Menu of Jan.-May 2002 (sections 02.1-02.55) Bird Field Notes
by Kathy Merrifield from the Sandpiper (a publication
of Yaquina Birders & Naturalists, Lincoln County, Oregon)
Comments about abundance or seasonality refer only to LINCOLN COUNTY.
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Section Month of
No. Sandpiper, Volume 23
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02.1 January 2002
02.13 February 2002
02.22 March 2002
02.32 April 2002
02.44 May 2002
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02.1 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the January 2002 Sandpiper 23(1)
by Kathy Merrifield
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
LINCOLN COUNTY only.
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayshore
Beach=ocean beach along north Alsea Bay Spit, Bayview Pasture=field east
of junction of Beaver Creek Road and North Alsea Bay Road, Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Burnham Creek= creek
flowing into the NE corner of Alsea Bay; Coquille Point=SE Corner of
Sally's Bend, Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along Hwy 34, Eckman
Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, HMSC =Hatfield Marine
Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of HMSC, Sallys
Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay,
Seawoods=residential area just north of Patterson State Park, 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, YBCBC=Yaquina Bay Christmas Bird Count, YB&N=Yaquina Birders and
Naturalists, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty, YHONA=Yaquina Head Outstanding
Natural Area.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.2 LOONS - HERONS
PP seawatched from Boiler Bay an average of 0.8 hours on 4 days
during the reporting period. RED-THROATED LOON numbers peaked at 40 on
1/26, 80 PACIFIC LOONS were there on 12/22 only (PP, WH), and single
COMMON LOONS were present on 1/13 and 1/19 (PP).
2 CLARK'S GREBES visited Boiler Bay on 12/26, and WESTERN GREBE
numbers peaked at 15 on 12/26 (PP). 210 WESTERN GREBES scattered
patchily off Yaquina Head on 12/23, the same day repeated 30-second dives
of a RED-NECKED GREBE near the Alsea Bay Port Dock netted orange sculpins
up to 5 inches long and 2 EARED GREBES interacted on and below the Eckman
Lake surface (KM). On 1/5, YBCBC counted 1 CLARK'S GREBE and 4 EARED
GREBES. A PIED-BILLED GREBE was in Beaver Creek Valley on 1/10 (LO).
Only 3 tubenoses, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS and 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER,
were found dead along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in December
(B&SLo, LO). But that's the story of data: days when nothing is present
are just as important as days with many species or individuals.
A GREAT EGRET frequented Beaver Creek Valley throughout the period
(LO), 2 stood in Alsea Bay and 2 waded in Eckman Lake on 12/23, where
1 remained on 1/21 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.3 GEESE
TM first reported an EMPEROR GOOSE across the road from the YHONA
Visitor's Center on 12/24. Later that day, it grazed on Quarry Tidepool
algae at YHONA (RJ), the same day 2 were reported from the Newport
Transfer Station area in Agate Beach (HW). The Yaquina Head bird
returned to its original point on 12/25 (LH). On 12/26, WH observed it
in Quarry Cove during late morning in the portapotty area feeding on
grass at the edge of the paths: this very clean, unworn adult with no
bands allowed WH to approach within 40 feet. At 11:30 AM on 12/27, RC &
WN found it grazing on green grass among low dunes at the head of Quarry
Cove at YHONA, well-sheltered from a biting east wind. 12/28 was the
last day the goose was seen at Yaquina Head (TM).
On 1/13, 15 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew from the north and circled
Eckman Lake several times before finally landing there (RL). On 1/10,
137 western CANADA GEESE provided a new high count for LO along north
Beaver Creek; they've previously frequented south Beaver Creek. About
200 BRANT cruised up the bay on 1/17 (SK), perhaps indicating the
beginning of spring migration (RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.4 DUCKS
25 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 95 MALLARDS, 105 AMERICAN WIGEONS,
1 EURASIAN WIGEON, and 6 GADWALLS enjoyed Beaver Creek Valley on 1/10
(LO). 1 typical male EURASIAN WIGEON joined 200 eelgrass-slurping
Americans at Idaho Flats on 12/30; 2 hybrid American/Eurasian males
joined 120 Americans in Bayview Pasture on 1/21 (KM). 65 GADWALLS
gathered plants in Eckman Lake on 12/23; 24 were there on 1/21 (KM).
LO spotted 7 RING-NECKED DUCKS in Beaver Creek Valley on 1/10; 10
diving synchronously in Eckman Lake on 1/21 appeared paired, and a female
CANVASBACK joined just one male Ring-necked there on 12/23 (KM).
YBCBCers counted 7 REDHEADS and 283 CANVASBACKS on 1/5.
Off Boiler Bay, SURF SCOTER numbers peaked at 30 on 1/13,
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS at 25 on 12/26 (PP), and BLACK SCOTERS at 5 on 12/22
(PP & WH). 600 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS scattered far beyond the surf off
Yachats on 12/30 (KM). On 1/5, 3 small flocks of BLACK SCOTERS courted
over the Lost Creek SP gravel beds, and 640 Blacks rode high spilling
breakers off Yaquina Head on 1/13 (KM).
A winter-plumaged LONG-TAILED DUCK flew south off Boiler Bay on
12/22 (PP & WH), and YBCBCers noted a typical male among scoters in heavy
surf off Seal Rock on 1/5. 8 HARLEQUIN DUCKS courted in the Seal Rock
lagoon on 1/5 (KM), 5 were there on 1/10 (LO), and 8 cavorted in YBSJ
turbulence on 1/26 (KM). 63 BUFFLEHEADS enjoyed a freshwater respite in
Beaver Creek Valley on 1/10 (LO). A BARROW'S GOLDENEYE visited King
Slough on 1/5 (YBCBC).
18 HOODED MERGANSERS were in Beaver Creek Valley on 1/10 (LO), and
19 gathered near the Burnham Creek outlet in Alsea Bay on 1/21 (KM).
3 bright-red-billed adult female COMMON MERGANSERS rested in Eckman Lake
on 1/21 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.5 RAPTORS
2 WHITE-TAILED KITES delighted YBCBCers in upper Yaquina Bay on 1/5,
1 hovered over HMSC on 1/10 and 2 on 1/11(WN), and 1 entertained the 1/17
YB&N field trip by flying, hovering, and even stooping along the HMSC
Nature Trail (RB).
1 immature BALD EAGLE flew south off Boiler Bay on 12/26 (PP), LO
saw a single adult in its tree at Ona Beach SP almost every day during
the period, and an immature and an adult squabbled in flight over the
HMSC Nature Trail on 1/18 (PD).
On 1/9, at the HMSC main entrance, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK chased a
sparrow, which flew through the chain link fence. The hawk was not so
fortunate, however, and slammed into the fence. It took him about a
minute for him to regain his composure, at which point he jumped up on
top of the fence and just sat there. Feathers on his head and shoulder
were noticeably ruffled, so SK, observing the whole thing, went out to
see if he was hurt badly. The hawk didn't appreciate SK's approach and
flew off, apparently not injured. "What a sight!" summed up SK. Also
on 1/9, the resident SHARP-SHINNED HAWK in RC's Wandemere yard scattered
about 30 PINE SISKINS.
ST noted a COOPER'S HAWK during her YBCBC feeder count on 1/5, WH
and CP saw separate Cooper's on 1/8 in Newport and at the Yaquina Bay
bridge, and RC and her dog surprised a Cooper's as it hunted sparrows at
the edge of Wandemere campground on 1/9. 1 Cooper's perched outside RL's
HMSC office window on 1/15, and crows harassed another on a branch above
ST's Seal Rock feeder on 1/19.
WH saw an immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at HMSC on 12/28, and RC saw
one along the Idaho Flats boardwalk on 1/17. RED-TAILED HAWKS were
present throughout the period at Yaquina Head (BLM), and 20 attended the
1/5 YBCBC.
One or more AMERICAN KESTRELS remained at Yaquina Head through
12/18, and 2 kestrels and 1 MERLIN were found by the YBCBC Team Hidden
Valley on 1/5. Another MERLIN harassed feeder birds at a bayside Newport
home on 1/3 (PD). A PEREGRINE FALCON chased birds over Idaho Flats on
1/15 (RL), and 2 flew together near HMSC for the 1/17 YB&N Field Trip
(RB).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.6 GROUSE - SHOREBIRDS
On 1/4 and 1/9, LO found RUFFED GROUSE on a hillside 5 miles inland
above north Beaver Creek (LO).
J&LM have volunteered for Coot Patrol at Coquille Point; they saw
4 AMERICAN COOTS on 1/10 and none since. 22 AMERICAN COOTS attended the
YBCBC on 1/5, however, as did 4 VIRGINIA RAILS.
BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS are winter-flocking: 8 gathered at Seal Rock
on 1/10 (LO), and an amazing 23 gathered at Depoe Bay on 1/17 (TB). LO
noted 10 GREATER YELLOWLEGS in Beaver Creek Valley on 1/10. YBCBC
counted 3 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS on 1/5. 1 ROCK SANDPIPER was at Boiler Bay
on 12/30 (JC), 5 were on the rocky beach just south of Seal Rock SP on
1/5 (YBCBC), and 1 was at Seal Rock on 1/10 (LO); all lurked among
SURFBIRDS and/or BLACK TURNSTONES. 46 dowitcher sp. roosted on Eckman
Lake south delta sediment on 12/23, and 44 flocked in flooded fields
along South Beaver Creek Road on 1/21 (KM). YBCBC counted 9 COMMON
SNIPES on 1/5; KM found 5 more illustrating (or not illustrating) their
cryptic plumage among flooded grass hummocks along South Beaver Creek
Road on 1/21.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.7 GULLS
At Boiler Bay, PP recorded WESTERN GULL numbers peaking on 1/19,
when 80 flew north, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL numbers peaking at 60 on 12/22
(with WH), HERRING GULL numbers peaking at 60 on 12/22 (with WH),
THAYER'S GULL numbers peaking at 8 on 12/26, and MEW GULL numbers peaking
on 1/19, when 150 flew north. On 12/22, 2000 Herrings flocked with at
least 300 Thayer's, 500 Mews, 80 Glaucous-wingeds, 30 Westerns, and 50
Californias on a Siletz Bay sandbar just forming in the outgoing tide;
most were adults (PP, WH).
25 THAYER'S GULLS, mostly at Agate Beach, were counted by YBCBC on
1/5. A probable "Kumlien's" ICELAND GULL visited Boiler Bay on 12/26
(PP). WH saw an adult RING-BILLED GULL at the D River parking lot,
noting that these are surprisingly uncommon on the outer coast; another
was at Boiler Bay on 12/26 (PP). MEW GULLS were present in Beaver Creek
Valley on 1/10; they are common there when the valley is flooded (LO).
3 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES flew south off Seal Rock on 1/5 (YBCBC), and
another flew past Boiler Bay on 1/13 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.8 ALCIDS
4 COMMON MURRES, 3 CASSIN'S AUKLETS, and 1 RHINOCEROS AUKLET were
found dead along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in December (B&SLo,
LO). At Boiler Bay, COMMON MURRE numbers peaked at 150 on 12/26, when
most were molting or in breeding plumage; PIGEON GUILLEMOT numbers peaked
at 7 on 12/26, MARBLED MURRELET numbers peaked at 6 on 12/22, and ANCIENT
MURRELET numbers peaked at 6 on 12/26 (PP, WH). 15,000 COMMON MURRES
rafted off Yaquina Head during the YBCBC on 1/5; since 1/13, 2 to 4
thousand murres have rafted there late in the day (MN). ANCIENT
MURRELETS were off Yaquina Head on 12/28 and off Boiler Bay on 12/30
(JC). MARBLED MURRELETS called as they flow over SS' Neskowin (Tillamook
County) home on 1/3,4,5, 10, and 11 between 7:30 and 7:40 AM. The only
previous January calls SS has heard were on 1/28-29, 1997.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.9 HUMMINGBIRDS - WOODPECKERS
On 1/9, two female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS alternately and repeatedly
chased each other and perched on a utility wire on either side of a male
above RC's Wandemere yard; it looked like the females were competing for
the male's attention, which seems unusual. One male, one female, and a
second female or juvenile ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS have been frequenting
J&LM's Coquille Point yard since August through 1/17, and at least 3
Anna's argued over D&BM's Tidewater feeders throughout the period.
Skeptics were convinced of the identity of the male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
that visited D&BM's Tidewater feeder on 1/11-12 by his bright rufous
color.
