[obol] Franklin's Gull etc: Necanicum Estuary: Clatsop Co.

[David Bailey]

20 Sept. 2006
Necanicum Estuary, Clatsop Co.

I stopped at the overlook at the Seaside high school this afternoon to 
scope the gull and pelican flock on the south spit. a single 1st winter 
FRANKLIN'S GULL was with several hundred Larids of the more expected 
species. FRANKLIN'S GULLS average perhaps one or two individuals 
reported per year on the N. Coast.  There are still hundreds of 
HEERMAN'S and CALIFORNIA GULLS in the area. The CASPIAN TERNS are still 
flying with juveniles whistling in tow. Apparently they have had an 
unprecedented late nesting year in the Columbia Estuary. FOX SPARROWS 
have seemingly overnight become abundant in the appropriate habitats 
around here. Last night I heard a very heavy passerine movement 
overhead. Mostly SWAINSON'S THRUSH (50-60 calls per minute), but also 
VARIED THRUSH and sparrow/warbler flight call of undetermined species. 
Guess they were heading out during the calm before the storm. I expect 
there will be some new birds to find when the current system passes on.

The storm is swamping the N. Coast as I type.

David

David C. Bailey
Seaside, Oregon
baileydc at pdx.edu