[obol] March Lincoln Co. Bird Notes Received Through March 28
Range Bayer
rbayer at orednet.org
Sat Apr 7 17:32:49 PDT 2007
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BIRD FIELD NOTES from the March 2007 Sandpiper 28(3)
for Observations Received Through March 28 by Range Bayer
The Sandpiper is a publication of Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, a
Lincoln County (Oregon) natural history group.
Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to
LINCOLN COUNTY only. If you have any Lincoln County field notes, please
share them with Range (rbayer at orednet.org; P.O. Box 1467, Newport, OR
97365; 541-265-2965) by the 20th of the month. Bird field notes columns in
the Sandpiper since 1992 are at
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/bird.htm#recent (all lower case
letters).
Many Lincoln Co. sites are in the Oregon Coast Birding Trail Guide
(http://www.oregoncoastbirding.com/).
Abbreviations, terms, and some Lincoln Co. site locations: BEAVER
CREEK: creek flowing through Ona Beach State Park, BOILER BAY: State
Wayside about 0.5 mi north of Depoe Bay, ECKMAN LAKE: lake 2 mi east of
Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC: OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, IDAHO
FLATS: large embayment just east of HMSC, LNG TANK: large green Liquefied
Natural Gas tank on the north side of Yaquina Bay about 1.5 miles east of
Yaquina Bay Bridge, ONA BEACH: State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay
bridge along HWY 101 at Beaver Creek, SALLY'S BEND: large Yaquina Bay
embayment east of the LNG tank, YBSJ: Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
[Image Not Included: Terry Morse's March 3 photo of a beached "sea parrot"
Horned Puffin at Nye Beach. Note the large "parrot" bill.]
JANUARY-MARCH BEACHED BIRDS
Beached birds continued to garner interest. BLo started his surveys
along 4.6 miles of beach north of Ona Beach in January 1978. So this is
the 30th year of surveys, this year by his team (B and SLo, L and VO).
Details about their January-March 2007 surveys are at
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/2007-beached.htm (all lower case
letters). A summary follows.
During 1 January-March 2007, the four most numerous species on the
beach of BLo's team were Rhinoceros Auklet (57), Horned Puffin (17), Fork-
tailed Storm-Petrel (15), and Northern Fulmar (8). They recorded 20
species of birds.
The mortality thus far in 2007 is exceptional. The total in 2007
through March is the second highest overall and was among the top three
years for seven species: Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Black-legged Kittiwake,
Marbled Murrelet, Parakeet Auklet (very rare), Rhinoceros Auklet, Horned
Puffin (rare), and Tufted Puffin (rarer than beached Horned Puffins during
January-March).
The 2007 results have the most parallels with 1980, which had the
third highest total. These were also the top two years for Horned and
Tufted Puffins, and, the number of Rhinoceros Auklets in 1980 (12) was also
above average. However, 1980 differs from 2007 in that the third greatest
number of Common Murres was found in 1980, but a below average number was
found in 2007 (2).
1990 is also similar to 2007 because it was the third highest year
for Rhinoceros Auklets and Horned Puffins.
The two greatest years of beached Rhinoceros Auklets in January-March
have been 2006 and 2007.
CoastWatch, a project of Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition,
involves volunteers who adopt and monitor one-mile segments of the Oregon
coast (http://oregoncoastwatch.org/ and
http://www.oregonshores.org/ourprograms/coastalwatch). Their surveys
extend geographical coverage. In March 2007 as reported through March 26,
the four most abundant beached birds found by CoastWatch volunteers in
Lincoln County were Rhinoceros Auklets (12), Horned Puffins (9), Northern
Fulmars (5), and Common Murre (3).
So the two most abundant species were the same as found by BLo's team
in January-March and CoastWatch in March.
The cause of this exceptional mortality is thought to probably be
related to poor ocean food availability or feeding conditions.
