A group of seven of us doing a beach survey for RE Sources this
morning found a Rock Wren in the rocks at the end of "South Cape" at
Sandy Point. There were also good numbers of American Pipits present
on the beach and rocks and a flock of Black Turnstones. I also got a
quick glimpse of a possible Lapland Longspur? Please watch for it.
There were a lot of Savannah Sparrows around plus Song and an early
Fox Sparrow.
Paul Woodcock
Sunday 15 September 2013
Belted Kingfishers Joe Meche 9/13/13
Thanks to Eric Ellingson for the heads up on the Green Heron at the AK ferry terminal. I didn't see the GRHE but we enjoyed the antics of three kingfishers that were putting on quite a show.
Joe Meche
Joe Meche
Swifts? Nancy Taylor 9/13/13
WhatcomBirders,
Does anyone know if the swifts are using the chimney near the high school on Cornwall in Bellingham this year?
What about the chimney at the old customs house in Blaine?
Nancy Taylor
Tern ID Joe Meche 9/10/13
Further to Doug's recent posting of the strange tern, I pondered all day and dug into old photos from the colony site of 2010.
First photo: One of my last duties was to do carcass counts so I was able to get close to a number of dead birds. Here's a juvie with yellowish legs.
Second photo: Here's a typical tail-feather spread of a turning/braking bird.
*I'll echo the vote for juvenile Caspian Tern.
Joe Meche
First photo: One of my last duties was to do carcass counts so I was able to get close to a number of dead birds. Here's a juvie with yellowish legs.
Second photo: Here's a typical tail-feather spread of a turning/braking bird.
*I'll echo the vote for juvenile Caspian Tern.
Joe Meche
Bird movement Fred Sears 9/9/13
For those who do not follow it Cliff Maas weather blog on 9/8 has cool images from radar.
Link as follows
http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/
Fredrick Sears
http://frsphoto.photoshelter.com/
Link as follows
http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/
Fredrick Sears
http://frsphoto.photoshelter.com/
Vancouver, BC RBA for September 6, 2013 Wayne Weber
This is Nature Vancouver's Bird Alert for Friday, September 6th,
sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited in Vancouver and North Vancouver.
If you wish to report a rare, unusual or interesting bird, please
phone the main number at (604) 737-3074, press "2" for the rare bird reporting line, and
follow the instructions given there.
BIRDERS PLEASE NOTE: The Iona Sewage Pond access will be closed to
the public from Saturday, July 20 through to mid-September 2013, between 7 AM and
5 PM (weekends included). After 5:00 PM, access will be allowed into
the evenings (but there will be some evenings when there will be no
access, and this will NOT be posted in advance). There will be a few days
through this closure when access will be permitted, but there is no schedule
for these open days.
Friday, September 6
A flock of 8 HORNED LARKS were seen at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
causeway in Delta, near the pay parking lot.
The SOLITARY SANDPIPER is still present at Beach Grove Lagoon in
Tsawwassen, along with several PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.
An AMERICAN KESTREL was seen along the dike east of the coal port
terminal in Delta.
Thursday, September 5
A LEWIS' WOODPECKER was seen at the Pitt Lake parking lot.
Tuesday, September 3
A SOLITARY SANDPIPER along with 3 RUDDY SHELDUCK at Beach Grove
Lagoon in Boundary Bay Park, Tsawwassen.
Monday, September 2
a flock of 52 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on Boundary
Bay at 112th Street in Delta
For a summary of extremely rare bird sightings throughout British
Columbia, check "British Columbia Bird Alert" at
http://bcbirdalert.blogspot.com .
A brief account of 31 of the best birding locations in the
Vancouver area
can be found on the Nature Vancouver website at
http://www.naturevancouver.ca/Birding_Birding_Sites .
This message was prepared by Julian Hudson and distributed by Wayne Weber.
sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited in Vancouver and North Vancouver.
If you wish to report a rare, unusual or interesting bird, please
phone the main number at (604) 737-3074, press "2" for the rare bird reporting line, and
follow the instructions given there.
BIRDERS PLEASE NOTE: The Iona Sewage Pond access will be closed to
the public from Saturday, July 20 through to mid-September 2013, between 7 AM and
5 PM (weekends included). After 5:00 PM, access will be allowed into
the evenings (but there will be some evenings when there will be no
access, and this will NOT be posted in advance). There will be a few days
through this closure when access will be permitted, but there is no schedule
for these open days.
Friday, September 6
A flock of 8 HORNED LARKS were seen at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
causeway in Delta, near the pay parking lot.
The SOLITARY SANDPIPER is still present at Beach Grove Lagoon in
Tsawwassen, along with several PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.
An AMERICAN KESTREL was seen along the dike east of the coal port
terminal in Delta.
Thursday, September 5
A LEWIS' WOODPECKER was seen at the Pitt Lake parking lot.
Tuesday, September 3
A SOLITARY SANDPIPER along with 3 RUDDY SHELDUCK at Beach Grove
Lagoon in Boundary Bay Park, Tsawwassen.
Monday, September 2
a flock of 52 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on Boundary
Bay at 112th Street in Delta
For a summary of extremely rare bird sightings throughout British
Columbia, check "British Columbia Bird Alert" at
http://bcbirdalert.blogspot.com .
A brief account of 31 of the best birding locations in the
Vancouver area
can be found on the Nature Vancouver website at
http://www.naturevancouver.ca/Birding_Birding_Sites .
This message was prepared by Julian Hudson and distributed by Wayne Weber.
Tern ID Doug Brown 9/9/13
Chirp,
While photographing birds and enjoying the sunset last night at Semiahmoo, this Tern passed in front of my lens.
I'm puzzled by the yellow legs and tail shape. It doesn't fit the description for Caspian, Common, or Elegant.
