Registrar: Miriam Rakowski
Participants: 20
Weather: 40 degrees F, going to 50, with winds WSW 14 to 25 mph.
Bird Species: 32
The day began with some clouds, but soon turned sunny. As we were always close to the water, it was quite windy. Joe, our leader, asked if we were interested in chasing a rarity—the Sage Thrasher. As it would be a life bird for many, we said yes. There was some concern. as the bird hadn’t been reported for a few days. However, no sooner were we on our way than someone reported spotting it. We waited at the site for a few minutes and the bird soon appeared, giving all of us very good looks for an extended time.
We then went to the Coast Guard Station, where the tide seemed to be receding. There we some many loons and ducks, and one lonely Black Plover. We celebrated our morning sightings, which included lifers for many, by eating lunch.
Our next stop was Point Lookout, where we were hoping to see the Harlequin Ducks and a few other specialties. As it was windy, the water was very choppy. Happily, we saw at least five Harlequins and many Common Eiders. As we were leaving, having already given up on seeing Purple Sandpipers, we nevertheless took one last look, and there at the jetty, they appeared. A wonderful gift to end a fun day with good birds, and good camaraderie.
Species List
Brant
Canada Goose
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Killdeer
Black-bellied Plover
Sanderling
Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
Red-throated Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Sage Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Peregrine Falcon
House Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Song Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