[After printing of Sandpiper: Evans, Jason. 2007. Unusual Seabird
Mortality Recorded on the Oregon Coast. April 6, Newport News-Times at
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2007/04/06/news/news05.txt]
DEAD BIRDS ON LINCOLN COUNTY BEACHES
If you are walking a Lincoln County beach and find a dead bird,
please leave it if it is on a beach covered by a beached bird route! If
you remove it, you can hurt someone's research results.
There are now several established beached bird routes in Lincoln
County (e.g., BLo's team, the USFWS, and COASST.org). On a beached bird
route, each dead bird is identified, counted, and recorded, so we would
prefer that you leave it alone, but you can record and report it.
In particular, BLo requests that beached birds along CoastWatch Miles
208-213 be left in place, so that it might not affect the results of
surveys that he started in 1978 and that his team is continuing.
The http://COASST.org map on 3 April 2007
(http://coasst.org/default.cfm?fa=Who&fsa=COASST%20Map®ion=OR) indicates
that they
have beaches at Road's End and Nelscott in the Lincoln City area, Devil's
Punchbowl near Otter Rock, Agate and Nye Beaches in the Newport area, and
two beaches near Mile 196 north of Yachats. Please contact info at coasst.org
to see if they have more beaches.
CoastWatch volunteers (http://oregoncoastwatch.org/) monitor beaches
and can record or photograph dead birds present on their beaches without
removing them.
To find out if someone is doing a route for a particular Lincoln
County beach other than BLo's team for 4.6 miles north of Ona Beach or
COASST, contact Roy Lowe, USFWS (867 4550, Roy_Lowe at fws.gov).
BRANT-BROWN PELICAN
The peak count of BRANT at Idaho Flats in March was 182 on 3/14 (JL).
On 3/15, RA and others also found 150-200 at the YBSJ, where spring-
migrating Brant show up.
A pair of CANADA GEESE rested at a Yachats Community Park pond on
3/15 (BB).
An EURASIAN WIGEON lingered at Beaver Creek during the 3/17 YBNFT and
at Sally's Bend on 3/22 (JL).
On 3/5, MN discovered a female and 3 male HARLEQUIN DUCKS on the
rocks at the base of Lion's Head at Yaquina Head. 2 were at Seal Rocks
during the 3/17 YBNFT, and some were also at Boiler Bay on 3/25 (D and AH).
CALIFORNIA QUAIL are generally scarce here, but two have
intermittently visited L and JM's home east of Sally's Bend since late
August and continued through at least mid-March.
It is sometimes asked if loons can ever be heard here? On 3/6, JL
heard a COMMON LOON calling near the HMSC Nature Trail, and, on 3/16, KB
and RB heard a loon calling at Sally's Bend.
A LAYSAN ALBATROSS was seen about 33 miles west of Newport during the
3/25 Bird Guide pelagic trip.
A probable FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL flew in a big, fast circle around
JL at the YBSJ on 3/8.
Our only BROWN PELICAN report was of a single flying by Yaquina Head
in the early evening of 3/12 (CA).
GREAT BLUE HERON
On 3/1, JL spotted a GREAT BLUE HERON in a tree at the lower Yaquina
Bay colony, which is in a sensitive location because of its proximity to
development. On 3/14, JL spotted about 50 flying in a "swarm" above the
colony. In 2005, JL saw over 100 flying and circling on 3/9 after they
were apparently startled and also a "huge swarm" on 3/10. In 2006, 30 were
noted swarming over the colony on 3/18. So this "swarming" appears to
occur in March and is noteworthy. Whether it is related to disturbance by
humans or a Bald Eagle or serves in courtship or other nesting function is
unknown. Thanks to JL for discovering and reporting it!
RB's heron censuses continued at embayments (see below). The numbers
are relatively unchanged, which fits the idea that Great Blue Herons are
not migratory here. But will there be any surprises? What is your guess
for how the numbers will go in April? Stay the same? What is your
prediction for the most that will be seen this year?