Possibly a product of cross-breeding? Any help with the ID of this beauty is much appreciated.
cheers, db
Doug:
Overall structure looks like Caspian (i.e. bill size and shape, broad wings). Leg color is confusing but I would say a juvenile
Caspian.
Clark
It strikes me as a Caspian. Rather heavy-set for a tern, with a relatively short tail, and a big thick red bill smacks of Caspian to me.
Barry Ulman
While photographing birds and enjoying the sunset last night at Semiahmoo, this Tern passed in front of my lens.
I'm puzzled by the yellow legs and tail shape. It doesn't fit the description for Caspian, Common, or Elegant.
Possibly a product of cross-breeding? Any help with the ID of this beauty is much appreciated.
cheers, db
Doug:
Overall structure looks like Caspian (i.e. bill size and shape, broad wings). Leg color is confusing but I would say a juvenile
Caspian.
Clark
It strikes me as a Caspian. Rather heavy-set for a tern, with a relatively short tail, and a big thick red bill smacks of Caspian to me.
Barry Ulman
Sandy Point Jaegers and Horned Larks Diane Birsner 9/7/13
Yesterday (Fri, Sept 6, 5:30-8:00pm) we enjoyed all that Sandy Point has to offer this time of year. Phil Calise had a scope on couple of Parasitic Jaegers as we approached the point: one floated on the water offshore and later one chased down about 4 Common Terns. Purple Martins zipped past us. Small flocks of Western Sandpipers & Semi-palmated Plovers picked along the shoreline or posed on the rocks. An Osprey carrying a fish bypassed its usual feasting perch on one of the channel markers and continued to an unknown destination across the strait. A pair of Horned Larks dropped down and foraged for several frustrating minutes in the tall grass before eventually walking out into the path, finally affording us good looks at their worn plumage. Dave scoped a distant flock of about 30 phalaropes in the water, however they were too far out to determine the species. Two White-winged Scoters flew by; we also saw a pair of Red-necked Grebes in the water, some Caspian Terns and more Common Terns.
And then there was the sunset. The sunset alone was worth the trip.
Diane Birsner and Dave Schmalz
And then there was the sunset. The sunset alone was worth the trip.
Diane Birsner and Dave Schmalz
Vancouver, BC RBA for August 30, 2013 Wayne Weber
This is Nature Vancouver's Rare Bird Alert for Friday, August 30th,
sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited in Vancouver and North Vancouver.
If you wish to report a rare, unusual or interesting bird,
please phone the main number at (604) 737-3074, press "2" for the rare bird reporting line, and
follow the instructions given there.
BIRDERS NOTE: The Iona Island Sewage Ponds access will be closed to the
public from Saturday, July 20 through to mid-September 2013, between 7 AM and
5 PM weekends included). After 5:00 PM, access will be allowed into
the evenings (but there will be some evenings when there will be no
access, and this will NOT be posted in advance). There will be a few days
through this closure when access will be permitted, but there is no schedule
for these open days.
Friday, August 30
A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was reported near the pilings west of
104th St. at Boundary Bay in Delta.
Thursday, August 29
A juvenile WANDERING TATTLER was found on the Iona Island South Jetty in Richmond.
Wednesday, August 28
A LONG-BILLED CURLEW and a MARBLED GODWIT were at Blackie Spit in Surrey;
another MARBLED GODWIT was at Beach Grove Lagoon, Boundary Bay Regional
Park, in Delta.
An adult PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER was at Boundary Bay near 104th St. In Delta.
Tuesday, August 27
Two RED KNOTS were at Boundary Bay near 104th St., Delta
For a summary of extremely rare bird sightings throughout British
Columbia, check "British Columbia Bird Alert" at
http://bcbirdalert.blogspot.com .
A brief account of 31 of the best birding locations in the
Vancouver area can be found on the Nature Vancouver website at
http://www.naturevancouver.ca/Birding_Birding_Sites .
Thank you for calling the Vancouver Rare Bird Alert, and good
birding.
This message was prepared by Julian Hudson and forwarded by Wayne Weber.
sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited in Vancouver and North Vancouver.
If you wish to report a rare, unusual or interesting bird,
please phone the main number at (604) 737-3074, press "2" for the rare bird reporting line, and
follow the instructions given there.
BIRDERS NOTE: The Iona Island Sewage Ponds access will be closed to the
public from Saturday, July 20 through to mid-September 2013, between 7 AM and
5 PM weekends included). After 5:00 PM, access will be allowed into
the evenings (but there will be some evenings when there will be no
access, and this will NOT be posted in advance). There will be a few days
through this closure when access will be permitted, but there is no schedule
for these open days.
Friday, August 30
A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was reported near the pilings west of
104th St. at Boundary Bay in Delta.
Thursday, August 29
A juvenile WANDERING TATTLER was found on the Iona Island South Jetty in Richmond.
Wednesday, August 28
A LONG-BILLED CURLEW and a MARBLED GODWIT were at Blackie Spit in Surrey;
another MARBLED GODWIT was at Beach Grove Lagoon, Boundary Bay Regional
Park, in Delta.
An adult PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER was at Boundary Bay near 104th St. In Delta.
Tuesday, August 27
Two RED KNOTS were at Boundary Bay near 104th St., Delta
For a summary of extremely rare bird sightings throughout British
Columbia, check "British Columbia Bird Alert" at
http://bcbirdalert.blogspot.com .
A brief account of 31 of the best birding locations in the
Vancouver area can be found on the Nature Vancouver website at
http://www.naturevancouver.ca/Birding_Birding_Sites .
Thank you for calling the Vancouver Rare Bird Alert, and good
birding.
This message was prepared by Julian Hudson and forwarded by Wayne Weber.
