on
10/15 (LO).
On 10/25, WH found 1-2 rare TROPICAL KINGBIRDS around NW 15th Street
and Nye in Newport; at least seven other birders including SaL later
relocated one in the same area; the latest report is on 10/28 at 214 NW
16th Street (SyM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.76 PURPLE MARTIN-RAVEN
EH has been monitoring PURPLE MARTIN colonies along the coast for
several years. This year, there were 39 nests at Yaquina Bay (down from
44-50 in 1998-1999) and eight nests at Siletz Bay (down from 12-14 in
1998-1999).
A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY visited Newport on 10/2 (CP) and D&BM's home
south of Waldport on 10/12-14.
RC writes about the STELLER'S JAYS at Wandemere: "Since we moved
here, I have been allowing all guests at the feeders. We have never had
more than a few Steller's Jays, and I enjoy watching them, so I don't
deliberately bother them. They still keep a cautious eye on me but have
finally accepted that I'm probably not dangerous; since spring they have
mostly stopped scolding when they see me and sometimes don't even bother
to hide when I approach. Which is nice. However, now the local clan has
apparently told their nearby friends and relations that our feeders are
jay-friendly; currently there are up to a dozen jays visible at once,
with possibly more in the bushes. All of them are in a frenzy of lugging
off food to cache and they are monopolizing all feeding stations. If
they ate a quarter of what they carry off they would be too fat to fly!
And they don't stop at the sunflower seed; when that's gone they carry
off the millet, too. I'm thinking I will have to modify our some of our
feeder designs to exclude them, else they will break the birdseed budget
and the little birds will get not much to eat. Think a mere human can
outsmart a jay?"
A COMMON RAVEN squawked as a Red-tailed Hawk chased it near Neskowin
on 9/23 (SS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.77 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE
MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES have put forward their best showing since 1986
(they were first confirmed here in 1983). Most were singletons at
elevations below a few hundred feet. EH discovered the first at Sandpiper
Village north of Waldport on 10/6. Another was espied on 10/9 at
Wandemere by RC & WN, who have been gracious hosts to at least five
birders who also managed to see it through 10/30. Other lowland sightings
include one at the HMSC on 10/11 (PP), two in SW Newport on 10/19-21
(SuM), and one in NW Newport on 10/28 (SyM).
We seldom have any bird observations above 1,500 ft, but at least two
Mountain Chickadees were at 2,900 ft on the Lincoln County side of Grass
Mountain on 10/22 (CP)--perhaps, they are much more regular up there than
at lower elevations.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.78 BUSHTIT-BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER
On October 18, CP saw a BUSHTIT caught in a spider web near Toledo.
It hung by one wing in the web, and it was loudly screeching. Other
Bushtits were watching nearby. As CP reached down to release it, the
Bushtit appeared to become more agitated and managed to finally free
itself and fly away. Along the coast, the largest spiders seem to come
out in late September and October, and their webs this fall have been
tough enough to catch a bird and a praying mantis!
FS detected a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (probably a Lincoln County first)
in the willows below the northernmost oceanside parking lot at Yaquina Bay
State Park on 10/29. The word quickly spread, and it was relocated and
confirmed the same day (RC & WN; DF, PS).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.79 THRUSHES-MEADOWLARKS
Our first HERMIT THRUSH was south of Waldport on 10/4 (D&BM), and our
latest SWAINSON'S THRUSH was singing in north Newport on 9/28 (RO).
1-2 AMERICAN PIPITS remained at Boiler Bay on 10/17 (PP) and YBSJ on
10/19 (EH). Our latest WESTERN TANAGER was near Chitwood on 10/8 (DF),
and our first PALM WARBLER was detected at the HMSC on 10/11 (PP).
Two GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were late singers at the HMSC on 10/2
(DP), and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW was at the HMSC on 10/6 (RC) and 10/15 (EH).