[must use fixed font for graph below to show properly]
No. of Great Blue Herons Within 1 Hour of Predicted Low Tides
Less Than +0.5 Ft at Yaquina Bay Embayments
(Idaho Flats, Sally's Bend, and mudflats south of Sally's Bend)
50-
40-
30-X X XXX
20-X X XXX
10-X X XXX
0-X X XXX
'|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
GREAT EGRET-NIGHT-HERON
One GREAT EGRET was in both north and south Beaver Creek during the
3/17 YBNFT. The first one at Yaquina Bay in months was at Idaho Flats on
3/22 (JL). Will this be the year that they will nest at Yaquina Bay?
A few GREEN HERONS used to overwinter, but now they seem to be all
migrants with the first at Yaquina Bay on 3/22 (JL).
Our latest report of a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was of an immature
in lower Yaquina Bay on 3/6 (JL).
RAPTORS #1
Our first TURKEY VULTURE sighting was on 2/17 at the Salmon River
along the Tillamook/Lincoln County border (WH). Early birds do not
necessarily linger or are joined by others. Our second report was of two
in Newport by RF and CG on 3/2, followed by one on 3/5 at HMSC and Logsden
(JL; BLl).
RL saw our first OSPREY at Eckman Lake on 3/13, which was four days
earlier than last year.
A WHITE-TAILED KITE hung in the sky very much like a human's kite
over the HMSC Nature Trail on 3/18 (RB).
We had many reports of BALD EAGLES.
An adult gray male and a brown (female or immature male) NORTHERN
HARRIER were noted at the HMSC in early March (JL).
On Jan. 30, RL saw a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK chasing a RED-TAILED HAWK
near the HMSC Nature Trail--a NORTHERN HARRIER also became involved.
[Image Not Included: Howard Shippey's Feb. 26 photo of an immature Sharp-
shinned Hawk in a tree near his Newport Bayfront home. The dark leaves are
of English Ivy--note the ivy's fruiting bodies to the lower left,
characteristic of when ivy goes arboreal.]
On 3/20, NC was driving across the Yaquina Bay Bridge when he
happened to see a PEREGRINE FALCON flying so close that he could see it in
detail with his unaided eyes. The BLM noted a Peregrine at Yaquina Head
during three days in early February, and 1-2 were noted at HMSC or Newport
Bayfront during several days in March (JL; PL)--also see following pictures
and section.
There were several AMERICAN KESTREL sightings, but no MERLINS!
Merlins seem to have been very scarce this winter.
Raptor #2. NOW YOU SEE HIM, NOW YOU DON'T...
[Image Not Included: Howard Shippey's photos of a Peregrine Falcon perched
on a Sitka Spruce near the Newport Bayfront in late March and taking off in
pursuit of a meal.]
HS has been noticing lots of PEREGRINE FALCON action at his apartment
near the Newport Bayfront. He writes about one of his observations in late
March:
"I looked out the window, saw a big splash near the breakwater, with
what I thought looked like a Peregrine emerging with a bird flapping in its
talons to a height of about 10 feet above the surface of the Bay, beating
its wings hard to lift the load. Just as I'm stepping up to my big binocs,
it dropped its victim into the water. By now I'm looking through 20x
binocs on a tripod, and I can see that sure enough, it is a falcon ... but
where did its intended victim go? I've only ever seen falcons snatch ROCK
PIGEONS out of the air, which they subdue quickly ... but this bird was
still alive and struggling, and where I expected to see a dead or wounded
pigeon floating on the water, there was not so much as a feather floating!
The intended victim had completely disappeared, and the Peregrine flew up
to rest in a tree near my deck (that's him in the pix above)."