RC's resident "yellow-shafted" intergrade NORTHERN FLICKER
frequented her Wandemere yard almost daily for the previous 2 weeks as of
1/7. Also on 1/7, RC again saw the other intergrade flicker - the one
that looks like a real male yellow-shafted in all plumage details EXCEPT
it has orange (not red) wing and tail linings. A PILEATED WOODPECKER and
a nice, bright HAIRY WOODPECKER were visiting ST's Seal Rock feeder as of
1/19.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.10 CROWS - CREEPERS
This is the time of year hundreds of AMERICAN CROWS fly back to
their evening roost, appreciatively observed by J&KC from their home
4 miles east of Waldport. As of 12/26, it took over 15 minutes for the
skyline to clear. Apparently, they come from ocean towns and follow the
Alsea east to an unknown destination. 70 AMERICAN CROWS beachcombed at
Seal Rock on 1/10, the same day RAVENS were calling up Beaver Creek
Valley (LO).
On 1/11, a regularly visiting silent STELLER'S JAY was right behind
SS at her Neskowin (Tillamook County) home as she set out the dry dog
food; when she left to get Dog, the jay gobbled up the dog food pellets.
Last year, she watched this jay fly to the bird bath and dunk the
pellets. We can only hope it was not Gravy Train.
Wow! 8 BARN SWALLOWS and 1 TREE SWALLOW flew over YBSJ on 1/5 to
the delight of YBCBCers.
Chickadee species' relative abundance varies in Lincoln County.
Near LO's home 5 miles inland on a hillside above north Beaver Creek,
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES were rare among BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES as of
1/9; both species were regular in PD's north Toledo yard throughout the
period, and another flock of both was at ST's Seal Rock feeder as of
1/19.
The regular status of WINTER WRENS in PD's north Toledo yard
throughout the period was emphasized by 42 of these encouraging winter
singers noted by YBCBC on 1/5; also counted then were 4 BEWICK'S WRENS,
20 MARSH WRENS, and 2 BROWN CREEPERS.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.11 THRUSHES - SPARROWS
A female VARIED THRUSH hit SS's Neskowin (Tillamook County) window
on 1/5; one that hit on 1/8 stayed long enough to be photographed.
Varieds are often active in morning dusk; maybe attraction to early
morning light is an adaptation to their life in the forest, and maybe the
extension of our system into theirs miscues them to this act. As of
1/14, VARIED THRUSHES were regular near LO's home 5 miles inland on a
hillside above north Beaver Creek. 2 VARIED THRUSHES visited JW's
Seawoods yard on 1/12, a flock of about 15 in PD's north Toledo yard on
1/16 joined many AMERICAN ROBINS, and 8 Varieds were at ST's Seal Rock
feeder as of 1/19. WH began the year by seeing a HERMIT THRUSH at the
end of his driveway on 1/1; they come out on wet mornings, he says, and
feed on roads in the woods. Another HERMIT THRUSH was at SB's South
Beach lawn on 12/26, and one visited RC&WN's fenced Japanese garden in
Wandemere on 1/5, and another joined SONG SPARROWS in salal between the
asphalt and the ocean at Lost Creek on 1/21 (KM). Up to 2 WESTERN
BLUEBIRDS, highly unusual in winter, graced YHONA from 12/23-29 and were
still there as of 1/17 (MN, BLM).
JW enjoyed a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER in her Seawoods yard on 1/12, and
up to 7 visited PD's north Toledo yard on 1/17. YBCBC found an
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on 1/5.
YBCBC Team Toledo found a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on 1/5; another
YBCBC find that day was 2 LINCOLN'S SPARROWS. DF found SONG SPARROWS,
FOX SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS in his
favorite sparrow spot near the Toledo city shops on 1/13. Another good
sparrow spot is the HMSC nature trail, where PD found about 15
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and a FOX SPARROW on 1/18; SONG SPARROWS were
regular in her north Toledo yard throughout the period, and Fox and Song
Sparrows were also regular near LO's home on a hillside above north Beaver
Creek five miles inland.
A partially leucistic DARK-EYED JUNCO visited J&KC's feeder 4 miles
east of Waldport on 1/20.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.12 BUNTINGS - RED POLES
A SNOW BUNTING visiting the "gull puddle" along YBSJ road on 1/17
(DF, RC) was still there as of 1/20 (DF).
YBCBC counted 2 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS on 1/5, and SaL found single
meadowlarks twice during the week of 1/13 in Bayshore Beach dunegrass
during her long-distance runs.
An EVENING GROSBEAK visited PD's north Toledo yard on 1/10, and on
1/16, she heard but could not see a flock; they appear nearly every
winter in this neighborhood. 2 female PURPLE FINCHES began accompanying
a flock of HOUSE FINCHES at D&BM's Tidewater feeder beginning 1/8.
On 1/9, about 30 PINE SISKINS, the first in weeks, descended on RC &
WN's Wandemere feeders, accompanied by a COMMON REDPOLL, probably a first
year bird. ST enjoyed flocks of PINE SISKINS at her Seal Rock feeder as
of 1/19. "A cup of excellent coffee, lots of lively birds, and Beethoven
in the air," she remarked, describing a perfect day.
RC and WN got home on the evening of 1/10 to find that somebody had
driven a 6-foot section of 2-inch PVC pipe, painted red, into their front
lawn a few feet from one of the bird feeders. They studied it from all
angles, scratched their heads, checked the doors for notes and the
machine for phone messages, and still couldn't fathom where it came from
or why. CP confessed later that he opened a fresh can of red paint in
order to get the color just right on the red pole at the feeder.
OBSERVERS: Range Bayer, BLM (Bureau of Land Management at YHONA),
Tanya Bray, Sara Brown, Jay Carlisle, Rebecca Cheek,
Jorrie and Ken Ciotti, Pat Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Louise Hemphill,
Wayne Hoffman, Ron Jameson, Steve Kupillas, Sally Lockyear (SaL),
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, John and Linda MacKown,
Kathy Merrifield, Dawson and Bobbie Mohler, Terry Morse, Walt Nelson,
Michael Noack of BLM, Laimons Osis, Phil Pickering, Shirley Schwartz,
Shirley Thielen, Jean Weakland, Helen Wellman, Yaquina Bay Christmas Bird
Count (= YBCBC).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
02.13 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the February 2002 Sandpiper 23(2)
by Kathy Merrifield
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, Beaver Creek
Marsh=marsh just east of Hwy 101 opposite Ona Beach managed by Wetlands
Conservancy, Boone Slough=freshwater slough at about mile 8.9 along north
Yaquina Bay Road, Burnham Creek= creek flowing into the NE corner of
Alsea Bay; Criteser's Moorage=marina at about mile 10.2 along north
Yaquina Bay Road, Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along Hwy 34,
Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, Henderson
Creek=creek entering ocean just south of South Beach SP, HMSC =Hatfield
Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of HMSC,
Lost Creek SP=part about 4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Marine
Science Center cul-de-sac=turnaround at Yaquina Bay shore at the north
end of road leading past HMSC; OCA=Oregon Coast Aquarium, 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, Tidewater=about 8 mi east of
Waldport, USFWS=U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wandemere=about
0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along Hwy 101, YBNJ=Yaquina Bay North Jetty,
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty,
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.14 FINAL REPORT: 2001 BEACHED BIRD SURVEY
Another year down: SBr, B&SLo, and LO have completed the 24th
Beached Bird Survey between Beaver and Henderson Creeks. Birds other
than murre chicks totaled 269 in 2001, the fifth low year in a row and
the lowest since 1985. The average annual count for the first 20 years
was 469; the average for the last four years was 334. The most common
species in 2001, NORTHERN FULMARS (52) and COMMON MURRES (47) were found
throughout the year. The murre chick count of 18 was one of the lowest
on record. It is not clear whether this is due to low ocean mortality or
to low chick production; chick production on local rookeries was good.
Again, CASSIN'S AUKLETS were almost absent; all 4 were found during
November and December. SABINE'S GULL and COMMON RAVEN were encountered
for the first time.
Relatively good weather with little west wind prevailed in 2001, and
seabird food conditions were good. So the question asked last year comes
again: why were there low numbers of adult birds and murre chicks on the
beach? At-sea observations showed that bird numbers, including alcids,
were high, which suggests simply that mortality was low. West wind was
reduced this year, and because west wind can bring in many dead birds
from beyond nearshore waters, fewer 2001 birds may have been washed up
from this source.
The study prompts questions, but it also provides important answers
about bird population trends. It's another little brick in the ongoing
building process of science. We appreciate SBr, B&SLo, and LO's
dedication.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.15 LOONS - HERONS
PP's seawatches from Boiler Bay on 3 days averaged 0.58 hours/day.
RED-THROATED LOON numbers peaked at 10 on 2/16, 2 PACIFIC LOONS were
there only on 2/16, and up to 2 COMMON LOONS appeared on 2/9 and 2/16.
16 RED-THROATED LOONS flocked tightly in Sally's Bend on 2/17, and on
2/3, 20 COMMON LOONS rafted in the Alsea Bay sunset west of HWY 101 (KM).
50 WESTERN GREBES formed a tight flock off Yaquina Head on 1/30
(KM), 30 were off Boiler Bay on 2/4 (PP), and many of the 41 rafting in
Boone Slough brackish water on 2/17 were calling (KM). 2 RED-NECKED
GREBES were off Yaquina Head on 1/30, 1 swam in Alsea Bay on 2/3 (KM),
1 was off Boiler Bay on 2/16 (PP), and 2 were at Sawyer's Landing, 4 in
the Sally's Bend channel, and 2 at YBSJ on 2/17 (KM). An EARED GREBE
fished in Eckman Lake on 2/3, and 7 dove in Sally's Bend on 2/17 (KM).
7 SURF SCOTERS, 1 WESTERN GREBE, and 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS joined
8 synchronously diving HORNED GREBES in the 2/3 Alsea Bay sunset west of
101; the larger grebe and the mergansers nipped each other's tails after
surfacing, leading KM to wonder what was going on under the water.
4 NORTHERN FULMARS and 1 FORK-TAILED STORM PETREL were found dead
along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in January (SBr, B&SLo, LO).
If you trust the birds rather than the calendar, it's spring!
Several of 30 PELAGIC CORMORANTS at Boiler Bay on 2/9 had developed from
a trace to 50% of the white flank patches of breeding plumage (PP)
Following an afternoon of vigorous fishing together along the Alsea
Bay north shore, 3 GREAT EGRETS paced into high salt marsh in waning
light to hunch for the night (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.16 WATERFOWL
The USFWS 2002 Winter Waterfowl Trend Survey was flown on 1/3- 4
(DPi of USFWS). Waterfowl numbers were extremely low along the Oregon
coast this year; most totals were the second lowest since the mid-1980s.
Dabblers, divers, and total ducks were all 58% below their respective
previous 5-year means. In contrast, total geese increased 37% over
the previous 5-year mean, but only 551 of those were BRANT, the second
lowest Brant total on record and 11% lower than the previous 5-year
average. Brant wintering in Oregon declined by 50% between 1993 and 1994,
and the decline continues. Reasons for all declines are unclear.
Speaking of BRANT, MM and DP spotted about 35 at HMSC on 2/14,
112 swam in Sally's Bend on 2/17 (KM), and about 2 dozen flew aimlessly
around lower Yaquina Bay on 2/20 (SK), perhaps an indication of readiness
for migration (RB). See? It's spring.
12 CANVASBACKS joined the big duck flock in Sally's Bend on 2/3
(JG), and 43 dove there for plant food on 2/17 (KM). 4 LESSER SCAUP were
off Boiler Bay on 2/9 (PP). 11 RING-NECKED DUCKS floated in Eckman Lake
on 2/3, and a pair swam in Boone Slough fresh water on 2/17 (KM).
At Boiler Bay, SURF SCOTER numbers peaked at 4 on 2/16 and
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER numbers on 2/4, when 60 flew north (PP).
650 BLACK SCOTERS rode the Moolack Beach surf on 1/30, and 20 Blacks
among 40 Surfs over Lost Creek gravel on 2/17 courtship-whistled (KM).
7 HARLEQUIN DUCKS were at YBSJ on 1/29 (LO), and 3 were there on 2/10
(fide SP); 9 bobbed off Seal Rock on 1/30 (KM).
A male HOODED MERGANSER swam in Yaquina Bay east of the South Bay
Road bridge on 2/2 (PD), and 6 dove in Eckman Lake on 2/3, when 7 floated
near the Burnham Creek outlet in NW Alsea Bay (KM). 2 female
COMMON MERGANSERS loafed in Eckman Lake on 2/3, and 5 were 1 mile
upstream from Criteser Moorage on 2/17 (KM). Since high waters receded,
several pairs of Commons and Hoodeds have been on the Alsea River every
day near P&BW's Tidewater home as of 2/19.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.17 RAPTORS
Birds can be good birdwatchers: on 2/3, in the OCA aviary, WH
noticed a CASPIAN TERN looking up. WH looked up, too, and saw two
WHITE-TAILED KITES just above the netting flying slowly, nearly hovering,
and then dropping down and apparently touching feet before parting a few
feet and touching feet again, repeating this sequence thereafter. This
resembles the Wings-Up pair formation display described in R. S. Palmer's
Handbook of North American Birds, Vol. 4 (Yale, 1988). LO saw a
WHITE-TAILED KITE along the HMSC nature trail on 1/23, and another
on 2/4 hovered and then dove into dune plants near the South Beach Trail
on YBSJ (SaL).