The three LAPLAND LONGSPURS at Yaquina Head on 9/19 is a large number
(BLM), and singletons were at YBSJ on 10/9 (SD) and 10/26 (RC). M&SN
glimpsed a male SNOW BUNTING at Fox Creek south of Seal Rocks on 10/22.
At Wandemere, a flock of about 250 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS have been
stopping by at RC's feeders every 4-7 days--they last visited on 10/20.
A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was singing weirdly on 10/8 near the HMSC (DF),
and another was at a hill near Thornton Creek on 10/25 (BLo), where they
are uncommon. The one bathing in a puddle at the YBSJ on 10/27 (RC) is at
a more expected wintering location.
OBSERVERS. Patty Bernardi, Trent Bray, Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek,
Jorrie Ciotti, Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon, Greg Gillson, Steve Gobat,
Hendrik Herlyn, Wayne Hoffman, Eric Horvath, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe,
Sue Martin (SuM), Sylvia Maulding (SyM), Kathy Merrifield,
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Eric Nelson, Walt Nelson, Michael & Sally Noack,
Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Dave Pitkin,
Mark Rudolph, Alan Schmierer, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz,
Paul Sullivan, Darrin Swisher, Jean Weakland, Bunny & Pat Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.80 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the November 2000 Sandpiper 21(9)
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver Creek=creek
flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Eckman Lake=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, Thiel Creek=creek about
3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Tidewater=about 8 mi east of Waldport,
Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay
South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.81 LOONS-STORM-PETREL
Thousands of PACIFIC LOONS flew past Boiler Bay in early November
(PP; WH), and the high count of RED-THROATED LOONS there was 1,500 on
11/6 (PP). During KM's four days of November seawatches at Yachats, the
peak day of loon migration was also in early November, on 11/5, when an
average of 8/minute was flying south.
A CLARK'S GREBE was at Boiler Bay on 10/31 (PP), and the high count
of EARED GREBES was nine near Sallys Bend on 11/20 (HH). Three
PIED-BILLED GREBES were at Sallys Bend on 11/5 (KM); they regularly show
up there only in the fall, otherwise they are in fresh water.
NORTHERN FULMARS were regulars at Boiler Bay with a high count of
about a thousand on 11/8 (PP); 16 were found dead along 4.6 mi of beach
near Thiel Creek in October--usually 10 or less are recorded (B&SLo, LO).
An out of place SOOTY SHEARWATER was flying over the South Beach
State Park pines on 11/5 (DF). As many as 500 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS
and Sooty Shearwaters were noted at Boiler Bay on 11/15 & 25 (PP)--no
other species of shearwaters were identified.
The only storm-petrel during PP's 14 seawatches at Boiler Bay in
November was a LEACH'S STORM-PETREL on 11/8.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.82 BROWN PELICAN-WHITE IBIS
Hundreds of BROWN PELICANS were present in October, so it is not
surprising that one washed up dead near Thiel Creek the last week of
October (B&SLo, LO). The latest was at Boiler Bay on 11/24 (PP), though
stragglers are to be expected during winter.
Flocks of southerly flying DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (which, at first
glance, can be easily mistaken for geese) include a flock of 220 at Cape
Perpetua on 11/6 (RL), 55 in one flock at Boiler Bay on 11/9 (PP), 60 in
more than one flock at Boiler Bay on 11/10 (WH), a flock of 30 past
Wandemere on 11/11 (RC), a flock of 80 at Boiler Bay on 11/15 (PP), and a
flock of 10 at Wandemere on 11/18 (RC&WN).
GREAT EGRETS were noted at unusual sites while observers were looking
for ibises--including one at Newport Reservoir on 11/22 (LO) and one near
the South Shore Development in South Beach on 11/26 (LO), where a possible
ibis was reported.