Three days later, HS saw that:
"The falcon swooped down over the hill, on the hunt as I have seen
many before, but rather than pull up over the Bayfront in pursuit of ROCK
PIGEONS, this one continued out over the water of the Bay, wing tips nearly
touching the water on downbeats. Watching now through 20x binocs, I saw
him make a beeline for a scoter or similar diving duck, which looked up
just in time to dive in alarm ... then target another duck, which dove in
alarm ... and another ... and like a pinball game, I watched the falcon
target duck after duck after duck until he disappeared from my view around
the LNG tank.
"I've seen Bald Eagles dive on ducks from time to time, but I never
even imagined that a Peregrine would bother with a duck sitting on the
surface of the water. Why would he risk getting wet, and struggle so hard,
when pigeons remain easy and plentiful in every direction?"
COOT-CASPIAN TERN
On 3/7, SaL was surprised by a lone AMERICAN COOT walking back and
forth along the Alsea Bay Port docks. They are pretty social and have been
present in good numbers at Alsea and Yaquina Bays, but seeing a singleton
up on a dock is out of the ordinary.
On 3/21 at Yaquina Head, CA:
"saw 2 pairs of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS flying in wide circles/ovals for
extended periods of time calling loudly. It was a different call than
their normal flight calls and different from the calls they make when
defending territory. The pairs were taking turns at first and then both
pairs simultaneously."
Spring arriving shorebirds include GREATER YELLOWLEGS near the HMSC
on 3/5 (JL) and 2 WHIMBRELS near the HMSC on 3/23 (birders from Bend--fide
JL).
Night artificial lights may affect shorebird distribution and
activities. In Newport, the Shilo and Hallmark Motels have bright lights
that illumine the nearby beach. On 3/16 and 23, KB and RB saw 100+ small
shorebirds that appeared to be SANDERLINGS at 9-10 PM on the lighted beach.
Some were moving as if they might be foraging; others briefly formed dense
aggregations.
Our first CASPIAN TERNS passed Boiler Bay on 3/25 (D and AH).
ALCIDS
2 ANCIENT MURRELETS, which have been seldom reported this winter,
were at Boiler Bay on 3/25 (AH).
Many rare HORNED PUFFINS washed ashore dead (see Beached Birds
above), but a few were found alive and taken for rehab to Oregon Coast
Aquarium (fide RL), and SS saw a live one along the Yaquina Bay North Jetty
on 3/24.
An unusual number of TUFTED PUFFINS were also beached. Prior to this
year, Bird Guide's pelagic trips did not find any Horned or Tufted Puffins
during 11 pelagic trips in February-March to Perpetua Bank (32 miles off
Yachats) or to 20-23 miles off Depoe Bay or Newport. However, Bird Guide's
preliminary report by Greg Gillson for their 25 March 2007 trip stated:
"Rhino numbers were high. I estimate about 500 birds, though there
may easily have been more. Some were in view nearly all day, with some
small flocks. ... We recorded an Oregon record 7 live HORNED PUFFINS from
15-33 miles offshore, and 2 dead ones floating about 15 miles offshore.
Adding to the fun, we saw 3 TUFTED PUFFINS between 20-30 miles offshore."
So it appears that Horned and Tufted Puffins were closer to shore
along the Lincoln County coast in 2007 than in previous years. Rhinoceros
Auklet numbers appear to be up in March 2007, but, in 2006, when the most
beached Rhinoceros Auklets in the past 30 years were found, few were
observed during the March 26 Bird Guide pelagic trip.
The first landing of COMMON MURRES at Yaquina Head (Lion's Head) was
on 2/15 (BLM); they come and go early in the season and the next report of
them on Lion's Head was on 2/25 (BLM).
MOURNING DOVE-HUMMINGBIRDS
A couple of MOURNING DOVES were near Waldport on 3/22 (BH).
The unbanded BURROWING OWL that was probably released by Chintimini
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center along the Lincoln County coast was last
reported on March 11 (JL). It has lingered long after the previously
latest departure date of Feb. 10 in Lincoln County (SemiL) and Coos County
(Alan Contreras' "Birds of Coos County, Oregon).