Brown Pelican at Point Roberts, WA Wayne Weber 9/6/13
Birders,
Yesterday afternoon (September 4th), David Schutz of Coquitlam, BC reported a BROWN PELICAN flying past Lighthouse Marine Park at Point Roberts. This is the first sighting I have heard of this year in the Puget Sound/Georgia Strait area.
Also seen by David at Point Roberts were 40 COMMON TERNS and a PARASITIC JAEGER. Brian Self, birding Point Roberts at a different time yesterday, found 130 COMMON TERNS, but missed the pelican.
Who knows what will show up next? We are looking hard for Elegant Terns, but no luck yet!
Birds at Sandy Point-- September 3rd Wayne Weber 9/5/13
Birders,
On Tuesday afternoon, following a report by Fanter Lane of many phalaropes and terns at Sandy Point, I checked the place out.
At the tip of the point, I met Jim Duemmel, who had arrived a few minutes earlier. The highlights of the birds seen included a single flock of 46 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES a short distance offshore (the biggest flock of this species that either Jim or I had ever seen in the county, although down from the 80 seen the previous day by Fanter); at least 33 COMMON TERNS, which at one point included a flock of 20 birds on the water for a couple of minutes; and at least 10 PURPLE MARTINS, which at one time were all perched on the mast of a large sailboat in the harbor. The water was very calm, making it possible to see and identify birds on the water a long way offshore.
Sandy Point looks like it may be hot for the next few days-- better get out there before all the good stuff leaves!
Wayne C. Weber
Subject: eBird Report - Sandy Point, 3-Sep-2013
Sandy Point, Whatcom, US-WA
3-Sep-2013 4:20 PM - 5:55 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: With Jim Duemmel most of the time at the tip of the point (~40 minutes)
28 species
Surf Scoter 100
White-winged Scoter 5
Horned Grebe 1
Red-necked Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant 8
Pelagic Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 3
Osprey 1
Semipalmated Plover 1
Western Sandpiper 16
Red-necked Phalarope 46
Ring-billed Gull 15
Glaucous-winged Gull 80
Common Tern 33
Rhinoceros Auklet 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove 3
Northern Flicker 2
Common Raven 2
Purple Martin 10
Barn Swallow 10
European Starling 40
Common Yellowthroat 2
White-crowned Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brewer's Blackbird 20
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 1
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15093811
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
On Tuesday afternoon, following a report by Fanter Lane of many phalaropes and terns at Sandy Point, I checked the place out.
At the tip of the point, I met Jim Duemmel, who had arrived a few minutes earlier. The highlights of the birds seen included a single flock of 46 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES a short distance offshore (the biggest flock of this species that either Jim or I had ever seen in the county, although down from the 80 seen the previous day by Fanter); at least 33 COMMON TERNS, which at one point included a flock of 20 birds on the water for a couple of minutes; and at least 10 PURPLE MARTINS, which at one time were all perched on the mast of a large sailboat in the harbor. The water was very calm, making it possible to see and identify birds on the water a long way offshore.
Sandy Point looks like it may be hot for the next few days-- better get out there before all the good stuff leaves!
Wayne C. Weber
Subject: eBird Report - Sandy Point, 3-Sep-2013
Sandy Point, Whatcom, US-WA
3-Sep-2013 4:20 PM - 5:55 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: With Jim Duemmel most of the time at the tip of the point (~40 minutes)
28 species
Surf Scoter 100
White-winged Scoter 5
Horned Grebe 1
Red-necked Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant 8
Pelagic Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 3
Osprey 1
Semipalmated Plover 1
Western Sandpiper 16
Red-necked Phalarope 46
Ring-billed Gull 15
Glaucous-winged Gull 80
Common Tern 33
Rhinoceros Auklet 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove 3
Northern Flicker 2
Common Raven 2
Purple Martin 10
Barn Swallow 10
European Starling 40
Common Yellowthroat 2
White-crowned Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brewer's Blackbird 20
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 1
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15093811
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Black-bellied Plover Joe Meche 9/5/13
In the scattered flocks of >500 birds at Semiahmoo on Monday, a few individuals stood out with most of their breeding plumage still intact.
Joe Meche
Joe Meche
Peregrine Falcons: not local Eric Ellingson 9/3/13
Hello Friends,
This was my 8th year observing, documenting and keeping a daily chronology of the behavior of a breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons. The Falcon (female) mated with the same Tiercel who came into the habitat last year. They re-occupied their original eyrie (used for 6 years) and successfully raised and fledged 3 very healthy juveniles, 2 Falcons and a Tiercel (male). The last juvenile, a female who was approximately 77 days old, dispersed from the local habitat on June 22.
The very next day, something highly unusual occurred, the Falcon went into eyrie #2 and began laying a second clutch of eggs. I do not think this phenomena, known as a "double clutching" has ever been documented in the wild or published in Peregrine Falcon scientific literature. Earlier in June, I made detailed notes in my chronological journal that the Tiercel and Falcon were performing courtship behavior; mutual ledge displays at the scrape (eyrie); high speed figure 8 flight displays by the Tiercel; lastly the Tiercel increased copulation with the Falcon up to seven times a day.
So on June 23 I started a new nesting chronology, remaining at my observations post 7 days a week. Both the Tiercel and Falcon shared incubation duty, performing next exchanges every 2-4 hours throughout the day. On day 34 & 35 I was hoping to see food being delivered to the eyrie (eggs normally take 33.5 days of incubation) indicating that an egg had hatched Instead the adults continued performing nest exchanges for the next 23 days. After that they gave up and began perching outside of the eyrie. I believe the eggs were infertile.