While following up a report of five Yellow-billed Loons at Newport
Reservoir that were not re-located, WH discovered a WHITE IBIS, a first
for Oregon, on 11/15, and thanks to his spreading the word quickly many
other birders were able to see it that day and the next day. Perhaps
because of all the commotion it caused, the ibis has not been found since
11/16, in spite of diligent searches.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.83 WATERFOWL
Five TUNDRA SWANS flew over Lincoln City on 10/31 (PP), and one
called over South Beach on 11/12 (DF).
The arrival date of BRANT at Yaquina Bay was not reported, but 54
were at Idaho Flats on 11/17 (M&CM).
KM found a hybrid AMERICAN X EURASIAN WIGEON along with an immature
male, two adult male, and two female Eurasians at Idaho Flats on 10/29.
Because of her careful searching, KM finds a few hybrids here every
winter.
REDHEADS arrived at Sallys Bend on 11/5 (KM), and two were at Eckman
Lake on 11/24 (MR) and 11/26 (JS). The only LONG-TAILED DUCK (formerly
Oldsquaw) was at Boiler Bay on 11/13 (PP).
800-1,000 SURF SCOTERS were at Boiler Bay on 10/31 & 11/1 (PP); the
peak count of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS there was 120, most of which were
flying north, on 11/24 (PP). At Yachats, KM detected large movements of
an average of about 5-10 per minute flying south on 10/29 & 11/5.
15 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, the first large flock of the season, were
at Alsea Bay on 11/26; the same day a small flock of less than
10 Red-breasted's was widely separated from a flock of
13 COMMON MERGANSERS at Sallys Bend (KM). With the arrival of
Red-breasted's, the Common's are usually only found much further upstream
near Toledo where Red-breasted's do not occur.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.84 RAPTORS-GROUSE
A late OSPREY was south of the HMSC on 11/18 (RO & others on YB&N
field trip; MS & PB).
An uncommon RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was along South Beaver Creek Road and
also at Ona Beach State Park on 11/12 (SD). Our only WHITE-TAILED KITE
was at the HMSC Nature Trail on 11/9 (PP).
While searching for the ibis, BT found an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK
at Newport Reservoir on 11/17; goshawks are pretty unusual. A juvenile
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK crashed into a window at J&JG's Yachats home in early
November.
A Common Raven flushed a perched MERLIN in north Newport on 10/27
(LO), another Merlin was at Boiler Bay on 10/31 (PP), and one was also at
the HMSC on 11/17 (RL).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was at Yaquina Head during at least seven days in
October (BLM), Boiler Bay on 11/1 (PP), and near the HMSC on 11/17 (SS)
and 11/21 (JL).
An AMERICAN KESTREL again appears to be wintering at Yaquina Head,
since one was noted during 13 days in October, starting on 10/11 (BLM).
It's time to get in the Christmas spirit with carols, etc. Speaking
of Christmas carols, we didn't have a partridge in a pear tree, but LO had
a RUFFED GROUSE in his apple tree on 11/26. Does that count?
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.85 SHOREBIRDS-GULLS
In recent years, large flocks of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS have been noted
in fall/winter. There seem to be many more birds in these flocks than I
suspect nest here, so some (many ?) may be wintering immigrants. This
month, a dozen were reported at Depoe Bay on 11/2 (fide MMa), a flock of
26 was at Yachats on 11/12 (KM), and LO counted 28 at high tide at Seal
Rocks on 11/21.
1-2 ROCK SANDPIPERS were at Seal Rocks on 11/7, 18, & 21 (LO; RC&WN),
and six were at the YBSJ on 11/24 (EH).
A rare BAR-TAILED GODWIT visited Idaho Flats on 11/9 (PP), and two
WHIMBRELS remained at Siletz Bay on 11/17 (SS).
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Siletz Bay on 11/17 (SS) and Eckman
Lake, a favored wintering site, on 11/18 (RC&WN) and 11/26 (JS).
A COMMON SNIPE rested on a lawn of JS's relatives south of Waldport
on 11/26, and 1-20 RED PHALAROPES visited Boiler Bay on 11/20, 24, & 27
(PP).