SK reported on 1/29 that a male NORTHERN HARRIER has adopted the
feeder area outside his HMSC window as a major hunting ground, now that
resident WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS had been joined by DARK-EYED JUNCOS; the
two male harriers perched there on 1/30 explained why that one harrier
had seemed especially vigilant.
LO spotted a BALD EAGLE in its favorite tree at Ona Beach SP on
1/29; perhaps this was the same one on a snag south of Beaver Creek Marsh
on 2/3 (JG). A COOPER'S HAWK hunted in RC's Wandemere yard on 2/12-13.
On 1/31, RC found an immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in alders near the
HMSC boardwalk and later in the stand of tall trees west of Ferry Slip
Road across from the southernmost OCA parking lot (BT's "raptor magnet"),
the same place BT himself had seen one the week of 1/21; perhaps this
was the same bird Greg Gilson spotted on 2/1 in spruces around south HMSC
residences. On 2/3, JG saw a Red-shouldered along US 20 in a cottonwood
plantation east of Blodgett: OK, so it's Benton County, but it's still
part of the Total Beach Experience to us inlanders.
On 1/22, a MERLIN was in a Newport bayfront yard on 1/22 (PD), and
another haunted the raptor magnet trees west of Ferry Slip Road from
OCA on 2/1 (BT).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.18 GROUSE - ALCIDS
On 1/29, a RUFFED GROUSE dined in a holly tree next to LO's house.
CP found the mother lode of ROCK SANDPIPERS: 15 flocked with
DUNLINS at the end of the rainbow - no, just kidding - at the end of
YBNJ, which CP reached after a harrowing rock-scrambling gap-jumping
hike. There also were 2 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS, BLACK TURNSTONES,
SURFBIRDS, and SANDERLINGS. NOTE: YBNJ IS DANGEROUS and waves have
swept people off the top of it.
4 COMMON SNIPES along the stream just north of Toledo Memorial Field
surprised PD as much as she surprised them!
JL was entertained by GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS dropping clams onto the
pavement outside her HMSC window as of 1/28. Single HERRING GULLS were
at Boiler Bay on 2/4 and 2/9 (PP). Single THAYER'S GULLS were at Seal
Rock on 2/3 (JG) and Boiler Bay on 2/4 (PP). A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
visited Boiler Bay on 2/9 (PP), and 2 were found dead along 4.6 miles of
beach near Thiel Creek (SBr, B&SLo, LO).
5 alcids - 1 CASSIN'S AUKLET and 4 COMMON MURRES - were found dead
along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in January (B&SLo, LO).
COMMON MURRE numbers at Boiler Bay peaked at 400 flying south on 2/9;
single winter-plumaged PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were there on 2/4, 2/9, and 2/16
as well as a MARBLED MURRELET on 2/4, and a RHINOCEROS AUKLET flew south
on 2/16 (PP). MM and DP spotted a CASSIN'S AUKLET across Yaquina Bay
from HMSC on 2/14.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.19 PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
On 1/25, J&KC noted the first 2 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS in their yard
4 miles east of Waldport.
When BO heard 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS hooting in his neighbor's Newport
yard on 1/29, he confirmed one visually using a flashlight. On about
2/10, DF began hearing the first SAW-WHET OWL of the year calling nightly
near his Thornton Creek home.
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS are transitioning from wintering towards
thoughts of breeding. On 2/15, one male Anna's among the 3 regular at
D&BM's Waldport yard treated his hosts to five full minutes of aerial
display dives: the male flew straight up out of sight but was back a few
seconds later, hanging in the air. At least 6 Anna's wintered around
RC's Wandemere yard, and one male display-dove there on 2/12. In
addition, an Anna's has visited a blooming bottlebrush bush in SaL's
Yachats yard from early December through 2/4. On the sub-30 degree
moonlit night of 1/28, a male Anna's fed at the RC's Wandemere feeder,
then battered himself against the window before clinging, exhausted, to
the base of the house. RC warmed him up inside and released him outside.
All feeder "owners" including 1 female were present the next day. RC
wonders if Anna's migrate on moonlit nights. At J&KC's feeders 4 miles
east of Waldport, a male Anna's was present until 2/12, when a male
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD arrived to enjoy huckleberry flowers. WH heard a
probable Rufous in his South Beach yard on 2/14.
A DOWNY WOODPECKER visited SaL's shorepine hedge in Yachats on 2/16.
The orange shafted intergrade NORTHERN FLICKER visited RC's Wandemere
yard on 1/20; the yellow-shafted intergrade has been there nearly every
day as of 1/20. A yellow-shafted intergrade flicker has been visiting
J&KC's yard 4 miles east of Waldport as of 1/26; also there on 2/13, 2
called as they "flicka danced" with tail feathers extended and heads
bobbing.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.20 JAYS - WARBLERS
A southern Rocky Mountain ssp. macrolopha STELLER'S JAY visited CW's
Newport feeders from early January to 1/25.
J&KC's yard 4 miles east of Waldport hosted a small group of
BUSHTITS on 1/23 and a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH on 1/28-29.
On 1/28, SS was surprised by an animal in the live trap set for mice
in her garage. It was the WINTER WREN that persistently enters her
garage when it's open; SS had opened it up on a sunny day. When freed,
the wren flew across the yard to his bush and vocalized his displeasure.
Another WINTER WREN sounded happier as it sang for PD along the Waterleaf
Nature Trail behind the Toledo library on 2/2.
A large flock of AMERICAN ROBINS arrived at P&BW's Tidewater yard on
1/23 after a 2.5 month absence. D&BM had their wish come true: a VARIED
THRUSH visited their Waldport feeder from 2/1-9. PD saw one and heard
many VARIED THRUSHES in her Toledo yard on 1/18, and on 2/4, she heard at
least 4.
J&KC reported on 2/13 from their yard 4 miles east of Waldport that
TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS love peanut butter cakes, as do chickadees, juncos,
sparrows, and jays; even ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS have sampled them. Here's
the recipe: 4 1/2 c crunchy PB, 1 1/4 c corn meal, 1/4 c maple syrup,
1/3 c chopped dried fruit; freeze in containers until ready to use.
10-12 Townsend's frequented PD's Toledo yard as of 1/20. SB spotted at
least 25 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS flocked with CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES,
RUBY CROWNED KINGLETS, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, and a BROWN CREEPER at
Yaquina Bay State Park on 2/16. A PALM WARBLER perched on the fence near
the Marine Science Drive cul-de-sac on 2/4 (WH); another grandstanded on
the Toledo Memorial Field grandstand, posing in the sunshine and flicking
its tail for PD. On 2/2-3, BTi found a NASHVILLE WARBLER at a residence
along the north side of the Cutler City shore of Siletz Bay.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.21 SPARROWS - EVENING GROSBEAK
PD found 2 LINCOLN'S SPARROWS among at least 18 WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS behind the Toledo City Shops on 2/2; a FOX SPARROW visited her
Toledo yard on 2/17. A SONG SPARROW was as surprised as everyone else at
the late January snowstorm: LL watched it actually trying to dodge
snowflakes in Waldport on 1/27. FOX SPARROWS are holding at about 6
birds, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS at 2, and SONG SPARROWS at 3 in D&BM's
Waldport yard, but WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS are down to 2, fewer than in
previous years, perhaps due to the increase of HOUSE SPARROWS to 6. In
J&KC's yard 4 miles east of Waldport, FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS,
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, along with
SPOTTED TOWHEES and DARK-EYED JUNCOS, were common as of 2/13; a leucistic
junco visited there on 1/16. A DARK-EYED JUNCO sang on 1/28 at SS's
Neskowin (Tillamook County) home, another sign of spring.
A SNOW BUNTING at the YBSJ gull loafing puddle area continued from
1/26 through 2/14 (SaL, CP, BO, JL, LO, WH, fide SP, DM, MM, DP, JL, KA).
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were frequent visitors outside SK's HMSC window
as of 1/29, and PD found 4 behind the Toledo City Shops on 2/2.
The first PURPLE FINCHES at P&BW's Tidewater feeders arrived on
2/19, but the usual HOUSE FINCHES have been absent; Purples occurred
throughout the period at D&BM's Waldport feeder. PINE SISKINS returned
to P&BW's Tidewater feeder as of 2/19, and a siskin flock flew over PD's
Toledo yard on 1/20. On 2/20, the first EVENING GROSBEAK in J&KC's yard
4 miles east of Waldport ended both the bird list and the calendar
period.
OBSERVERS: Kama Almasi, Range Bayer, Sara Brown (SBr),
Sean Burgett, Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, Pat Dickey,
Todd Dunkirk, Joel Geier, Wayne Hoffman, Steve Kupillas, Janet Lamberson,
Lola Landis, Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel,
Mike McDermet, Dave Mellinger, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler,
Bob Olson, Laimons Osis, Sylvia Pauly, Diane Pettey, Chuck Philo,
Phil Pickering, Dave Pitkin (DPi), Shirley Schwartz, Bryant Tarr,
Bill Tice (BTi), Cheryl Wride, Pat & Bunny Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
02.22 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the March 2002 Sandpiper 23(3)
by Kathy Merrifield
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, Burnham Creek=creek
flowing into the NE corner of Alsea Bay; Coquille Point=SE Corner of
Sally's Bend, Eckman Lake=lake 2 mi. east of Waldport along Hwy 34, Fox
Creek=2 mi S of Seal Rock SP on U. S. 101, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science
Center, Newton Hill=between Toledo and town of Siletz, 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, YHONA=Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural
Area.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.23 LOONS - HERONS
PP seawatched from Boiler Bay an average of 1.6 hours on each of
8 days; RED-THROATED LOON numbers were highest when 300 flew north on
both 3/8 and 3/17, 2 on 3/17 approached breeding plumage. Boiler Bay
PACIFIC LOON numbers peaked at 3 on 3/8 and 3/12; also on 3/12,
COMMON LOON numbers peaked at 10, and a probable YELLOW-BILLED LOON flew
south (PP). WH described a possible ARCTIC LOON at YBSJ on 2/23. As of
2/26, JW was counting up to 24 COMMON LOONS in evening rafts in Alsea Bay
west of Highway 101.
6 EARED GREBES dove together while another remained alone,
15 RED-NECKED GREBES formed two tight flocks, over 200 WESTERN GREBES
straggled throughout the embayments, and at least 150 HORNED GREBES
remained dispersed in Sally's Bend on 2/24; Westerns had dwindled to 70
by 3/3 (KM). 16 PIED-BILLED GREBES were at Eckman Lake on 3/3 (KM).
3 NORTHERN FULMARS were the only tubenoses found dead along 4.6
miles of beach near Thiel Creek in February (SB, B&SLo, LO). On 2/24,
LJ and JS spotted a dark morph NORTHERN FULMAR in Yaquina Bay near HMSC.
Off Boiler Bay, 1 light NORTHERN FULMAR appeared on 2/24, and
2 intermediates flew north on 3/8 (PP).
At Yaquina Head, one PELAGIC CORMORANT and 2 BRANDT'S CORMORANTS
carried seaweed on 3/9, but since none were visible on nesting rocks,
nest-building must have just started (WH). Off Boiler Bay,
BRANDT'S CORMORANT numbers were highest on 3/16, when 240 flew south, and
PELAGIC CORMORANT numbers were highest the same day, when 120 flew north;
lone DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were present on 2/24 and 3/16 (PP).
2 GREAT EGRETS fished in south Siletz Bay on 2/24, and 2 rested in
high salt marsh along the east shore of Alsea Bay on 3/3 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.24 WATERFOWL
Off Boiler Bay, 2 BRANT flew north on 3/16, and 2 flew south on 3/17
(PP).
2 male EURASIAN WIGEONS joined 80 AMERICAN WIGEONS in Sally's Bend
on 2/28 and 3/3 (CR, KM). GADWALL numbers at Eckman Lake had decreased
to 9 by 3/3 (KM).
2 Scaup sp. were in Alsea Bay west of Highway 101 on 2/26 (JW).
Most of the 42 neck-stretching CANVASBACKS in Sally's Bend on 2/24 formed
one group near a raft of 30 GREATER SCAUPS and LESSER SCAUPS (KM).