Attached are a few photos from this season. They tell a story of 2 juveniles being bound to a prey bird in mid air, neither is willing to let go, they fly/fall toward my observation post and past me. I capture a few clear images and then they land at the base of the bluffs. To see the rest of the story you can find it on my website under the new 2013 portfolios.
My new homepage slide show features old and new photos. I hope you will check it out. Thanks. All the best to everyone,
Cheers, Will
www.sharpeyesonline.com
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" Albert Einstein
This was my 8th year observing, documenting and keeping a daily chronology of the behavior of a breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons. The Falcon (female) mated with the same Tiercel who came into the habitat last year. They re-occupied their original eyrie (used for 6 years) and successfully raised and fledged 3 very healthy juveniles, 2 Falcons and a Tiercel (male). The last juvenile, a female who was approximately 77 days old, dispersed from the local habitat on June 22.
The very next day, something highly unusual occurred, the Falcon went into eyrie #2 and began laying a second clutch of eggs. I do not think this phenomena, known as a "double clutching" has ever been documented in the wild or published in Peregrine Falcon scientific literature. Earlier in June, I made detailed notes in my chronological journal that the Tiercel and Falcon were performing courtship behavior; mutual ledge displays at the scrape (eyrie); high speed figure 8 flight displays by the Tiercel; lastly the Tiercel increased copulation with the Falcon up to seven times a day.
So on June 23 I started a new nesting chronology, remaining at my observations post 7 days a week. Both the Tiercel and Falcon shared incubation duty, performing next exchanges every 2-4 hours throughout the day. On day 34 & 35 I was hoping to see food being delivered to the eyrie (eggs normally take 33.5 days of incubation) indicating that an egg had hatched Instead the adults continued performing nest exchanges for the next 23 days. After that they gave up and began perching outside of the eyrie. I believe the eggs were infertile.
Attached are a few photos from this season. They tell a story of 2 juveniles being bound to a prey bird in mid air, neither is willing to let go, they fly/fall toward my observation post and past me. I capture a few clear images and then they land at the base of the bluffs. To see the rest of the story you can find it on my website under the new 2013 portfolios.
My new homepage slide show features old and new photos. I hope you will check it out. Thanks. All the best to everyone,
Cheers, Will
www.sharpeyesonline.com
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" Albert Einstein
Semi Spit birding Eric Ellingson 9/3/13
Along with Joes spotting of the juv Pigeon Guillemot I spotted a solitary Spotted Sandpiper, a few flocks of Western Sandpipers numbering 50 in Drayton Harbor and 100 on Semiahmoo Bays side, a handful of very young Double-crested Cormorants, one dead one, one wing-injured one, and the hundreds of Black-bellied Plovers on the Semiahmoo Bay side. Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters and I believe I saw a pair of Red-necked Grebes are also arriving.
Grosbeaks Gayle Stebbings 9/3/13
Saw for the first time at my back-yard feeders a lone female Evening Grosbeak. What a surprise and great fun. She was gone in a flash :(
This has prompted me to report the lone, what I think, was a female Pine Grosbeak seen at the summit of Dock Butte yesterday, Sunday, September 1. This was at 5,000 feet on the west slope of the North Cascades in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Skagit County). Perhaps the location was far enough north to be located in the most southern of the Pine Grosbeak's habitat range.
Sure do wish now that I had gotten a photo! Have looked at many photos on-line but the cone-shaped bill, wing bars, and breast with little or no markings are helpful in eliminating other possibilities.
Gayle Stebbings
This has prompted me to report the lone, what I think, was a female Pine Grosbeak seen at the summit of Dock Butte yesterday, Sunday, September 1. This was at 5,000 feet on the west slope of the North Cascades in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Skagit County). Perhaps the location was far enough north to be located in the most southern of the Pine Grosbeak's habitat range.
Sure do wish now that I had gotten a photo! Have looked at many photos on-line but the cone-shaped bill, wing bars, and breast with little or no markings are helpful in eliminating other possibilities.
Gayle Stebbings
Pigeon Guillemot Joe Meche 9/3/13
Kayaking today at Semiahmoo and ran (paddled) across this juvenile PIGU in the channel between the Moo and Blaine.
Joe Meche
Joe Meche
Afternoon visit from a predator Nancy Downing 9/2/13
Had an interesting visitor to my South Hill neighborhood today.....an immature Redtail , I believe. He hung around long enough for some pictures.
PBS special Lila Emmer 9/2/13
Hi Bellinghamsters
I know the weather is still fabulous (I was in town last week) - and no time to spend in front of TV – but, in case you are not aware of the following:
PBS – “Earthflight, A Nature Special Presentation.” – documentary on 4 Wednesdays. – beginning here on Sept 4.
Looks like something birders will not want to miss!
Enjoy
Lila Emmer
Partners in Flight website Joe Meche 9/2/13
For those who aren't on tweeters, this site is quite informative and even a bit mind boggling.
Not sure if this has been posted here....
http://rmbo.org/pifpopestimates/Database.aspx
Joe Meche
Not sure if this has been posted here....
http://rmbo.org/pifpopestimates/Database.aspx
Joe Meche
Pacific Golden-Plover at Semiahmoo Spit Phil Calise 8/31/13
This evening 5:00 the BB Plover flock on the spit about 300 birds had 1 Pacific Golden-Plover in it, 5 Dowitchers, 200 Western Sandpipers,and 1 Dunlin. The Plovers were at the usual spot half way up the spit on the Semiahmoo Bay side of the spit.
Phil Calise
Phil Calise
Glaucous-winged Gull & berries Andrea Warner 8/29/13
Yesterday and today there was a Glaucous-winged Gull (juvenile) eating the berries from our Red Twig bushes. I watched it from about 10 feet away as I was moving bark. It was totally unfazed by my activity as it carefully picked around to find the white berries.