The only jaegers were a PARASITIC JAEGER at Boiler Bay on 10/31 (PP)
and another Parasitic about 500 yards offshore of a Lincoln City motel on
11/7 (TB).
The season's first GLAUCOUS GULL arrived at Boiler Bay on 10/31 (PP),
and the latest HEERMANN'S GULL and BONAPARTE'S GULL lingered at Boiler Bay
on 11/17 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.86 ALCIDS
500-1,000 COMMON MURRES were noted at Boiler Bay on 11/13, 24, & 27;
most were flying south (PP). Several were already in breeding plumage on
11/27 (PP), which is similar to other years. So a black-headed murre now
is not necessarily a Thick-billed Murre.
1-2 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were regularly at Boiler Bay during November
(PP; WH).
WH reported a rare PARAKEET AUKLET flying by Boiler Bay on 11/4, and
PP noted a probable one there on 11/17. Single CASSIN'S AUKLETS were at
Boiler Bay on 10/31 & 11/13; and 1-20 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were there on
11/8, 13, 21, & 25 (PP).
ANCIENT MURRELETS were regularly at Boiler Bay with peak counts of 91
on 11/13 and 47 on 11/17; most were flying south (PP). In contrast, only
1-2 MARBLED MURRELETS were at Boiler Bay on 11/8 & 15 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.87 PIGEONS-MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE
Our latest report for BAND-TAILED PIGEONS was 11/11 at Newport (RO).
A male ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD at B&PW's fuchsias in Tidewater on 11/6 was
surprisingly far inland, most are within a mile of the coastline. For
example, one at SaL's fuschias in Yachats on 11/7 and regularly at D&BM's
home south of Waldport through 11/15.
A PILEATED WOODPECKER graced Drift Creek Wilderness on 11/4 (RC&WN)
and Tidewater on 11/16 (B&PW). The NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow-shafts is
still at Wandemere through 11/24 (RC&WN).
The MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE saga continues with one at Sandpiper Village
northwest of Waldport on 10/27, 10/29, & 11/5 (JGr), and South Beach State
Park on 11/12 (DF). Two at SM's southwest Newport feeder have been daily
visitors from 10/19 through at least 11/26. The one at RC & WN's
Wandemere home that arrived on 10/9 departed by 11/6.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.88 NUTHATCH, GNATCATCHER, & VARIED THRUSH
D&BM have been keeping bird records at their home south of Waldport
since January 1997, and it appears that this year a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
started to take up residence on 11/8--the only other time they had
nuthatch records was during the 1998/1999 winter.
A rare BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER appeared at 69th Street in Cutler City
at Siletz Bay on 11/25 (JJ, GL, & DB); could it have been the same one as
seen during only one afternoon at Yaquina Bay State Park on 10/29?
VARIED THRUSHES have started to appear in the lowlands on 11/11 at
Thiel Creek (BLo) and Wandemere, the Wandamere birds are a month earlier
than in 1998 and 1999 (RC&WN). On 11/22, the first arrived at J&KC's home
3.5 mi east of Waldport.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.89 BIRD MIMICS
At her Wandemere home, RC writes on 11/30: "For months the local
EUROPEAN STARLINGS have been greeting my morning sorties to the bird
feeder with loud KILLDEER calls. First one started it, and eventually
several took up the habit. Lately they have stopped making that call,
but now I think they may they have a new signal for the
bringer-of-breakfast--yesterday and today one of them greeted my
appearance with a two-note whistle that sounds suspiciously like the
whistle I make to call the dog.
"Last spring a starling was mimicking the scold call of the
STELLER'S JAYS. One of the jays has returned the favor--it was sitting
in a treetop one recent afternoon doing a very convincing version of the
non-stop low mutters, whistles, and tweedles that starlings make when
they are perched and talking to themselves. If I had not seen the jay's
throat and body moving with the sounds, I never would have believed the
source was not a starling."