8 RING-NECKED DUCKS swam in Eckman Lake on 3/3 (KM). On 3/16, 27 scaup
sp. flew north off Boiler Bay, and 2 GREATER SCAUPS were identifiable
(PP).
Off Boiler Bay, BLACK SCOTER numbers peaked on 3/12 at 35,
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER numbers peaked the same day when 300 flew south, and
SURF SCOTER numbers peaked on 3/13, when 120 flew north (PP).
30 SURF SCOTERS joined 600 BLACK SCOTERS north of Yaquina Head on 2/24
(KM). 300 BLACK SCOTERS were north of Yaquina Head and about 200 off
Moolack Beach on 3/9 (WH). 200 SURF SCOTERS along with a few
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and BLACK SCOTERS, 12 HARLEQUIN DUCKS and
20 BUFFLEHEADS rafted at YBSJ on 3/13 (WH); the Surfs formed tight rafts,
scooted over the surface, swam fast, and sometimes dove right next to the
jetty rocks.
4 HARLEQUIN DUCK males followed 3 females over rocks and water at
Seal Rock on 3/3 (KM). On 3/9, the 3 male and 3 female Harlequins
surfing in the tidal flow through the gaps in the YBSJ second finger were
not obviously paired (WH), but two appeared paired there on 3/16 (JG). A
female Harlequin flew south off Boiler Bay, and 2 were in the cove there
on 3/12 (PP).
Several males among 90 COMMON GOLDENEYES bowsprit-pumped in Sally's
Bend on 2/24; 1550 BUFFLEHEADS formed conveniently countable rafts there
on 3/3 (KM). Courting parties of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS drifted through
Sally's Bend on 2/24 and 3/3 (KM). Only 1 female HOODED MERGANSER was in
Eckman Lake and only 1 male was at Burnham Creek outlet in Alsea Bay on
3/3 (KM).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.25 VULTURES - COOTS
A TURKEY VULTURE circled MN as he surfed just south of Yaquina Head
on 3/3; we know MN survived, because he continued to send bird reports.
Spring juxtaposed mid-winter weather in PD's Toledo yard on 3/7: while
winter songbirds flocked and foraged in the newly fallen snow, a
TURKEY VULTURE soared on the horizon.
A WHITE-TAILED KITE flying over the dunes just east of the YBSJ gull
puddle suffered through 5 minutes of repeated dive bombings by a highly
aggressive AMERICAN CROW on 3/4 (JF). Another kite flew above the HMSC
on 3/9 (CL).
BALD EAGLES visited Yaquina Head on 1/ 9&10 and almost daily
beginning 1/28 (BLM). On 3/5, 2 BALD EAGLES surveyed the Alsea River
from the top of a tall spruce opposite P&BW's Tidewater yard. JB told BB
that she saw 3 adult BALD EAGLES simultaneously on a Yachats Beach in
early March.
CP spotted a female COOPER'S HAWK near the Highway 20 light on the
east side of Newport on 3/15.
RED-TAILED HAWKS were regular at Yaquina Head throughout the period
(BLM). On 3/7, 2 Red-taileds soared over the Alsea River at P&BW's
Tidewater yard.
On 3/6, when BT's flock of homing pigeons were out for their daily
flight near his home in Newport, a big, beefy, definitely female
PEREGRINE FALCON approached from the north and absolutely lambasted a
pigeon. BT loves his pigeons, but this awesome sight brought out his
love for the raptor's perspective. That Peregrine, said BT, was
definitely warm and toasty that night with her full crop of pigeon.
J&LM have continued Coot Patrol through the winter, but they have
seen none in Yaquina Bay, even upriver from their Coquille Point home,
since the 4 they saw there on 1/10.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.26 SANDPIPERS - GULLS
A breeding-plumaged SPOTTED SANDPIPER bobbed along the mudflats in
upper Yaquina Bay on 3/3 (KM), the same day PD saw two in the same area.
8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS picked among floating-leaved plants in Eckman Lake
on 3/3 (KM).
Off Boiler Bay, WESTERN GULL numbers peaked on 3/12, when over 2000
flew south, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL numbers peaked the same day when over
1200 flew south, HERRING GULL numbers peaked on 2/23 when over 50 flew
north, MEW GULL numbers peaked on 2/24, when 35 flew north;
CALIFORNIA GULL numbers never topped 5 (PP). A first year GLAUCOUS GULL
graced Seal Rock on 2/21 (CP). A second year HERRING GULL and
3 THAYER'S GULLS rested in the D River parking lot on 2/28 (CR).
WH described a probable dark-eyed HERRING GULL at the Nye Beach
turnaround on 3/10.
Among CALIFORNIA GULLS at YBSJ on 3/10, WH found 2 adults of the
larger plains subspecies; they had immaculate white heads as well as
brighter bills and feet than the accompanying 6 Great Basin individuals
(WH). CP spotted an all-white MEW GULL in Newport; size, shape,
activity, and association with other Mews were useful in the
identification. WH saw 80 MEW GULLS at YBSJ on 3/13.
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE movement was southward on all PP's seawatch days
except 3/8; numbers peaked at over 2000 on 3/12 and over 9000 on 3/16.
About 50 mostly adult BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES flew into the south wind
off Boiler Bay on 3/10 (WH).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.27 ALCIDS
COMMON MURRES landed on sea stacks off Yaquina Head for the first
time on 2/24 and covered the islands on 2/25; by 2/26, they had abandoned
the largest, Colony Rock, after two adult BALD EAGLES tried
unsuccessfully to pick a couple off (MN). Some murres scattered from
surrounding islands but slowly returned. The two eagles then spent about
two hours in the spruce just east of the lighthouse, but as of 1230,
Colony Rock was still murreless. Murres again scattered from the
breeding rocks on 2/28, when the circling of 2 mature eagles was followed
immediately by a PEREGRINE FALCON (BLM). Only one alcid, a murre, was
found dead along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in February (SB,
B&SLo, LO). COMMON MURRE numbers off Boiler Bay peaked at over 5000 on
3/13 (PP).
PIGEON GUILLEMOT numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 3/12 at 40, of
which 35 were in breeding plumage (PP); one on 2/23 had nearly completed
breeding plumage. PIGEON GUILLEMOTS at Yaquina Head on 3/9 had developed
breeding plumage (WH), as had 3 at YBSJ on 3/10 (KM).
10 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were off Boiler Bay on 3/10 (WH), and a few were at
YBSJ on 3/16 (JG). RHINOCEROS AUKLET numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on
3/12 when over 2500 flew south and on 3/13, when over 6500 flew south
(PP). 10 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were off Boiler Bay on 3/10 (WH).
7 winter-plumaged MARBLED MURRELET pairs flew south off Boiler Bay on
3/12 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.28 PIGEONS - HUMMINGBIRDS
RL noted the first BAND-TAILED PIGEONS in his Waldport yard on 1/22,
RC saw the first at Wandemere on 2/26, J&LM noted the first near their
Coquille Point yard on 3/3, 12 visited BB's Yachats yard on 3/6, and one
appeared in north Newport on 3/21 (BO). A MOURNING DOVE ground-fed at
MN's Fox Creek home on 2/24, 2/28, and 3/6 (proof that MN was not vulture
food).
A SAW-WHET OWL visited JL's Newton Hill home, perching first on top
of her pickup after dark on 3/13 and then on the picnic table at 8 PM on
3/14. JL walked all around this tame bird, examining it in the
flashlight beam from 6 feet away as it sat on the table, after which it
flew to a tree above the table. JL had also been hearing Saw-whet calls
on several nights around that time.
J&JG's last ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was last seen in their forested
Yachats yard on 2/17; one remained in BB's Yachats yard until 3/7. At
least 3 female and 2 male Anna's remained in D&BM's Waldport yard through
3/15.
The first RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in J&JG's spruce-forested acres
appeared on 2/28, the first Rufous in P&BW's Tidewater yard arrived on
2/26, at least a week earlier than in previous years, and the first
Rufous in J&LM's Coquille Point yard arrived on 3/1. Also on 3/1, J&KC
saw 6 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS and heard others in their yard 4 miles east of
Waldport; males were displaying, but only one female had arrived by 3/2.
The first Rufous in BB's Yachats yard arrived on 3/3. A Rufous male in
D&BM's Tidewater yard on 3/8 was followed by 1 female and 2 males
beginning 3/13; up to 5 entertained their hosts as they circled and
dive-bombed in competition for solitary control of feeders.
A male Mystery Hummingbird on 3/4 at Road's End in north Lincoln
City had a blue throat (purple in the sun) not extending above its eyes,
a green back, grayish belly, and no white in the tail (EiH); it may have
been a very early BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (RB) but could also have been
a first year male ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (MP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.29 WOODPECKERS - THRUSHES
In J&KC's yard 4 miles east of Waldport as of 3/8, two male
NORTHERN FLICKERS competed for one of the new flicker houses - one from
inside the house; both were encouraged by a female which landed on the
roof. SaL spotted a marauding band of 30 BUSHTITS off Logsden Road in
Siletz on 3/6. A BROWN CREEPER visited J&JG's forested Yachats yard on
2/16. On 2/27, a frenzied flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS fed in JW's
Seawoods shorepines.
MN spotted a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE on a cliff above the YHONA
Interpretive Center on 2/25. PD noted AMERICAN ROBINS still forming
large flocks behind the Toledo city shops on 3/3 and in her Toledo yard
on 3/7. VARIED THRUSH numbers in Wandemere decreased after their 2/16
peak, suggesting spring departure (RC). PD saw and heard enough
VARIED THRUSHES to produce a racket in North Toledo on 2/27-28 and
another cacophony in her Toledo yard on 3/7. VARIED THRUSHES remained in
BB's Yachats yard as late as 3/7, up to 8 visited BLo's South Beach yard
on 3/11, and a beautiful female posed to treat D&BM to excellent views on
most days throughout the period. A HERMIT THRUSH appeared in north
Toledo on 2/28 (PD), one continued at MN's Fox Creek home as of 3/6, and
good numbers remained in Waldport as of 3/16 (JG). WESTERN BLUEBIRDS
appeared at Yaquina Head on 1/8&9, 2 were there nearly daily from
1/14 - 21 (BLM), and some were still at Yaquina head as of 3/9 (WH). Up
to 3 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS had arrived at EH's forested land 8 miles up North
Beaver Creek as of 3/10; he expects more to inhabit the nest boxes he has
provided.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.30 STARLINGS - BUNTING
On 3/16, EUROPEAN STARLINGS in Waldport imitating KILLDEERS and
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS did not fool JG. A few CEDAR WAXWINGS were in
Seal Rock on 2/20 (CP). TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS visited J&JG's forested
Yachats yard on 3/2 and BB's Yachats yard on 3/7.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW fed at CP's Toledo feeder on 2/24. The
first small flocks of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS arrived about 2/24 in
Wandemere (RC). RC also spotted a HARRIS' SPARROW in the flock at a
neighbor's feeder in the Wandemere area on 2/28, and DF saw one in the
same area on 3/3. SONG SPARROW numbers peaked about 2/24 in Wandemere,
but FOX SPARROW numbers had decreased by 2/26 after their 2/16 peak,
suggesting spring departure (RC). Fox and Song Sparrows remained at
Yaquina Bay SP on 3/2 and joined a flock of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS behind
the Toledo city shops on 3/3 (PD). JG found a sooty FOX SPARROW near the
South Beach fish-n-chips place on 3/16. Fox, Song, and White-crowned
sparrows as well as GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS remained in D&BM's Waldport
yard through 3/20. A female Slate-coloredish DARK-EYED JUNCO visited
WH's South Beach feeder on 3/3.
The SNOW BUNTING was observed at the YBSJ Gull puddle on 2/27 (J&KC,
CR, B&JW, TB, JS), 3/10 (WH), 3/13 (WH), 3/14 (RB), and 3/16 (JG).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.31 BLACKBIRDS - FINCHES
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS visited Yaquina Head on 1/10-12, 2/17, 18, & 28
(BLM). On 3/1, a WESTERN MEADOWLARK called as it sat on a boulder above
Quarry Cove at YHONA, and another chattered in the grass nearby (MN).
PD spotted a meadowlark behind the Toledo city shops on 3/3.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS appeared in P&BW's Tidewater yard on 3/8.
The first small flocks of HOUSE FINCHES arrived about 2/24 in
Wandemere (RC). On 2/21, one of the first EVENING GROSBEAKS of the year,
a male, died after hitting a window at J&KC's home 4 miles east of
Waldport; J&KC have observed that this species suffers window hits more
often than others.
3/8 was PINE SISKIN day: all reports of siskins were from that day
only. PINE SISKINS appeared in P&BW's Tidewater yard and in D&BM's
Waldport yard, and siskins were everywhere in J&KC's yard 4 miles east of
Waldport, even landing on hands and shoulders during feeder-filling.