Most interesting to watch - has anyone else ever seen this behavior? Note - "Plants of the Pac/NW Coast" list the berries as bitter and inedible.
Andrea Warner
Most interesting to watch - has anyone else ever seen this behavior? Note - "Plants of the Pac/NW Coast" list the berries as bitter and inedible.
Andrea Warner
Green Heron Pat Buhl 8/28/13
Tuesday: This beauty had staked claim to a log in Whatcom Creek, upstream from the Derby Pond, and responded aggressively when a Mallard got on the log too. In the ensuing squabble, the smaller Heron held its ground near the middle of the log, while the Mallard got in the last squawk as she retreated to the far end for a nap.
Wood Ducks and rails Joe Meche 8/27/13
Pretty quiet everywhere, including Scudder Pond, but I did enjoy these female WODUs and a pair of Virginia Rails.
Joe Meche
Joe Meche
Three-toed woodpeckers, Skyline Divide Trail Natalie Whitman 8/26/13
Saw an adult feeding two squeaky kids, then later a solo adult for a total of four birds, all seen about 1/2 mile up from the trailhead. It seems that they are working over specific individual firs pretty thoroughly (vs. flitting from tree to tree as I am accustomed to seeing our usual suspects do), so might be readily found in the same vicinity.
Natalie Whitman
How birds land in flocks Jeff Borsecnik 8/24/13
Animal behaviour
Birds of a feather land together
How flocking birds avoid colliding when they touch down
http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21583591-how-flocking-birds-avoid-colliding-when-they-touch-down-birds-feather-land
Heermann's Gull Doug Brown 8/24/18
Chirp,
Just after low tide on Wednesday at Pt. Whitehorn, there was a lone Heermann's Gull amongst a group of Glaucous-winged, Western and California gulls.
Just after low tide on Wednesday at Pt. Whitehorn, there was a lone Heermann's Gull amongst a group of Glaucous-winged, Western and California gulls.
Elegant Terns Clark Blake 8/23/13
I spent the last four days birding between Astoria and Tokeland. In addition to many good shorebirds,
we had Elegant Terns in just about every place we visited. On Thursday morning, in about an hour, we watched at least
14 flying north past the North Head Lighthouse near Ilwaco. There were also at least 100 Caspians and
more than 100 Brown Pelicans moving northward. They may not get as far north as Bellingham but there is always a chance.
This was a State bird for me. A Whatcom County record would be even greater!
Clark
we had Elegant Terns in just about every place we visited. On Thursday morning, in about an hour, we watched at least
14 flying north past the North Head Lighthouse near Ilwaco. There were also at least 100 Caspians and
more than 100 Brown Pelicans moving northward. They may not get as far north as Bellingham but there is always a chance.
This was a State bird for me. A Whatcom County record would be even greater!
Clark
Dinnertime Joe Kelly 8/23/13
Went to Semiahmoo yesterday afternoon looking for shorebirds. The Plovers were there and following the water in but were still too far out to get close to them. Many gulls gathering clams. There were also a few Terns, and heard a Loon on the Drayton Harbor side. As I was driving up the hill from the parking area a Bald Eagle flew over the road.
Black- bellied Plovers Semiahmoo Spit Phil Calise 8/20/13
This evening 4:30 on the high tide half way up Semiahmoo spit on the Semiahmoo bay side were 300 Black-bellied Plovers and 1 Short-billed Dowitcher. On the Drayton harbor side of the spit there were 7 Western Sandpipers working the shoreline, 3 common Loons were also in the area
Phil Calise
Phil Calise
Recent birds Joe Meche 8/23/13
It's pretty quiet out there but a few birds require closer looks.
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Long-billed Dowitcher and Greater Yellowlegs
Joe Meche
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Long-billed Dowitcher and Greater Yellowlegs
Joe Meche
Ruddy Turnstone at Semiahmoo spit Phil Calise 8/23/13
Today on the rising tide 5:00 the Black-bellied Plover flock had a Ruddy Turnstone mixed in with 3 Short-billed Dowitchers and about 200 Western Sandpipers. They were in the usual spot halfway up the spit on the Semiahmoo bay side.
Phil Calise
Phil Calise
Landscape to make a difference Susan Taylor 8/22/13
WSU Extension’s GARDENING GREEN: Sustainable Landscaping Class
8 class sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm, Sept 17-Oct 10
GARDENING GREEN provides practical information and simple yet powerful actions to create a landscape that is an environmental asset. Learn to garden using a naturally sustainable approach that will protect both environmental and human health while it saves you time and money. With only 5% of the land in continental US still in its natural condition, our home landscapes offer an opportunity to provide habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. You will learn how to build healthy soil, select the right plants for your garden including native plants, create wildlife habitat, rainwater harvesting, Integrated Pest Management and strategies to reduce maintenance. Presentations by local experts, 9 residential landscape tours, hands-on experience doing site analysis, landscape plans, and installing cisterns & rain barrels, opportunities to purchase plants at wholesale prices, and more.
Class size is limited for this FREE class and pre-registration is required.
Or visit WSU Extension’s web site - whatcom.wsu.edu
Program sponsor - Whatcom County Public Works - open to all.
BB plovers at Semiahmoo Spit Phil Calise 8/22/13
Wed. evening on the rising tide 4;30 half way up Semiahmoo spit on the Semiahmoo Bay side of the spit there were 600 BB Plovers, 4 dowitchers, 6 Western Sandpipers, and 1 Sanderling. On the Drayton Harbor side there were 2 killdeer, 8 western Sandpipers and 1 Least Sandpiper
RFI Idaho Gayle Stebbings 8/20/13
Hello,
Will be visiting Idaho through mid-September, as far east as the Sawtooth Mountains. If you have any guide books about important bird areas and locations that you would be willing to share with me, or perhaps would like to sell, please contact me. The guide to the Idaho Birding Trail availabe on-line, isn't.