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.90 WARBLERS-GOLDFINCHES
Our latest ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (which sometimes overwinter) was at
Cutler City on 11/25 (JJ, GL, & DB). Two PALM WARBLERS were at the start
of the HMSC Nature Trail on 11/10 (SD).
1-4 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS resided at Yaquina Head during four days in
October (BLM), the HMSC on 11/7 (RO), and near Newport's LNG tank on 11/9
(PP).
A late young, female BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD was with a flock of 30
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at Wandemere on 10/31 (RC).
Last winter, PINE SISKINS were nearly absent along the coast but were
common several miles inland. This year, B&PW noted large flocks of
100-200 birds at Tidewater on 11/3. Along the coast, they were numerous
at Oregon Coast Aquarium on 11/1 (RC), and D&BM observed a dozen at their
feeder south of Waldport during 11/9-11, but none thereafter, so siskins
may be moving around and again rare along the coast.
Eight AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were surprise visitors to Wandemere on
11/30 (RC).
OBSERVERS. David Bailey, Patti Bernardi, Trent Bray, Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek,
Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, Steve Dowlan, Darrel Faxon, Janice & Jim Gerdemann,
Jill Grover (JGr), Hendrik Herlyn, Wayne Hoffman, Eric Horvath,
Jim Johnson, Janet Lamberson, Gerard Lillie, Sally Lockyear (SaL),
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Michael Marsh (MMa), Sue Martin,
Kathy Merrifield, Marilyn & Craig Miller, Dawson & Bobby Mohler,
Walt Nelson, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Phil Pickering, Mark Randolph,
Jamie Simmons, Mary Anne Sohlstrom, Shawn Steinberg, Bill Tice,
Bunny & Pat Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.91 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the December 2000 Sandpiper 21(10)
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: 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, 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 about
3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Tidewater=about 8 mi east of Waldport,
Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay
South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.92 KATHY MERRIFIELD--THE NEW FIELD NOTES EDITOR
As announced in the August Sandpiper, Kathy will start doing the
field notes for the next Sandpiper. Kathy is very experienced with
Lincoln County birds based on her observations, which started appearing in
the Sandpiper in April 1989. She has used her Lincoln County waterbird
censuses, seawatches, and observations for writing articles that have been
published in several scientific journals and the ODFW Technical Report
Series ("Waterbird Censuses of Yaquina Bay"). Kathy becomes the third
field notes editor--Darrel Faxon was the field notes editor for about
6.5 years from October 1985 through May 1992, and I was the field notes
editor from October 1980 until Darrel took over and then again after
Darrel.
If you have any field notes to share, please contact Kathy by e-mail
(merrifik@ava.bcc.orst.edu), telephone (work 541-737-5540), or mail
(1152 NW 10th, Corvallis, OR 97330) by the 20th of the month. I will
forward any field notes I receive to Kathy.
Thanks for volunteering, Kathy!
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.93 LOONS-TUBENOSES
400-1,000 PACIFIC LOONS were counted at Boiler Bay or near Whale Cove
on 12/11, 12, & 15 (PP; AS). 200-700 RED-THROATED LOONS were also
surveyed at Boiler Bay on 12/12, 15, & 27 (PP).
The only CLARK'S GREBE was at Boiler Bay on 12/29 (PP), and the only
EARED GREBE was a singleton at Sallys Bend on 12/3 & 10 (KM).
28 NORTHERN FULMARS were found dead along 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel
Creek in November (B&SLo, LO); this is a little above the November average
but fewer than the 50 in 1995 and 88 in 1992. Live fulmars were most
abundant at Boiler Bay on 12/15 (300+) and 12/22 (1,500+)(PP).
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS were often noted in low numbers, but 50 were
spotted near Whale Cove on 12/11 (AS), and 50-300 were at Boiler Bay on
12/12 & 15 (PP). PP also detected 1-2 SOOTY SHEARWATERS at Boiler Bay
on 12/22 & 27.