This was not just a Greater Waldport phenomenon: a second day of snow in
Toledo on 3/8 brought a flock of siskins to PD's Toledo yard. Maybe this
was a convention; if so, the Lincoln County tourist facilities were up to
the challenge, thanks to generous feeder owners.
A COMMON REDPOLL visited SaL's Yachats feeder on 3/11-12: its dark
throat patch, white wing bars, and pleasing plumpness set it off from
other finches. Anyone seen any PVC pipe lately?
OBSERVERS: Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Tanya Bray, Sara Brown, Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) staff at YHONA, Jan Burley, Rebecca Cheek,
Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, Pat Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Jeff Fleischer, Joel
Geier, Wayne Hoffman, Eileen Hoog (EiH)Eric Horvath, Laura Johnson, Janet
Lamberson, Carol Ledford, Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley Loeffel,
Kathy Merrifield, John & Linda MacKown, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Michael
Noack, Bob Olson, Laimons Osis, Mike Patterson, Chuck Philo, Craig
Roberts, John Sullivan, James and Shirley Thielen, Jean Weakland, Barbara
& John Woodhouse, Pat & Bunny Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
02.32 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the April 2002 Sandpiper 23(4)
by Kathy Merrifield
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Bayshore
Pond=opposite Tawn Mar Street along Hwy 101 north of Waldport; Beaver
Creek=creek flowing through Ona Beach SP, Coquille Point=SE Corner of
Sally's Bend, Driftwood Beach SP=park about halfway between Seal Rocks
and Waldport, Eckman Lake=lake 2 mi east of Waldport along Hwy 34, Eckman
Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake, Euchre Mountain=east of
Lincoln City in Coast Range; Guin House=HMSC-owned house on Chestnut St.
on small tributary of Idaho Flats; HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center,
Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of HMSC, Lost Creek SP=part about
4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, OBOL=Oregon Birders On Line (for
questions, send e-mail to list owners at [obol-owner@lists.orst.edu],
OCA=Oregon Coast Aquarium, Ona Beach=state park about 6.6 mi south of
Yaquina Bay bridge along Hwy 101 at Beaver Creek, Red Creek=small
watershed that drains into the Siletz River about 8 miles from Hwy 101;
Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, Spanish
Head=headland in south Lincoln City; Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south
of Yaquina Bay bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville,
Tidewater=about 8 mi east of Waldport, Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of
Ona Beach along Hwy 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.33 EDITOR'S NOTE: Reporting Rarities
During a spirited discussion on OBOL, a member of the Oregon Rare
Bird Records Committee voiced his opinion regarding the reporting of
unlikely species from localities far from home: "Keep those reports
coming, folks!" Remembering that encouragement, when we are away from
familiar ground, it's a good idea to temper reports of rarities with
judicious consideration of the species' normal range and yearly life
cycle, to include reasons for the identification, and to use language
such as "POSSIBLE Black-throated Huet-huet." Good observers know they
cannot always be sure of identifications.
Observation is the foundation of science, method, and creativity.
It is a skill requiring practice. So let's practice: keep those reports
coming, folks.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.34 LOONS - HERONS
PP seawatched from Boiler Bay an average of 1.3 hours on each of 11
days from 3/21 - 4/20. RED-THROATED LOON numbers peaked on 4/4 at 7500,
PACIFIC LOON numbers peaked on 4/19 at 2500, and COMMON LOON numbers also
peaked on 4/19 at 40; all flew north. On 4/10 at the South Beach marina,
EH was treated to a sound rare in Oregon - the call of a COMMON LOON.
Sharp-eyed CP spotted a YELLOW-BILLED LOON at YBSJ on 3/27.
On 3/26 in Sally's Bend, 40 HORNED GREBES joined 13 EARED GREBES,
all winter-plumaged (KM); by 4/10 in Yaquina Bay, both had developed
breeding plumage (EH). Yaquina Bay RED-NECKED GREBES were in breeding
plumage on 4/3, and EH saw 15 on 4/10. A CLARK'S GREBE visited Yaquina
Bay on 3/23 (BGPT). Beaver Creek hosted 3 PIED-BILLED GREBES on 3/13
(LO). On 3/26 in Eckman Lake, a transitional-plumaged PIED-BILLED GREBE
struggling to remove a fish impaled on its bill finally flipped it off on
the 10th try; at least 7 there on 4/14 had assumed breeding plumage (KM).
4 tubenoses - 3 NORTHERN FULMARS and 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL -
were found dead along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in March (SBr,
B&SLo, LO). Off Newport on 3/23, BGPT counted 22 BLACK-FOOTED
ALBATROSSES, 33 NORTHERN FULMARS, 100 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 1 FLESH-FOOTED
SHEARWATER, 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, and 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL.
The Bird Guide will continue to host pelagic trips out of Newport.
A BROWN PELICAN flew north past Yaquina Head on 4/3 (EH). A "V" of
100 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS flew north over Wandemere on 4/3 followed
by another of 75 on 4/21 (RC), and 7 flew north over SW Newport on 4/7
(RB), illustrating their subtle yet detectable spring northward migration
(RB). On 3/13, BRANDT'S CORMORANTS at Seal Rock sported the white plumes
of breeding plumage (LO).
On 4/6, LC saw 2 GREAT EGRETS at the Siletz River mouth and 1 in
Idaho Flats; 1 was at Beaver Creek through March, 5 were there on 4/7,
and 3 remained on 4/8 (LO). BL noted GREEN HERONS at the OCA ponds on
4/9 and 4/15; the firsts at Guin House were spotted by U&EO on 4/13.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.35 WATERFOWL
LO counted 26 CANADA GEESE along North Beaver Creek on 2/12, 44 on
2/19, and 17 on 3/13. A pair of Canadas lingered at Tidewater as of
3/28 (P&BW). 25 Dusky CANADA GEESE were at the Siletz River mouth on 4/6
(LC). A flock of about 100 Canadas flew north off Wandemere on 4/21 (RC,
WN). L&LC counted 117 BRANT in Idaho Flats on 4/6. 110 BRANT flew north
off Boiler Bay on 4/4, followed by 350 off Wandemere on 4/12 (RC), 45 off
Wandemere (RC) and 840 off Spanish Head on 4/19 (PP), and 175 off
Wandemere on 4/20 (RC).
An EURASIAN WIGEON joined 144 AMERICAN WIGEONS along Beaver Creek on
3/13, with many MALLARDS, 26 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 19 GADWALLS, 14 RING-
NECKED DUCKS, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 1 male WOOD DUCK, 23 BUFFLEHEADS, and
14 HOODED MERGANSERS (LO). On 4/7, LO counted 61 GREEN-WINGED TEAL
there; up to 3 CINNAMON TEAL were there on 4/7-8 (LO, DF). A pair of
WOOD DUCKS and a CINNAMON TEAL swam on the Beverly Beach SP pond on about
4/11 (DO).
100 GREATER SCAUPS were in Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC).
RING-NECKED DUCKS remained through 4/11 along Hwys 20 and 229 near the
Siletz/Toledo junction (BL).
SURF SCOTER numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 3/26, when over 2500
flew north; WHITE-WINGED SCOTER numbers peaked the same day, when 200
flew north, and BLACK SCOTER numbers peaked on 4/19, when 15 flew north
(PP).
At least 3 HARLEQUIN DUCKS on 2/16 and 6 on 2/19 weathered rough
surf at Seal Rock (LO); 2 males remained on 3/26 (KM). DI spotted a
LONG-TAILED DUCK among hundreds of scoters off Nye Beach (Newport) on
3/26-27. A pair of BUFFLEHEADS wandered 11 miles up the Alsea River on
3/28 (P&BW).
At least 30 merganser sp./minute flew northward 1.5 miles due west
of Seal Rock on 4/4-5 (SK). At Eckman Lake on 3/26, 4 immature male
COMMON MERGANSERS courted a female paired with an adult male (KM).
2 male RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS bobbed their heads and necks in courtship
displays for 4 females in Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.36 DIURNAL RAPTORS
TURKEY VULTURES first appeared over Beaver Creek on 3/13 (LO),
Tidewater on 3/23 (P&BW), Depoe Bay on 3/23 and the Coast Range on 3/25
(DT); and on 4/1 over Toledo (DHG, PD) and 4 miles south of Newport (RC).
On 4/16, a TURKEY VULTURE stood back while a RED-TAILED HAWK feasted on a
coyote carcass in a clearcut south of the Newport Airport (BL).
Two OSPREYS fished at Eckman Lake on 3/26 (KM); another flew south
off Seal Rock on 3/28 (DI). An OSPREY visited Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC),
and JW saw 1 at its Bayshore Pond nest as of 4/12, perhaps the same one
that caught a perch off Driftwood SP (MN) and the same day yet another
fished at a pond near OCA (BT). An OSPREY caught a fish in the OCA West
Mill Pond on 4/17 (BL), and 2 AMERICAN CROWS chased another over
Wandemere on 4/20 (RC).
A pair of NORTHERN HARRIERS raced SaL along the South Beach trail on
4/1, L&LC saw 1 at Idaho Flats on 4/6, and throughout April, 1 remained
near Beaver Creek (JW).
An adult BALD EAGLE guarded Ona Beach SP on 2/16 (YB&N Field
Trip/LO), perhaps the same observed there on 3/13, 4/7 (LO) and
throughout the period (JW). 2 eagles flew 1 mile off Wandemere on 4/20
(RC). A pair of adult BALD EAGLES frequented the mouth of Thiel Creek
daily as of 4/7 (BLo, SBr, BL & SB); on 4/12, 2 adults and an immature
were active north of nearby Driftwood SP (MN). At YBSJ on 4/15, a BALD
EAGLE swooped down to capture a small grebe (BT), and others were at OCA
(BL). As of mid-April, 2 adults were regular at Yachats Bay (BB).
A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK flew near Toledo on 4/1-4 (DHG), and others
visited RC's Wandemere yard on 4/11, 4/15 and 4/19.
An adult PEREGRINE FALCON flew over Yaquina Bay on 3/23 (BGPT),
another flew north near Seal Rock on 3/28 (DI), and on about 4/8 over
Newport, a large Peregrine mortally wounded a member of BT's pigeon
flock. Another flew over the Siletz soccer field on 4/19 (M&SJ).
BT saw a MERLIN in the South Beach "raptor magnet" trees along Ferry
Slip Road on 4/12 and 1 at YBSJ on 4/15. CP wonders if 4 MERLINS in 11
days are following shorebird movement - 1 was over north Newport on 4/12,
1 over Sunny Ridge on 4/14, 1 over YBSJ on 4/21, and 1 near Lost Creek SP
on 4/22.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.37 GROUSE - GULLS
A RUFFED GROUSE and KM surprised each other near Keller Creek on
4/14.
VIRGINIA RAILS sounded off along Beaver Creek on 4/7 (LO), and SORAS
called from Beaver Creek on 4/8 (DF). 5 coots swam just east of the
Embarcadero docks on 3/30 (JM), and a lone AMERICAN COOT navigated South
Beach Marina on 4/6 (J&LM).
9 KILLDEERS were in Beaver Creek valley on 3/13 (LO). 2 bright
breeding-plumaged BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS were in Sally's Bend on 4/18
(BL).
An AMERICAN AVOCET was reported between Newport and Beverly Beach on
about 4/2 (KS). L&LC saw 2 WHIMBRELS in Idaho Flats on 4/6; 4 probed SW
Alsea Bay on 4/14 (KM), and 3 were in Idaho Flats on 4/19 (EH).
DT counted 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS at HMSC on 3/23-25; 6 were there on
3/29 with 3 DUNLINS and 8 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS (DI). 7 GREATER
YELLOWLEGS were in Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC), and while a few frequented
Beaver Creek valley from 2/16 - 3/13, 99 were there on 4/7 (LO).
5 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were in Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC), and 14
dowitcher sp. were in Beaver Creek Valley on 2/19 and 3/13 (LO). 8
DUNLINS visited Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC) as did 6 LEAST SANDPIPERS on
4/19 (EH).
BGPT counted 6 POMARINE JAEGERS off Newport on 3/23.
48 BONAPARTE'S GULLS visited Yaquina Bay on 4/3 (EH). On 4/4, over
2000 flew north off Boiler Bay, the only day PP observed them there.
Also off Boiler Bay on 4/4, WESTERN GULL numbers peaked at over 400,
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL numbers at over 800 immatures, and MEW GULL numbers
at over 800 (80% adults); CALIFORNIA GULL numbers peaked on 4/19 at over
50, and 30 HERRING GULLS passed on both 3/31 and 4/8; all flew north
(PP). Westerns, Glaucous-wingeds, and Californias flew northward off
Wandemere every day from 3/30 - 4/3 (RC). On 4/14, 5 large, dark-backed,
bright-legged Californias joined 275 mostly adult MEW GULLS in SW Alsea
Bay (KM).