Many thanks.
Gayle Stebbings
Will be visiting Idaho through mid-September, as far east as the Sawtooth Mountains. If you have any guide books about important bird areas and locations that you would be willing to share with me, or perhaps would like to sell, please contact me. The guide to the Idaho Birding Trail availabe on-line, isn't.
Many thanks.
Gayle Stebbings
Flycatcher ID Eric Ellingson 8/20/13
I’m not seeing many Flycatchers that are supposed to be in the area other than Pacific-slope in my book.
The black dot in front of the eye made me consider the Dusky.
Any ideas one way or another. Not a great shot for detail.
Found this guy at Blaine Marine Park.
Thanks.
PS: Has anyone visited Malheur in Oregon? Contact me privately if you’ve suggestions/ideas. Going in late September.
.jpg)
Eric and Whatcom Birders,
I’m pretty sure this is a Willow Flycatcher. Unlike most Empids, Willow Flycatchers have a very inconspicuous eyering.
Habitat is also a key feature. Hammond’s and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, the other 2 Empids that breed in our area, are forest birds that wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like Blaine Marine Park. Willow Flycatchers, on the other hand, will breed happily in stands of willows or other shrubs that are only 5 to 10 feet tall. I’ve definitely recorded this species in summer near the base of Marine Drive in Blaine, although I’m not sure if they breed there.
(Dusky Flycatcher is very rare west of the Cascades.)
Wayne C. Weber
The black dot in front of the eye made me consider the Dusky.
Any ideas one way or another. Not a great shot for detail.
Found this guy at Blaine Marine Park.
Thanks.
PS: Has anyone visited Malheur in Oregon? Contact me privately if you’ve suggestions/ideas. Going in late September.
.jpg)
Eric and Whatcom Birders,
I’m pretty sure this is a Willow Flycatcher. Unlike most Empids, Willow Flycatchers have a very inconspicuous eyering.
Habitat is also a key feature. Hammond’s and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, the other 2 Empids that breed in our area, are forest birds that wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like Blaine Marine Park. Willow Flycatchers, on the other hand, will breed happily in stands of willows or other shrubs that are only 5 to 10 feet tall. I’ve definitely recorded this species in summer near the base of Marine Drive in Blaine, although I’m not sure if they breed there.
(Dusky Flycatcher is very rare west of the Cascades.)
Wayne C. Weber
Hurt seagull Joe Hutchinson 8/18/13
There is a Gull near the Coast Guard dock in Fairhaven with a mangled wing. Is there any organization to contact that would at least hurry nature’s inevitable resolution.
Joe
Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation
360 966 8845
Paula Rustan
Black Turnstone Joe Meche 8/17/13
Here is one BLTU in a flock of <20 that frequents the rocks just outside Wildcat Cove.
*Water transport required.
Joe Meche
*Water transport required.
Joe Meche
RFI:off topic Gayle Stebbings 8/16/13
Hello,
Am trying to figure out ebird. I had heard that it would be possible to make a request to have a list of currently seen birds, for instance, at Palouse Falls (or wherever). Thought this would be a great asset when on any kind of road trip - what birds had been observed recently in any particular town or region.
Is this accessible on my iPhone 4? Is this information that can be gathered from the Audubon Bird app? A feature of eBird somehow? of iBirdPlus?
Please contact me off-line if you are able to give me a hand with this.
Many, many thanks.
Gayle Stebbings
Caspian Tern* Joe Meche 8/16/13
I was scoping a few CATEs that were resting on the flats at Blaine on this drizzly day and found one of this year's crop. It's in the right rear and recently fledged, more than likely.
Now, where was the nest?!
*Digiscoped
Joe Meche
Loons Fred Sears 8/15/13
Was back East and found a pair of loons. Curious note almost all the bird (chickadees ect) are much lighter with their Whites being truly white instead of off Gray. Loons however are loons. This pair had one chick.
Birds in the workplace Joe Meche 8/15/13
I'm working on a deck just north of Wildcat Cove, and this Bald Eagle is one of the stars of the show, perched right overhead.
Black Turnstones are on the rocks below and a Common Loon is diving in the clear water.
Nice place to work!
Joe Meche
Black Turnstones are on the rocks below and a Common Loon is diving in the clear water.
Nice place to work!
Joe Meche
Nesting falcon Joe Meche 8/13/13
A fellow forum member from Amsterdam posted this incredible shot this morning.
Joe Meche
I'd like to see the size of the eggs it lays! LOL
Barry Ulman
and the size of its nest! great shot Judy Krieger
RE: Brant - Barred Owl Larry Moss 8/12/13
To Whatcom Birders:
To extend the theme of birds and traffic, today while biking through central Whatcom County, I encountered an American bittern - on the road! It was near the intersection of South Pass Road and Oats Cole Rd. A car spooked it before I could get too close and it flew into an adjacent marshy area unharmed.
Larry Moss
Alcids and a Green Heron Joe Meche 8/11/13
Only two more Salish Sea Bird Cruises left (8/17-24) if you're interested in seeing Rhinoceros Auklets and Marbled Murrelets. The Green Heron was on duty at the AK ferry terminal.
Joe Meche
Solitary Sandpiper ? Doug Brown 8/11/13
Chirp,
This bird was seen today on the banks of the Nooksack River, downstream from the 542 bridge.
I believe it may be a Solitary Sandpiper. Can anyone confirm or correct the ID?
Thanks, db
Doug:
That is a beauty! All of the distinguishing characteristics are there -- eye ring, bill size and shape, leg color, small pale dots on
mantle and coverts, wing projection, etc. If you don't have it, get Paulson's book on Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest (1993).