LO heard the first BARRED OWL calling at north Beaver Creek on 3/5 at
5 PM.
SHORT-EARED OWLS used to be regulars in winter, but our only report
this year is one that CA found perched on a fence at south Siletz Bay on
3/13.
[Image Not Included: Kitty Brigham's Dec. 27 photo of a male Anna's
Hummingbird with a backdrop of ocean breakers north of Seal Rocks.]
2 ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were noticed at the HMSC on 3/13 (JL) and 3/23
(birders from Bend--fide JL)--on 3/23 there were also 2 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS
there. Rufous Hummers have returned in force, with J and KC's feeders
about 4 miles east of Waldport hosting around 24 on 3/12 during the
"evening frenzy."
GRAY JAY-EVENING GROSBEAK
2 GRAY JAYS showed up again at BB's Yachats home on 3/12.
On 3/4, our first TREE SWALLOW appeared at Thornton Creek about
midway between Toledo and Eddyville (DF) and Logsden (BLl). VIOLET-GREEN
SWALLOWS arrived at Logsden Lake on 3/13 (BLl), frequently cruised the
Yachats Community Park ponds on 3/15 (BB), and were near Waldport the next
day (BH). As PH was leaving her South Beach home for a school field trip
on 3/13, she called her mother CS out of the car "to point out the swallows
swooping overhead! What a joy!"
BLl detected a BROWN CREEPER at Logsden on 3/4--they are probably
common but are rarely reported.
MARSH WRENS were "tuning up" at Beaver Creek during 3/17 YBNFT.
BLl first heard AMERICAN ROBINS giving loud territorial songs at
Logsden on 3/10.
A PALM WARBLER was in the courtyard of the EPA building at the HMSC
during 3/5-23 (JL), and perhaps a different one was west of the HMSC on
3/15 (RA and others).
BO heard our first ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER near Nye Beach in Newport
on 3/26. TOWNSEND'S WARLERS continued to feed at BB's Yachats feeders on
3/9.
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS overwinter along the coast, but, like further
inland, there is also an influx of migrants in March. The first ones
singing were reported in Newport on 3/20 (RB), and they arrived and began
singing at Thornton Creek on 3/25 (DF).
The FOX SPARROW with the aberrant white-throat that had graced L and
JM's feeders east of Sally's Bend this winter was unexpectedly found dead
on 3/14.
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were regularly noted at the HMSC/Oregon Coast
Aquarium area in March (JL; DG; BLl), with a peak count of 5 on 3/15 (JL),
and one singing during 3/8-13 (DG; JL).
RED CROSSBILLS lingered near BB's Yachats home on 3/9.
EVENING GROSBEAKS have been scarce this winter, and CP reported about
a half dozen in Newport on 3/26.
OBSERVERS/SOURCES: Rich Armstrong, Cindy Ashy, Betty Bahn, Range
Bayer, Kitty Brigham, Bureau of Land Management staff at Yaquina Head
(BLM), Jorrie and Ken Ciotti (http://www.birdsamore.com), Neal Coenen,
Darrel Faxon (some of DF's bird records are at
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/bird.htm#thornton_creek), Roy Filby,
Dawn Grafe, Cathy Grimm, Bird Guide Pelagic Trip (BGPT; as reported by Greg
Gillson; info about pelagic trips, http://thebirdguide.com), Dan and Anne
Heyerly, Wayne Hoffman, Phoebe Horvath, Bettye Hunt, Janet Lamberson, Pete
Lawson, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob Loeffel (BLo) and
Shirley Loeffel (SLo), Roy Lowe, Linda and John MacKown, Michael Noack, Bob
Olson, Laimons and Vicki Osis, Chuck Philo, SemiL (semimonthly Lincoln Co.
bird records through 1992 at
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/bird.htm#semimonthly [all lower case
letters]), Howard Shippey, Claire Smith, Scott Spangenberg, Yaquina Birders
and Naturalists Field Trip (YBNFT led by LO).
~
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