225 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were off Newport on 3/23 (BGPT);
kittiwakes flew both north and south almost constantly off Nye Beach on
3/26-27, and many were at YBSJ on 3/29 (DI); on 4/3, many streamed north
off Wandemere (RC), and several were between the YBSJ jaws (EH). Many
gulls, including 100 kittiwakes, flew and fed off Wandemere on 4/21 (RC,
WN).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.38 TERNS - ALCIDS
A single CASPIAN TERN flew north near Seal Rock on 3/28 (DI); off
Wandemere, 2 flew north on 4/1, a few joined northward-flying gulls on
4/2, a steady flow moved northward on 4/3, and 25 flew north on 4/21
(RC). About 20 were in Yaquina Bay on 4/3 (EH).
3 alcids - 2 CASSIN'S AUKLETS and 1 murre sp. - were found dead
along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in March (SBr, B&SLo, LO). Off
Boiler Bay, COMMON MURRE numbers peaked on 4/20, when over 5000 flew
north, PIGEON GUILLEMOT numbers on 3/31, when most of 60 flew north, and
RHINOCEROS AUKLET numbers on 4/20, when over 500 flew north (PP). COMMON
MURRES inhabited breeding rocks at Yaquina Head on 4/3, but they had
temporarily left on 4/10, probably due to BALD EAGLE harassment (EH). At
least 500 COMMON MURRES were scattered among the thousands of loons off
Wandemere on 4/21 (RC, WN). Many COMMON MURRES and breeding-plumaged
PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were off Depoe Bay on 3/23-25 (DT). MN keeps an eye on
the PIGEON GUILLEMOTS nesting in sandy cliffs 3/4 mile north of Driftwood
SP: first seen on 3/24, 10 were there as of 4/12; last year, there were
at least 16.
BGPT counted 10 MARBLED MURRELETS and 13 ANCIENT MURRELETS off
Newport on 3/23. A pair of Marbleds swam just off YBSJ on 4/3 (EH), and
most of 78 off Spanish Head on 4/19 flew north (PP). BGPT counted 120
RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and 48 CASSIN'S AUKLETS on 3/23. Single TUFTED
PUFFINS flew off Boiler Bay on 4/5 and 4/14 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.39 PIGEONS - WOODPECKERS
The BAND-TAILED PIGEON count at RC's Wandemere feeders rose from 2
on 3/10 to 16 on 4/11. DI saw 1 Band-tailed on 3/28 above Idaho Point;
they were regular in north Toledo by 4/2 (PD) and in LO's Beaver Creek
yard as of 4/20.
On 4/14, a GREAT HORNED OWL lingered in J&KC's yard 4 miles east of
Waldport. SBu heard 1 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL along Red Creek on 4/18, 2
in the Cedar Creek watershed in early April, and 1 on Euchre Mountain on
4/19.
At least 18 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS frequented J&KC's yard 4 miles east
of Waldport as of 3/23; several attended feeders and 1 display dove in
Depoe Bay on 3/23-25 (DT), and a male displayed at HMSC on 4/3 (DHG).
At Coquille Point, up to 2 Rufouses remained as of 4/5 after an earlier
rush (J&LM), and females occasionally visited RC's Wandemere yard as of
4/11.
A pair of ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS remained in J&LM's Coquille Point yard
as of 4/5, and an immature male remained in RC's Wandemere yard as of
4/8. Red-flowering currant was more attractive than a hummingbird feeder
to Rufouses and Anna's in D&BM's Waldport yard through 4/14. On 4/4 and
4/19, a COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD drank from rosemary flowers in EH's South
Beach yard.
From 4/2 - 20, a BELTED KINGFISHER 200 feet over Wandemere chattered
and fluttered as it flew in slow circles; RC wonders if this is a
territorial or courtship display.
PD noted flickers in her north Toledo yard on 4/1. Flickers
copulated in J&KC's yard 4 miles east of Waldport on 4/11. RC last saw
the two Wandemere intergrade Flickers on 4/5. A DOWNY WOODPECKER
followed a HAIRY WOODPECKER in north Toledo on 4/2; "How convenient for
comparison purposes!" wrote PD.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.40 VIREOS - THRUSHES
PD heard her first WARBLING VIREO of the year on 4/6 in north Toledo
and daily thereafter.
Mobs of AMERICAN CROWS harassed a COMMON RAVEN on four days in
D&BM's Waldport yard. Another raven visited Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC).
A pair of AMERICAN CROWS frequented their future nest site and mutually
but asynchronously head-bobbed and rubbed their beaks on nearby branches
outside SK's HMSC window starting in early March, and the male showed off
with barrel rolls and general silly flying. Males of many species,
including humans, do this kind of thing at mating time, notes SK.
VIOLET GREEN SWALLOWS arrived in lower Beaver Creek valley on 3/8
(LO), Wandemere on 3/21 (RC), Depoe Bay on 3/23 (DT), Coquille Point on
3/29 (J&LM), in late March at OCA (BL), D&BM's Waldport yard on 4/2, and
north Toledo on 4/3 (PD); 15 swooped over Idaho Flats on 4/6 (L&LC), and
they arrived in force at Tidewater on 3/30 (P&BW) and Yachats on 4/10
(BB). TREE SWALLOWS came to lower Beaver Creek valley on 3/8 (LO) and 4
miles east of Waldport on 3/12 (J&KC). Violet-greens and Trees checked
nest sites 5 miles up Beaver Creek on 4/20 (LO). NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOWS arrived at Thornton Creek on 4/10 (DF), and at least
2 Rough-wingeds and 2 BARN SWALLOWS cruised over Eckman Lake on 4/14
(KM).
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES carried material to a nest box in J&KC's
yard 4 miles east of Waldport on 4/6. BUSHTITS copulated on the branch
of an Idaho Flats tree on 4/6 (L&LC). A BROWN CREEPER visited DHG's
Toledo yard from 4/1-4, and SBu heard 1 on Euchre Mountain on 4/19.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were Toledo on 4/1-4 (DHG, PD); others were in
D&BM's Waldport yard on 4/5-14.
BEWICK'S WRENS sang on 3/30 at South Beach SP (BO). MARSH WRENS
sang along Beaver Creek on 4/7 (LO). WINTER WRENS sang on Euchre
Mountain on 4/19 (SBu) and 5 miles up Beaver Creek as of 4/20 (LO).
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS frequented Seawoods daily as of 4/12, 1 was
at South Beach SP on 4/14 (JW), and SBu heard 1 on 4/19 on Euchre
Mountain.
Unusually large numbers of VARIED THRUSHES ate suet in P&BW's
Tidewater yard on 3/21. Several Varieds remained in D&BM's Waldport yard
through 3/22, 4 remained in BLo's South Beach yard through late March,
and 1 was in DHG's Toledo yard from 4/1-4. Varieds abruptly moved out of
RC's Wandemere yard by 4/8 and last appeared in LO's Beaver Creek yard on
4/10. Large flocks of spiffy-looking AMERICAN ROBINS visited PD's north
Toledo yard on 4/1. WESTERN BLUEBIRDS arrived in Thornton Creek on 4/10
(DF).
AMERICAN PIPITS greeted DF near the Sally's Bend LNG tank on 4/7.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.41 WARBLERS - SPARROWS
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER in D&BM's Waldport yard beginning 4/5 ate
red currant flowers and foliage. DT heard 3 Orange-crowneds singing in
Depoe Bay from 3/23-25, L&LC saw 3 near Idaho Flats on 4/6, and SBu heard
1 on Euchre Mountain on 4/19. A PALM WARBLER, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER,
and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS gathered behind the Toledo shops on 4/2 (CP);
this may be the first report of a PALM WARBLER in Toledo (RB). A
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER visited Seal Rock on 4/20 (J&ST).
COMMON YELLOW-THROATS serenaded BO in South Beach SP on 3/30, and 1 sang
along Beaver Creek on 4/7 (LO).
A CHIPPING SPARROW visited CP's Toledo yard on 4/13. 2 FOX SPARROWS
were in Depoe Bay on 3/23-3/25 (DT), and 1 visited SaL's Yachats feeder
on 3/31.
DI saw a LINCOLN'S SPARROW and a flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS at
HMSC on 3/29, and L&LC found 3 Lincoln's there on 4/6. GOLDEN-CROWNED
SPARROWS at South Beach SP sang on 3/30 (BO). Golden-crowneds, along
with WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, gorged themselves on DHG's first spring
mealworm offering on 4/1-4. White-crowneds were "all over" at Tidewater
on 3/20 (P&BW); a few at were at HMSC on 4/3 (DHG). Young
Golden-crowneds and White-crowneds in J&LM's Coquille Point yard molted
as of 4/5, and RC noted a big influx in her Wandemere yard on 4/6. The
first White-crowneds arrived at LO's Beaver Creek feeders on 4/10. At
Tidewater on 4/13, Golden-crowneds joined still-abundant White-crowneds
(P&BW) and visited LO's Beaver Creek yard on 4/15.
SONG SPARROWS were in DHG's Toledo yard on 4/1-4 but moved out of
RC's Wandemere yard on 4/11 as White-crowneds moved in and a few FOX
SPARROWS remained. DHG saw 4 SAVANNAH SPARROWS through her HMSC window
on 4/3, and L&LC saw 8 along Idaho Flats on 4/6. Fox, Song, Golden-
crowned, and White-crowned Sparrows were regular throughout the period in
D&BM's Waldport yard. DARK-EYED JUNCOS, the abundant at D&BM's Waldport
feeders last month, appeared mostly singly from 3/16 through 4/14;
several were in DHG's Toledo yard on 4/1-4.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.42 BLACKBIRDS - FINCHES
DHG saw a WESTERN MEADOWLARK at HMSC on 4/3. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS
sang to BO at South Beach SP on 3/30 and to LO along Beaver Creek on 4/7;
they've been more abundant as of 4/3 in D&BM's Waldport yard this year
than previously. J&LM heard the first BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD in their
Coquille Point yard on 4/9, and DF heard the first at Thornton Creek on
4/10.
A yellow variant HOUSE FINCH visited DHG's HMSC sunflower feeder on
3/26, and red ones were in her Toledo yard on 4/1-4 and in BB's Yachats
yard on 4/8. In D&BM's Waldport yard every day since 4/14, HOUSE FINCHES
chewed red currant flower bases, perhaps accessing the nectar. PURPLE
FINCHES returned to J&LM's Coquille Point yard on 4/2, to RC's Wandemere
yard on 4/6, and to LO's Beaver Creek feeder on 4/9.
A LESSER GOLDFINCH visited EH's South Beach yard beginning 4/10.
P&BW saw their first Tidewater AMERICAN GOLDFINCH on 4/10, and RC saw her
first at Wandemere on 4/20. Many PINE SISKINS enjoyed thistle seed in
P&BW'S Tidewater yard on 3/21; others were in DHG's Toledo yard on 4/1-4
and visited D&BM's Waldport yard only on 4/7-8, and they were still
present in BB's Yachats yard as of 4/20. RC's Wandemere thistle sock
continued to attracted a few siskins as of 4/11; a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
usually followed.
BB saw her first EVENING GROSBEAKS of the season in her Yachats yard
on 4/4, and 7 males visited north Toledo on 4/17 (PD).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.43 THE LAST WORD
PP wrote to OBOL on 4/16, "...weather conditions are probably
shaping up for a major seabird movement later this week - high pressure
building here, onshore winds shifting NW, thermal low building over
northern California. Could be a Pacific Loon or two going north." Watch
this space next month to be amazed at PP's observation and deduction
skills - and at spring seabird migration as observed by many of you.