An unseasonable FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL was at Boiler Bay on 12/22
(PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.94 PELICANS-WATERFOWL
The latest BROWN PELICANS were three at Boiler Bay on 12/27 (PP) and
one at Yaquina Head on 12/27 & 28 (SG).
Flocks of up to 125 southerly migrating DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS
that can be mistaken for geese were seen at Newport on 12/7 & 12/12 (RB).
Two TUNDRA SWANS graced the Lincoln City Sewage Ponds on 12/6 (AS),
and the highest BLACK BRANT count at Yaquina Bay was 130 at Idaho Flats on
12/25 (RC). A favored place for CANADA GEESE is Bayview Pasture (the
field east of the junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road),
where 200 foraged on 12/26 (JS).
About ten CANVASBACKS have been gracing LL's "pond" near her Alsea
Bay home in early December; 2-7 REDHEADS were at Sallys Bend on 12/3 & 10
(KM), where they usually winter.
Two LONG-TAILED DUCKS were at the YBSJ on 12/15 (CP), and our only
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE so far this winter, a female, was at north Siletz Bay
on 12/5 (SD).
200-800 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were flying south past Boiler Bay on
12/12, 15, 27, and 29 (PP). On 12/10 at Yachats, KM saw 174 scoters that
were mostly SURF SCOTERS flying south during five minutes, and our biggest
count of BLACK SCOTERS was 300 that were mostly flying south on 12/22
(PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.95 RAPTORS
On 11/22, a BALD EAGLE flew about 500 yards offshore of Boiler Bay
and caught a seabird off the water and flew back over land with it (PK).
Also at Boiler Bay, two eagles were "way out over the ocean" on 12/11
(ErH), and the next day an adult eagle was flying from about a mile
offshore to shore with a Short-tailed Shearwater (PP). Elsewhere, an
adult and immature eagle often interacted as they fed on dead, beached
salmon at Yachats in early December (BB). Sallys Bend is a battleground
for the territorial boundary for two pairs of adults; on 12/8, one pair
was perched together on the west side while a second pair perched together
on the east side (RB), and on 12/26 four adult BALD EAGLES flying over
Sallys Bend seemed to be interacting (LM).
OSPREY are usually absent in winter, but one was at Eckman Lake on
12/19 (RL), Oregon Coast Aquarium on 12/27 (BLl), and flying north along
the shore at Newport on 12/28 (RB).
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS have been scarce in Lincoln County in recent
years, but one was first spotted at Yaquina Head on 12/2 (WH; TM), and
1-2 were occasionally noted there from 12/16 through 12/29 (K,J&KF; SG;
SM).
For the second month in a row we had a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, which is
very unusual--this month, DF detected one at Ona Beach on 12/18.
An AMERICAN KESTREL was seen nearly daily at Yaquina Head in November
(BLM), and another was in eastern Lincoln County along HWY 20 on 12/26
(JS).
Our only MERLIN was at Cutler City (Siletz Bay) on 12/6 (AS). A
PEREGRINE FALCON remained at Yaquina Head in November (BLM), and a
beachwalking M&SN saw one swoop down and catch a small shorebird south of
Seal Rocks on 12/17.
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.96 TURKEY-ALCIDS
Beached bird walks are always full of surprises but a plucked
TURKEY near Thiel Creek the day after Thanksgiving (B&SLo, LO) was a
first. Hmmm, I wonder what the story is behind that bird?
The most noteworthy shorebirds were 1-4 ROCK SANDPIPERS continuing at
the YBSJ on 12/10 & 26 (ErH).
Late gulls include a BONAPARTE'S GULL at Alsea Bay on 12/12 (SaL) and
Boiler Bay on 12/15 (PP) and a HEERMANN'S GULL at Boiler Bay on 12/15
(PP). Our only GLAUCOUS GULL was a first-year bird at the YBSJ on 12/3
(KM).