Your image looks identical to one he shows as a juvenile on pg. 161.
Clark
This bird was seen today on the banks of the Nooksack River, downstream from the 542 bridge.
I believe it may be a Solitary Sandpiper. Can anyone confirm or correct the ID?
Thanks, db
Doug:
That is a beauty! All of the distinguishing characteristics are there -- eye ring, bill size and shape, leg color, small pale dots on
mantle and coverts, wing projection, etc. If you don't have it, get Paulson's book on Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest (1993).
Your image looks identical to one he shows as a juvenile on pg. 161.
Clark
New photos from Blaine, yesterday, August 9 Andrew Reding 8/9/13
double-crested cormorant in flight:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9477755943/
great blue heron in flight:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9477757123/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9477758209/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9480548230/in/photostream/
bald eagle in flight:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9477761147/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9480549200/in/photostream/
young American goldfinch eating fennel seeds:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9477762155/in/photostream/
young harbor seals:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9480551912/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9480552846/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9477766719/in/photostream/
adult harbor seal in a state of <cough, cough> excitement:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9480554186/in/photostream/
Plenty of activity with the Caspian terns and kingfishers, but my photos of them were not up to my standards.
Andrew
Brant - Barred Owl Dick Porter 8/10/13
Highlights of another wonderful sunny day birding Whatcom County:
Saw our first Brant of the season at Blaine/Drayton Harbor today. With a group of Canada Geese by the very large concrete pilings just in front of town.
Barred Owl sitting in a traffic lane on Northwest Road, just south of Wiser Lake road. We noticed a car swerving around it, drove slowly past it (much surprised at what we saw) and were concerned for its health. We turned around and went back – when we stopped about 30 feet away, it flew into the adjoining woods before we could get out of the car. Last seen on a branch about 30 yards into the trees on the West side of the Road.
Dick
Locust Beach Caroline 8/8/13
Does anyone know what the birds are in the nest boxes at Locust Beach??
Thanks,
Caroline
Bushtits Joe Meche 8/8/13
They found me today. I was at my shop when I noticed a lot of movement in the nearby trees, and knew that it could only be....Bushtits! The foraging flocks are always entertaining to watch, and certainly challenging to photograph.
Joe Meche
They came thru here as well. No photos. Joan Casey
Osprey Joe Meche 8/6/13
They might not be here too much longer so it's good to enjoy them while we can.
September looms!
Joe Meche
September looms!
Joe Meche
Pied-billed Grebe Joe Meche 8/6/13
I had a few good looks at this one from kayak level on a recent outing.
Joe Meche
Joe Meche
Vancouver, BC RBA for August 2, 2013 Wayne Weber 8/5/13
This is Nature Vancouver's Rare Bird Alert for Friday, August 2nd,
sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited in Vancouver and North
Vancouver. The RBA telephone number is (604) 737-3074.
If you wish to leave a rare bird report, please phone the main number again
at (604) 737-3074, press "2" for the rare bird reporting line, and follow
the instructions given there.
NOTE: The Iona Sewage Pond access will be closed to the public from
Saturday, July 20 through to mid-September 2013, between 7 AM and 5 PM
(weekends included). After 5:00 PM, access will be allowed into the
evenings (but there will be some evenings when there will be no access, and
this will NOT be posted in advance). There will be a few days through this
closure when access will be permitted, but there is no schedule for these
open days.
Friday, August 2
Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts, WA
4 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS
Thursday, August 1
Brunswick Point, Delta
GOLDEN-PLOVER sp.
8 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER
2 PECTORAL SANDPIPER
PHALAROPE sp.
2000-3000 WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS
2 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS
GREATER YELLOWLEGS
DUNLIN
Monday, July 29
Lower Seymour Conservation Area, North Vancouver
The female AMERICAN REDSTART was still present with at least one juvenile.
Saturday, July 27
Blackie Spit, Crescent Beach (Surrey)
LONG-BILLED CURLEW
5 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS
LEAST SANDPIPER
Fields at foot of Coal Port in Delta
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
LEAST SANDPIPER
LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BUILLED DOWITCHERS
GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS
PECTORAL SANDPIPER
For a summary of extremely rare bird sightings throughout British Columbia,
check "British Columbia Bird Alert" at http://bcbirdalert.blogspot.com .
A brief account of 31 of the best birding locations in the Vancouver area
can be found on the Nature Vancouver website at
http://www.naturevancouver.ca/Birding_Birding_Sites .
Thank you for calling the Vancouver Rare Bird Alert, and good birding.
This message was prepared by Julian Hudson and distributed by Wayne Weber.
Bonaparte's at Birch Bay Eric Ellingson 8/4/13
A few dozen BOGU have been seen the past few days at the north end of Birch Bay busily feeding. Easiest to view at high tide.
There seems to be more dark headed mature gulls this year than I’ve noticed the past couple years.
A couple Least Sandpipers flew into Semi spit today while I was watching the young seals.
Eric
A couple Least Sandpipers flew into Semi spit today while I was watching the young seals.
Eric
Lummi birds Clark Blake 8/2/13
Drove over to Lummi at 9 and Victor and I birded the N1/2 of island until noon. Because of wind and rain, we didn't see or hear much. All three boxes at Sunrise Cove are occupied by Purple Martins. Parents still feeding young inside but can't be long before they will fledge. Also saw 2 Eur. Coll. Doves and some Heermann's Gulls at Village Point. Also talked to Buffy Lapof. Yesterday, she saw 12 Trumpeter Swans flying low over the P.O. area and then heading west toward the res. I have never heard of them arriving this early before. Clark
Virginia Rails Joe Meche 8/9/13
The young rails at Scudder Pond are growing, needless to say, and not altogether shy. I saw two yesterday morning around 9:30 and I couldn't help but notice one the adults watching me.