OBSERVERS: Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Bird Guide Pelagic Trip (BGPT),
Scott Blackman (SBl), Sara Brown (SBr), Sean Burgett (SBu), Lee & Lori
Cain, Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, Pat Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Greg
Gillson, Dawn H. Grafe (DHG), Eric Horvath, David Irons, Myles & Steve
Johnson, Steve Kupillas, Bob Llewellyn, Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob (BLo) &
Shirley Loeffel (SLo), John & Linda MacKown, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson &
Bobby Mohler, Walt Nelson, Bob Olson, Umur & Ebru Onal, Dane Osis,
Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Ken Sztraky, Bryant Tarr,
David Tracy, Jean Weakland, Pat & Bunny Wright.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
02.44 BIRD FIELD NOTES from the May 2002 Sandpiper 23(5)
by Kathy Merrifield
Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Big Creek
Reservoir and Marsh (=Newport Reservoir): 1 mile N of central Newport
along 101; Bird Guide web site; Canary Ridge:
off Imomen Road on S side of Siletz River, Coquille Point=SE Corner of
Sally's Bend, Driftwood Beach SP=park about halfway between Seal Rocks
and Waldport, Eckman Lake=lake 2 mi E of Waldport along Hwy 34,
Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and Eckman Lake,
Fox Creek=2 mi S of Seal Rock SP on U. S. 101, HMSC=Hatfield Marine
Science Center, HY=hatch-year (bird that hatched in 2002),
Idaho Flats=large embayment just E of HMSC, Idaho Slough=freshwater
slough S of Idaho Point Road at the SW corner of Idaho Flats,
Ona Beach=state park about 6.6 mi S of Yaquina Bay bridge along Hwy 101,
Mike Miller Park=county park on E side of Hwy 101 in S Beach,
OBOL=Oregon Birders On Line (Questions? Send e-mail to list owners at
[obol-owner@lists.orst.edu], OCA=Oregon Coast Aquarium, ODFW=Oregon Dept.
of Fish and Wildlife, Sallys Bend=large embayment E of the LNG tank at
Yaquina Bay, Sandpiper Village=residential areas W of Hwy 101 and just
N of Waldport, SBSP=South Beach State Park, Thiel Creek=creek about
3.5 mi S of Yaquina Bay bridge, Tidewater=about 8 mi E of Waldport,
Wandemere=about 0.5 mi N of Ona Beach along Hwy 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay
South Jetty, Yaquina John Point=coastal point immediately S of Waldport.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.45 PREVIOUS ERRORS
1. KM left J&JGe out of the March list of observers. JGi, listed in
March as "JG," whose associates developed many questions about "J&JG,"
have counted 7 Oregon birders with the initials "JG." Sorry, J&JGe and
JGi.
2. Someone wrote me (KM) an extremely nice brief e-mail containing
salient observations. I don't think I responded, and I can't find it.
Whomever wrote this, please send it to me again. Sorry.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.46 LOONS - TUBENOSES
OUR STORY SO FAR ... PP wrote to OBOL on 4/16, "...weather
conditions are probably shaping up for a major seabird movement later
this week..." Here's what happened: Up to 300 PACIFIC LOONS/min flew N
off Wandemere on 4/21 (RC&WN), and 95% of the 5000 loons covering the
visible ocean there were Pacifics with fewer RED-THROATED LOONS and
occasional COMMON LOONS. On 4/24, the "entire ocean was on the move
again," wrote RC, when up to 500 mostly Pacifics/min flew N off
Wandemere. RC&WN and PP observed similar patterns from their respective
observation points. PP seawatched an average of 2.83 hours on each of 21
days from Boiler Bay. RED-THROATED LOON numbers there peaked at over
2500 and PACIFIC LOON numbers peaked at over 80,000 on 4/25; all flew N;
PP wrote that when 30/sec passed, loons formed a 300-yard-wide
northward-flowing carpet. COMMON LOON numbers off Boiler Bay peaked at
600 flying N on both 4/29 and 4/30 (PP). Northward flight was nearly as
dramatic on many days; check OBOL archives for details.
30 breeding-plumaged HORNED GREBES remained in Sally's Bend on 4/28
(KM), and 1 RED-NECKED GREBE and 2 CLARK'S GREBES joined several hundred
WESTERN GREBES on 5/8 (EH).
While fishing on 5/10, WH noted 2 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES 40 mi off
Newport. Single MANX SHEARWATERS were off Boiler Bay on 5 days, and 3
flew N on 4/25 (PP). 6 SOOTY/SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS flew N off
Wandemere on 4/25, 1 was 40 mi off Newport on 5/10 (WH), and their
numbers at Boiler Bay peaked at 9000 flying N on 4/30 (PP). WH also saw
5 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS and 3 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS 40 mi off
Newport on 5/10.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.47 PELICANS - HERONS
BROWN PELICAN numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 4/20, when 56 flew N
(PP), 2 flew N off Wandemere 4/27 and on 5/1 (RC), and at least 18 flew N
off Seal Rock on 5/12 (J&ST, KM). BRANDT'S CORMORANTS gathered big wads
of vegetation from Yaquina Head bluffs on 4/28 (RC) and 5/8 (EH).
Sally's Bend hosted 40 GREAT BLUE HERONS at low tide on 5/8 (EH),
and up to 20 circled over Coquille Point on 5/19 (J&LM). GREAT EGRETS in
Sally's Bend increased from 3 on 4/23-24 (RB) to 5 later on 4/24 (J&LM)
and 5/8 (EH) and to 6 in Idaho Flats on 5/20 (RL), when one flew from
Idaho Flats over OCA towards SBSP (JL). RB notes that this is the
biggest concentration this late in spring ever recorded in Lincoln County
and that they may be nesting. Notify USFWS or ODFW of any nests, but
don't publicize the location, for the safety of the birds. Single GREEN
HERONS were at the HMSC Nature Trail on 4/21 (WN), Eckman Lake on 4/28,
5/12 (KM) and 5/19 (SaL), Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH), and flying between
South Beach and Idaho Flats on 5/13 (BL).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.48 WATERFOWL
BRANT numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 4/22, when 1300 flew N (PP),
300 flew N off Wandemere on 4/21 (RC&WN), about 50 flew N off D River on
4/23 (PP), and hundreds on 4/24 and 8 on 4/29 flew N off Wandemere (RC).
CANADA GOOSE numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 4/22, when 275 small
Canadas flew N, and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE numbers there peaked on
4/29, when 300 flew N (PP). Goslings at least a few days old comprised
the first brood of western CANADA GEESE in Eckman Slough on 5/1 (RL), and
25 adults and 12 goslings were there on 5/19 (SaL). On 5/14, CW saw a
pair of Canadas with 4 goslings in an Alsea Bay slough 3 mi E of
Waldport. Western CANADA GEESE began their northward migration on 5/16,
and several flocks flew N on 5/19 (RL), and 22 large Canadas flew N off
SW Newport on 5/20 (RB), the same day several flocks flew N over Cascade
Head, one with 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (PP).
Eckman Lake hosted a WOOD DUCK pair on 4/28, 3 males and 1 female on
5/12 (KM), and a pair on 5/19 (SaL). Several pairs were on Big Creek
Reservoir on 5/8 (EH), and a pair was at Tidewater by early May (P&BW).
Off Boiler Bay, numbers of all dabbling ducks peaked on 4/21, when
4 GADWALLS, 330 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 20 AMERICAN WIGEONS, 40 NORTHERN
SHOVELERS, and over 3500 GREEN-WINGED TEAL flew N (PP). CP alerted DF to
single CINNAMON TEAL and BLUE-WINGED TEAL pairs under the Idaho Flats
footbridge on 4/21.
Eckman Lake still hosted 2 male and 1 female RING-NECKED DUCKS on
4/28 (KM). Scaup numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 4/21, when
150 GREATER SCAUP, 1 LESSER SCAUP, and 300 scaup sp. flew N (PP).
9 Greaters and 2 male Lessers remained in Sally's Bend on 4/28 (KM), and
20 Greaters were there on 5/8 (EH).
500 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and over 8000 SURF SCOTERS, peak numbers
during the period, flew N off Boiler Bay on 4/21 (PP). Scoter spp. moved
steadily N off Wandemere on 4/21, and on 4/24, thousands flew N (RC&WN).
Hundreds of Surfs were in Yaquina Bay and off Newport on 5/8 (EH).
47 BUFFLEHEADS in Eckman Lake on 4/28 dwindled to 19 on 5/12 (KM) and to
1 male on 5/19 (SaL); dozens remained in Yaquina Bay on 5/8 (EH).
JCo spotted 1 female and 2 male HARLEQUIN DUCKS at Seal Rock on 5/10.
10 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS remained in Yaquina Bay on 5/8 (EH).
2 HOODED MERGANSERS were in the OCA pond on 4/17 (BO), 3 were in the Log
Pond between HMSC and OCA on 4/20 (YBNFT), 1 was in Eckman Lake on 4/28
(KM), and 5 were at Mike Miller Park on 5/8 (EH); all were females.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.49 HAWKS - RAILS
2 OSPREYS attended Mike Miller Park nest on 4/17 (BO), 4/22 (YBNFT),
and 5/8 (EH); 1 surveyed from tall spruces near P&BW's Tidewater home as
of 4/21, 2 were on their Eckman Lake nest on 5/12 (KM) and 5/19 (SaL),
and one carrying a fish was harassed by a BALD EAGLE over Coquille Point
on about 5/13: the OSPREY won and kept its prize (J&LM); another flew
over the Siletz River at Logsden on 5/18 (BL). On 5/8, a WHITE-TAILED
KITE flew over a pasture W of Alsea near Hwy 34 MP 35-36 (WH); another
was outside JL's HMSC window on 5/9. On 5/2, a NORTHERN HARRIER
systematically hovered and banked low over YBSJ (LH); a male was regular
at the HMSC as of 5/9 (JL).
On 4/28 at Yaquina Head, an adult BALD EAGLE precipitated scenes of
pure panic: gulls circled while murres and cormorants poured off the
rock willy-nilly; RC&WN could hardly stand this level of excitement. A
first-year eagle and 1 adult were in Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH). EH also
spotted a COOPER'S HAWK along the HMSC Trail on 4/24, the same day a
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK visited RC's Wandemere yard. EH noted a MERLIN along
the HMSC Trail on 4/24, and RC saw one there the next day. A MERLIN
harassed shorebirds at Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH), and a PEREGRINE FALCON
was there on 4/24 (EH).
VIRGINIA RAILS and SORAS called from Big Creek Marsh on 5/9 (BO).
Another VIRGINIA RAIL called from the freshwater marsh near Idaho Flats
on 5/8 (EH)
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.50 SHOREBIRDS
DF saw SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS in Yaquina Bay on 4/21; 13 were at YBSJ
on 4/28 (RC&WN), 3 pattered along in Alsea Bay on 4/28 (KM) as did 2
between Ona Beach and Seal Rock on 5/8 (TD), 3 at Seal Rock on 5/12 (KM),
and 2 in Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH). BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER numbers off
Boiler Bay peaked on 4/21, when over 1200 flew N (PP).
DF saw WHIMBRELS in Yaquina Bay on 4/21; 8 were along the HMSC Trail
on 4/24, (EH), at least 150 flew N off Wandemere on 4/30 (RC), 7 at Seal
Rock ate mole crabs (KM), 2 were S of Seal Rock on 5/8 (TD), at least
10 probed Sally's Bend on 5/8 (EH), and JCo saw several at Seal Rock on
5/10. WHIMBREL numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 4/30 and 5/12: 850 flew
N each day, and 70 flying N on 4/21 accompanied a LONG-BILLED CURLEW
(PP). CP found another LONG-BILLED CURLEW among WHIMBRELS in Idaho Flats
on 5/13. 2 MARBLED GODWITS flew N off Wandemere on 4/24 (RC), 3 flew N
off Boiler Bay, and 700 (probable) flew N there on 4/29 (PP). A
HUDSONIAN GODWIT flew N there on 5/28 (PP).
A LESSER YELLOWLEGS called as it flew over Boiler Bay on 4/21 (PP),
and 1 Lesser joined 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS along the HMSC Trail on 4/24
(EH); 35 Greaters flocked in NE Alsea Bay on 4/28 (KM). WANDERING
TATTLERS wandered at Smelt Sands SP on 5/6 (Z&BS), as did another at YBSJ
on 5/8 (EH). A SPOTTED SANDPIPER in breeding plumage teetered in
Sally's Bend during low tide on 5/15 as did another at Eckman Lake on
5/19 (SaL). 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE visited Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH), JCo
spotted 2 breeding males at Seal Rock on 5/10, and at least 10 turned
stones there on 5/12 (KM).
A RED KNOT visited Idaho Flats on 5/13 (CP). 1 LEAST SANDPIPER
joined 110 WESTERN SANDPIPERS in NE Alsea Bay on 4/28 (KM). 1000
Westerns were in Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH), followed by a "good-sized
flock" on 5/24 (RC); numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 5/9 when over
75,000 flew N (PP). 6 Leasts visited Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH), followed
by "a few" on 5/24 (RC). 2 breeding-plumaged DUNLINS explored NE Alsea
Bay on 4/28 (KM), 100 were in Idaho Flats on 5/8 (EH), and "a few" were
in Idaho Flats on 5/24 (RC). During their Lincoln County Big Day on 5/6,
DF and FS spotted 2 copiously rufous-backed but only slightly black-
bellied ROCK SANDPIPERS at Seal Rock. YBSJ hosted 8 SANDERLINGS on 5/8
(EH), 20 in dazzling white plumage were at Seal Rock on 5/10 (JCo), and
of 120 there on 5/12, 10% wore breeding plumage 10% winter plumage, and
80% transitional plumage (KM).