HERRING GULLS are regularly noted here in winter, but not usually in
large flocks. However, on 12/8 & 9, PP found about a thousand at north
Siletz Bay; he also saw 300-500 at Boiler Bay on 12/15 & 29.
COMMON MURRES are regularly noted in winter, but maybe more are being
seen this winter. During part of the morning of 12/12 & 15, PP estimated
about ten thousand flying south at Boiler Bay; he also counted 800-1,500
there on 12/14, 27 & 29. At Yachats, KM noted that many murres were in
breeding plumage on 12/10.
The high counts of ANCIENT MURRELETS were 11-25 at Boiler Bay on
12/27 & 29 (PP); they were more numerous and frequent than
MARBLED MURRELETS, 1-2 of which were noted at Boiler Bay on 12/15, 27, &
29 (PP).
The only other alcids were at Boiler Bay, where there was a
PIGEON GUILLEMOT on 12/15 & 27 and 1-2 CASSIN'S AUKLETS on 12/27 & 29
(PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.97 HUMMINGBIRDS-WARBLERS
Two ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS at EiH's feeders at Road's End north of
Lincoln City in early December are a first for that location; a male
remains at L&JM's feeder near the east side off Sallys Bend through 12/26,
and others were also south of Waldport (D&BM) and Yachats (SaL).
The NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow-shafts lingered at Wandemere on
12/25 (RC), and a BARN SWALLOW, rare in winter, was spotted by AS & DF at
the Lincoln City Sewage Ponds on 12/15.
1-2 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES were at Yaquina Bay State Park on 12/5 (RC)
and 12/6 (AS), and the BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER near 69th Street and
NE Harbor in Cutler City spotted last month was relocated on 12/5 by SD
and 12/6 by AS.
HERMIT THRUSHES were missed last month, and our only reports this
month were of one at Newport on 12/10 (SG) and the Oregon Coast Aquarium
on 12/11 (AS). A female WESTERN BLUEBIRD at Yaquina Head on 12/13 (MN) is
our only report in several months.
VARIED THRUSHES arrive at varying times--the first appeared at BB's
Yachats home on 12/5 and at B&PW's Tidewater home on 12/13.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER visited ErH's South Beach home on 12/26,
and our only PALM WARBLER was at the HMSC Nature Trail on 12/29 (GG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
00.98 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW-SISKINS
A scattering of CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS invaded western Oregon and
Lincoln County. From about 11/28 to 12/4, one was at D&BM's feeder south
of Waldport--it was also seen by LO and DF. Another came to L&JM's feeder
near Milepost 3.3 along North Yaquina Bay Road in late December, and it
was confirmed by CP on 12/25 and RC & WN on 12/26.
SONG SPARROWS sometimes sing in winter as did one at Wandemere on
12/22 (RC). 1-3 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were reported nearly daily at Yaquina
Head in November (BLM).
Two PURPLE FINCHES, uncommon here in winter, were at D&BM's feeder
south of Waldport on 12/12-13. A HOUSE FINCH graced Wandemere with
singing on 12/26 (RC).
The first flocks of PINE SISKINS arrived at J&KC's feeders 3.5 mi
east of Waldport on 12/15 and CP's Toledo feeder on 12/23. Siskins also
showed up along the coast as 40-100 were at Wandemere on 12/7 & 12/23-24
(RC), and six were at D&BM's feeder south of Waldport on 12/16. Last
winter they were very rare right along the coast.
OBSERVERS. Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie & Ken
Ciotti, Steve Dowlan, Karan, Jim, & Karl Fairchild; Darrel Faxon,
Greg Gillson, Steve Gobat, Wayne Hoffman, Eileen Hoog (EiH),
Eric Horvath (ErH), Philip Kline, Lola Landis, Bob Llewellyn (BLl),
Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe,
Linda & John Mackown, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Sue Martin,
Terry Morse, Walt Nelson, Michael & Sally Noack, Laimons Osis,
Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Alan Schmierer, Jamie Simmons,
Bunny & Pat Wright.
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