Joe Meche
Joe Meche
St. Clair Ospreys have fledged Doug Brown 8/2/13
Chirp,
The two young Ospreys fledged about a week ago.
For the full report, please visit the thread I created on my website.
http://www.douglaslbrownphotography.com/2013-st-clair-osprey-nest/
Also of note ...
The St. Clair Cooper's Hawk nest had five {!} kids fledge.
Doug Brown
Re: Whatcom Purple Martins Clark Blake 8/1/13
Hi Stan:
I will be on Lummi this Friday and will check out the martin boxes at Sunrise Cove, I have not heard of any other active nest sites in Whatcom Co.
but will forward this message to the list serve.
Clark
On Jul 31, 2013, at 7:26 PM, stan Kostka lynn Schmidt wrote:
> Hi Clark,
>
> Hope you have been enjoying the great summer weather.
>
> I'm curious to know if you have any additional info about the Sunrise Cove martins ? Have you been back there enough to say how many boxes are occupied with breeding pairs ?
>
> Also, I have not visited the Bellingham martin colony this year, and was wondering if you may know someone who has and may have an idea of whether there are martins there this year, and possibly have an idea about how many boxes there are occupied ? I don't subscribe to Whatcom birds, but thought maybe someone there may know something.
>
> Thanks for any info you can provide.
>
> Stan Kostka
>
>
Yesterday (July 26) in Blaine Andrew Reding 7/27/13
The most unusual sighting was of three purple martins circling the public pier for about 15 minutes, uttering their two-note calls, before flying towards Semiahmoo. All three had the dull plumage and gray foreheads characteristic of both females and immatures. My best guess is that they were immatures. Does anyone know of a nesting site in the Blaine area that could explain their presence?
For those of you who like photographs, here are double-crested cormorants in flight:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9377454845/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9377452601/in/photostream/
Here's a goldfinch eating thistle in Marine Park:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9377451617/in/photostream/
A harbor seal mother and her pup nuzzling in the water:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9380241912/in/photostream/
Harbor seal pup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9377463695/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9377450449/in/photostream/
Harbor seal emerging onto breakwater:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9377461183/in/photostream/
And, believe it or not, a harbor seal airborne:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/9380242976/
Andrew
RE: Another Wing tagged Red-tail Paul DeBruyn 7-27-13
Well aside from the obvious attraction of freeway habitat to all RT's, I think these "airport" birds are imprinted on long straight things like runways and freeways. They also seem to use I-5 as a travel corridor, Bow Hill has been a hot spot, but that may be because Bud releases them from his house near there. Another consideration is what territories are available when a bird is dumped in a strange place. The linear aspect Fredrick mentioned may give them some separation from resident territorial Red-tails. Paul
An alternative to Hawks and tags Lila Emmer 7-25-13
My (indoor) cat alerted me to a house sparrow, perched in my neighbor’s Banks roses and in its beak – holding what I assume is a large, green Cicada, by the tail, and just swinging it around as if the sparrow didn’t know what to do now.
The Cicada was obviously thrashing around in mid-air and to put it down could result in loss of a green treasure………
What to do……………, what to do………………?
Lila Emmer
Utah
Lila, et al,
Last November Bob and I were in Honduras doing a water project with some of our church members. I happened to look out the window of the small building we were doing an education class in and saw a bird jump straight up in the air. Fortunately I had my binoculars with me and saw what looked like a large, sparrow -sized wren attacking something on the ground and that something was attacking back. It turned out to be a sizeable praying mantis. After about three or four jabs at the mantis, the wren was able to grab it and whack it around enough to subdue it.
Cindy Klein
The Cicada was obviously thrashing around in mid-air and to put it down could result in loss of a green treasure………
What to do……………, what to do………………?
Lila Emmer
Utah
Lila, et al,
Last November Bob and I were in Honduras doing a water project with some of our church members. I happened to look out the window of the small building we were doing an education class in and saw a bird jump straight up in the air. Fortunately I had my binoculars with me and saw what looked like a large, sparrow -sized wren attacking something on the ground and that something was attacking back. It turned out to be a sizeable praying mantis. After about three or four jabs at the mantis, the wren was able to grab it and whack it around enough to subdue it.
Cindy Klein
Northern Goshawk/Coopers Eric Ellingson 7/16/13
This photo was previously posted here but cropped so as not to see the size of the tree it’s on.
The consensus was that it was Coopers. I reluctantly agreed even though it seemed much bigger than others I’d seen.
However the Length and Wing Span are very close to being the same on a large Coopers and a small Northern Goshawk.
Sharing this photo with someone else recently they replied:
“Gorgeous Immature northern goshawk
note the faint white eye stripe above the eye.
note the furthermost outside tail feather.
The coopers hawk has no eye stripe and that outside tail feather is shorter yet, yielding a much rounder end of the tail.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Bret “
Another opinion on a difficult ID. Hope this helps someone else too.
If I can only learn to ID all the little brown birds and notice such distinctions
Eric
The consensus was that it was Coopers. I reluctantly agreed even though it seemed much bigger than others I’d seen.
However the Length and Wing Span are very close to being the same on a large Coopers and a small Northern Goshawk.
Sharing this photo with someone else recently they replied:
“Gorgeous Immature northern goshawk
note the faint white eye stripe above the eye.
note the furthermost outside tail feather.
The coopers hawk has no eye stripe and that outside tail feather is shorter yet, yielding a much rounder end of the tail.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Bret “
Another opinion on a difficult ID. Hope this helps someone else too.
If I can only learn to ID all the little brown birds and notice such distinctions
Eric
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)