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS visited Yaquina Bay on 4/21 (DF), 75 visited
Idaho Flats on 4/24 (EH), and 75 gathered in NE Alsea Bay on 4/28 (KM).
Off Boiler Bay, numbers of probable Short-billed peaked on 4/29, when
over 1100 flew N (PP). A few groups of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES swam and
flitted off Newport on 5/5 (BGSMT), 2 were off Yaquina Head on 5/8 (EH),
and 100 flew north off Boiler Bay on 5/9, followed by 60 on 5/12 and 10
on 5/18 (PP). 2 RED PHALAROPES flew N there on 4/21 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.51 GULLS - ALCIDS
Up to 2 FRANKLIN'S GULLS flew north off Boiler Bay on 4/30, 5/3,
5/12, and 5/18 (PP). Also off Boiler Bay, BONAPARTE'S GULL numbers
peaked at over 4000 on 4/25, MEW GULL numbers at 25 on 4/24, CALIFORNIA
GULL numbers on 4/25 at over 3000, HERRING GULL numbers on 4/30 at over
2000, WESTERN GULL numbers on 4/30 at over 1000, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL
numbers on 4/30 at over 1500, and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE numbers at
150 on 4/25; all flew N (PP). EH counted 80 MEW GULLS in Idaho Flats on
4/24. A single cloud of about 300 small gulls, including at least 45
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, fished while flying N off Wandemere on 4/22
(RC). One kittiwake graced the Yaquina Bay breakwater on 5/5 (BGSMT).
3 breeding adult SABINE'S GULLS appeared for WH 40 mi off Newport on
5/10.
CASPIAN TERN numbers over Boiler Bay peaked on 4/22, when over 70
flew N (PP); 13 flew N off Wandemere on 4/24 (RC). WH noted 2 ARCTIC
TERNS, 5 COMMON TERNS, and several "commic terns" [Common or Arctic
terns] 40 mi off Newport on 5/10. 3 Commons flew N off Boiler Bay on 5/4
(WH), followed by another on 5/6 (PP).
Two alcids - a murre and a pigeon guillemot - were found dead along
4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek in April; along with 3 gulls, these were
the only seabirds recorded during SBr, B&SLo & LO's systematic April
beached bird walks. Off Boiler Bay, COMMON MURRE numbers peaked on 4/22
at 8000, PIGEON GUILLEMOT numbers on 5/12 at 70, MARBLED MURRELET numbers
on 5/9 at 16, and RHINOCEROS AUKLET numbers at over 12,000 on 4/22; all
flew N (PP). At least 6 CASSIN'S AUKLETS flew N off Boiler Bay on 5/4
(WH), followed by 3 on 5/18 (PP). Off Wandemere, RC&WN observed a steady
movement of COMMON MURRES on 4/21-25. WH described in detail a
THICK-BILLED MURRE he observed off Boiler Bay on 5/19. MN wonders if
17 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS flying to and from their Driftwood Wayside nesting
area on 4/30 were housecleaning. A few dozen RHINOCEROS AUKLETS floated
and flew off Newport on 5/5 (BGSMT), and about 50 joined WH 40 mi off
Newport on 5/10. A TUFTED PUFFIN flew N off Boiler Bay on 5/6 (PP).
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.52 PIGEONS - CROWS
A MOURNING DOVE visited Yaquina Head on 4/29 (TM). 36 BAND-TAILED
PIGEONS frequented J&KC's yard 4 mi E of Waldport as of 4/27, at least
10 were regular at MN's Fox Creek yard as of 5/8, some visited D&BM's
Waldport feeder on 4/19, 4/25, and 5/1, and over 40 attempted to land
simultaneously on RC&WN's Wandemere feeders.
During forest surveys, SBu heard 2 BARRED OWLS on Canary Ridge on
3/30, and near Euchre Mt., a Barred on 4/29 and 1 SAW WHET OWL and 1
SCREECH OWL calling together on 4/30.
Single VAUX'S SWIFTS flitted over the Big Creek Reservoir on 5/8
(EH) and 5/9 (BO). A female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD used clothes dryer fuzz
for nest material in J&LM's Coquille Point yard on 4/24, and an
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD pair still attended their feeders as of 5/19. Several
Rufouses displayed at South Beach on 5/8 (EH).
A DOWNY WOODPECKER called at SBSP on 5/8 (EH). A pair of NORTHERN
FLICKERS frequented RC's Wandemere yard as of 4/29, and another flicker
was in Mike Miller Park on 5/8 (EH). LaL noted a male PILEATED
WOODPECKER E of Waldport on 5/12.
KL reported a possible CASSIN'S KINGBIRD along the HMSC Trail on
4/27. WESTERN KINGBIRDS perched along the HMSC Trail on 4/27 and on
rocks at Smelt Sands SP on 5/6 (Z&BS). CP spotted an OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER along the HMSC Nature Trail on 5/13 (CP). PP counted fewer
WARBLING VIREOS than expected along the lower Cascade Head trail on 5/20.
AMERICAN CROWS at D&BM's Waldport yard get their exercise by
harassing a variety of larger birds, including COMMON RAVEN (4/11),
TURKEY VULTURE (4/12), RED-TAILED HAWK (5/1), and a gull (5/5). Another
raven was at Mike Miller Park on 5/8 (EH). A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY visited
RC&WN's Wandemere feeder on 5/16.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.53 SWALLOWS - TANAGERS
J&LM first spotted BARN SWALLOWS at Coquille Point on 4/24 (J&LM); a
pair began nesting in RC&WN's garage on 5/15; by 5/19, they happily
smeared mud inside a light fixture while territorially spatting with
other pairs. On 5/19, P&BW's Tidewater neighbor shooed BARN SWALLOWS
from their nesting attempt on his back porch. EH transformed some
decrepit HMSC Trail martin boxes into TREE SWALLOW boxes, which as of
4/24 were attended by the desired tenants. VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS carried
grass to a Wandemere nest box on 5/15 (RC). Logsden hosted Tree, Barn,
and Violet-greens as well as CLIFF SWALLOWS as of 5/18 (BL). 2 pairs of
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS swooped outside their Seal Rock burrows on
5/12 (KM). BO spotted 1 PURPLE MARTIN at HMSC on 4/22 and more since, EH
noted them along the HMSC Trail on 4/24, the same day LO heard one
nearby, and another was at D River on 5/19 (PP).
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES nested in a box at EH's South Beach house
as of 5/8, the same day he noted 2 in Mike Miller Park along with a
BROWN CREEPER and several GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. A RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCH still visited D&BM's Waldport feeder on 5/13.
LaL observed a WESTERN BLUEBIRD along the Alsea E of Waldport on
5/12. MN heard the first SWAINSON'S THRUSH "whit!" near Fox Creek on
5/9; another visited P&BW's Tidewater yard on 5/13, BO spotted one in
Newport on 5/20, when many were along the lower Cascade Head trail (PP);
none sang. AMERICAN PIPIT numbers off Boiler Bay peaked on 4/29, when at
least 10 flew N (PP).
Singing male Audubon's YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS visited RC&WN's
Wandemere yard on 4/28, and many, along with WILSON'S WARBLERS, ate
P&BW's Tidewater vine maple flowers as of 5/13. J&KC saw another
Wilson's 4 mi. E of Waldport on 4/26, and another at Big Creek Marsh on
5/9 joined a HERMIT WARBLER (BO). ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS appeared
sporadically in D&BM's Waldport yard from 4/21 - 5/12, BO spotted one in
Big Creek Marsh on 5/9, and PP saw several near the Savage Road/Three
Rocks Road junction near Cascade Head and heard a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
nearby on 5/20, the same day he also found 2 WESTERN TANAGERS along the
lower Cascade Head trail.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.54 SPARROWS - BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK
A breeding-plumaged CHIPPING SPARROW visited RC's Wandemere feeder
on 5/13-16. PP found a LINCOLN'S SPARROW near the Savage Road/Three
Rocks Road junction (Cascade Head area) on 5/20. RC last saw a FOX
SPARROW at Wandemere on 4/16. SAVANNAH SPARROWS accompanied EH along the
HMSC Trail on 5/8. GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, along with AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES, were thick at P&BW's Tidewater feeders as of 4/21. On 4/22,
a Golden-crowned joined WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS for about a week at JW's
Yaquina John Point feeder; RC&WN saw a Golden-crowned in Wandemere on
4/25, and D&BM last saw them in Waldport on 5/15. Single Golden-crowneds
among White-crowneds were along the HMSC Trail on 5/8 (EH) and last seen
at Coquille Point on 5/19 (J&LM). Golden-crowneds were gone from P&BW's
Tidewater yard as of 5/13. LM saw the last Coquille Point
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on 4/24. On 5/12, RC heard the familiar sound of
a macho DARK-EYED JUNCO battling his window reflection while the
accompanying female explored hanging plants, where they again built a
nest this year. It is a well-hidden cup of dry grasses in a soil
depression. The dog hair lining, courtesy of CC-N, was completed on
5/15, and the first egg appeared on 5/18.
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS arriving 4 mi E of Waldport on 4/26 must have
heard all the EVENING GROSBEAKS; "it sounds like a parrot jungle out
there," wrote JC. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS arrived at BB's Yachats feeder
on 4/23, WH's South Beach feeders on 5/8 (the same day one sang at South
Beach for EH), Big Creek Marsh on 5/9 (BO), and in D&BM's Waldport yard,
at SaL's Yachats feeders, and at RC's Wandemere feeders on 5/12. They
were plentiful at Coquille Point by 5/5 (J&LM) and in Tidewater by 5/13
(P&BW); PP saw fewer than expected along the lower Cascade Head Trail on
5/20. BL noted the first one ever in Logsden on 5/18.
* * * * * * * * * * *
02.55 BLACKBIRDS - FRINGILLID FINCHES
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS sang for several days before arriving at
P&BW's Tidewater feeder on 4/19; they were regular at D&BM's Waldport
feeder beginning 4/24, and one visited RC&WN's Wandemere yard on 4/26.
In mid-May, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS returned to P&BW's feeder.
10 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were near HMSC on 4/17 (BO), and EH noted one
along the HMSC Trail on 4/24. DF found a male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in the
spruces near the HMSC dorms on 4/29, MN saw a probable Bullock's near Fox
Creek on 5/13, and a female was at D River on 5/19 (PP).
An orange variant HOUSE FINCH was regular at SaL's Yachats feeder as
of 5/9. The first brood of 4 HY HOUSE FINCHES appeared at RC&WN's
Wandemere feeders on 5/17; by 5/18, 3 different family groups were there.
EH spotted a PURPLE FINCH along the HMSC Trail on 4/24, others joined
HOUSE FINCHES in song at South Beach on 5/8 (EH), and Purples were
sporadic in April but regular in early May at D&BM's Waldport feeders.
Toledo conifers hosted a RED CROSSBILL pair on 5/8 (EH).
Many AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES gathered around BB's Yachats home but not
her feeders as of 4/20; too many to count came to Coquille Point as of
5/5 (J&LM), EH noted them along the HMSC Trail on 5/8, a male visited
SaL's Yachats feeder on 5/9, they frequented D&BM's Waldport feeders
beginning 5/11 and BO's Newport feeder, along with EVENING GROSBEAKS and
PINE SISKINS, since early May. Siskins joined flocks of AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES and PURPLE FINCHES at RC's Wandemere feeder on 5/12. Flocks
of up to 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS visited EH's South Beach yard on 5/8 and
D&BM's Waldport yard on 4/16 and 5/11.
OBSERVERS: Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Bird Guide Seabirds and Mammals
Tour (BGSMT), Sara Brown (SBr), Sean Burgett (SBu), Rebecca Cheek,
Chan Cheek-Nelson (CC-N), Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, John Cooney (JCo),
Todd Dunkirk, Darryl Faxon, Jim & Janice Gerdemann (J&JGe),
Joel Geier (JGi), Greg Gillson, Louise Hemphill, Wayne Hoffman,
Eric Horvath, Janet Lamberson, Kit Larson, Bob Lewellyn,
Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob (BLo) & Shirley Loeffel (SLo), Roy Lowe,
John & Linda MacKown, Kathy Merrifield, Terry Morse, Walt Nelson,
Michael Noack, Bob Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering,
Floyd Schrock, Zana & Bill Stotz, James & Shirley Thielen, Jean Weakland,
Cheryl Wride, Pat & Bunny Wright, Yaquina Birders and Naturalists Field
Trip (YBNFT).
Back to Lincoln County (Oregon) Bird Information