[obol] April Lincoln Co. Bird Notes Received Through 4/28
Range Bayer
rbayer at orednet.org
Mon May 7 14:24:04 PDT 2007
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BIRD FIELD NOTES from the April 2007 Sandpiper 28(4)
for Observations Received Through April 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, 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.
HEADLESS BEACHED BIRDS
A CoastWatcher from Lincoln City reported finding headless birds on
the beach to PJ. Is this a sign of satanic rituals? Probably not.
The Birds of North America account for GREAT HORNED OWLS states:
"Headless prey offer strong evidence for owl predation" (Einarsen 1956:34
[see citation in photo below]). But Einarsen did not make that suggestion
and does not mention that Great Horned Owls ever did so. Indeed, he
mentions that Great Horned Owls have a preference for first picking off the
neck meat of birds and then feeding on breast muscle. During a walk with
KB of her CoastWatch Mile 208 north of Seal Rocks in early March, RB noted
that the heads of a couple of beached birds were intact but that the neck
was picked almost surgically clean to the bone like the picture below for
Great Horned Owls.
Einarsen notes that SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and House Cats at least
sometimes remove the heads of birds. A cursory Internet search revealed
that other predators that at least sometimes remove the heads of bird prey
include Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, "owls," and weasels.
I suspect that other predators or scavengers may also do so at least
occasionally.
So, a headless beached bird can indicate a predator or scavenger,
although it is uncertain which species it may be.
[Image Not Included: Cropped Fig. 6 photo in Arthur Einarsen (1956,
Determination of Some Predator Species by Field Signs, Oregon State
College, Studies in Zoology No. 10). His figure caption states: "Skeleton
of a cock pheasant from which all the meat has been leisurely removed by a
horned owl. Notice the neck has hardly a morsel of beat left between the
vertebrae." The head at the lower left remains. Some beached birds near
Seal Rocks have similarly picked necks.]
WATERFOWL
JL spotted 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flying low and to the north
over the HMSC Nature Trail on 4/20. At least 4 flocks of 150 to over 400
loudly calling white-fronts per flock flew north over the HMSC between 6-8
PM on 4/25 (RB). At Cascade Head (Tillamook Co.), PP tallied 550 in 3
flocks on 4/27, and at Boiler Bay on 4/28, PP and DT noted 330. We did not
have any reports of flocks of geese flying westerly across the Coast Range
along the Siletz, Yaquina, or Alsea watersheds like we have had in the past
(Bayer, R. D., R. W. Lowe, and D. Faxon. 1995. Spring and fall migration of
geese across the Coast Range of Lincoln Co., Oregon. Oregon Birds 21[1]:10-
12.)
BLACK BRANT were also on the move with 600 passing Boiler Bay on 4/28
(PP and DT).
HARLEQUIN DUCKS graced Yaquina Head during 5 days in March (BLM), and
as many as 10+ were at YBSJ on 3/26-3/30 and 4/30 (R and NA; KM; JL).
On 4/1 at Boiler Bay, 500 SURF SCOTERS were flying mostly north while
700 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were mainly going south (PP). Then there were
southerly flights of 100-1,000 Surfs and 200-700 White-wings on 4/9, 14,
and 22, respectively (PP). On 4/28, 1,500 Surfs again headed north like we
would expect during spring migration, but 400 White-wings were still flying
mostly south then (PP and DT).
Ever wonder where our SURF SCOTERS have been or migrate to?
Satellite or radio transmitters have been put on some SURF SCOTERS captured
at San Francisco Bay by the U.S. Geological Survey (fide GG). Some of
these scoters were along the Oregon Coast. Select "Migration Maps" button
at http://www.werc.usgs.gov/scoter/2006/ and then select individuals 64226,
64227, 64228, and 64230 that were recorded along the Oregon Coast and
migrated north up the Washington and British Columbia coasts and the
crossed over to Great Slave Lake, Great Bear Lake, or Lake Athabasca in the
Northwest Territories. Others may also have been along the Oregon Coast.
Our only LONG-TAILED DUCK was one at Siletz Bay on 4/14 (PO).
LOON-GREAT EGRET
During seawatches at Boiler Bay, 300-500+ RED-THROATED LOONS flew
north during 4/1, 9, 14, and 28 (PP). On 4/28, PP and DT also noted 2,500+
PACIFIC LOONS. While fishing about a mile off Seal Rocks on 4/20, SK noted
flocks of loon sp. flying north all day long.
A rare YELLOW-BILLED LOON visited Siletz Bay on 4/14 (PO).
Often missed, 2-4 EARED GREBES were at YBSJ on 3/26-30 (KM; R and
NA).
A rare MANX SHEARWATER passed Boiler Bay on 4/1 (PP).
13 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS were beached long 4.6 miles of beach
north of Ona Beach (B and SLo, L and VO). Starting in 1978, this is the
second-most in March; last year was the most with 14.
We had a pouch full of BROWN PELICAN sightings in late April along
the open coast. These included 5 off Little Whale Cove (south of Depoe
Bay) on 4/23 (DD); on 4/26, 1 near Seal Rocks (KB) and a flock at Yaquina
Head (CA); and, on 4/28, 1 at Boiler Bay (PP and DT), and 2 near Seal Rocks
(KB). Historically, we have had April records in 1933, 1941, and 1967, but
they were absent in April in spite of much better observation effort during
1970-1981. Then in 1982, 1987, and thereafter they have again been
regularly reported in April (SemiL, FN). So their status in April has
changed back and forth over the years. It will probably be June before
they appear inside Yaquina or Alsea Bays.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are present year around, but some migrate.
Their spring northerly flight is subtle and can be missed, especially since
at a quick glance they appear like geese. Our first report this spring is
PP's report of 35 flying north at Boiler Bay on 4/1. The morning of 4/5,
DP saw flocks of 21 and of 150+ flying north past Cape Foulweather. On
4/23, RL noted a flock of about 120 flying north over the HMSC. On 4/27,
PP noted a total of 60 in two flocks at Cascade Head (Tillamook Co.).
2 GREAT EGRETS were at Yaquina Bay on 4/7 (JB), and 1-5 were counted
at Idaho Flats on five days during 4/14-27 (RB; JL).
GREAT BLUE HERON
[Image Not Included: Wendy McAtee's April 23 photo of an adult Great Blue
Heron and part of its reflection along a rocky intertidal channel north of
Seal Rocks. At least one adult heron also frequents the nearby sandy
beach. Some herons occur along the open coast.]
RB's counts of GREAT BLUE HERONS at embayments of Yaquina Bay
continued (see below). No apparent change. This fits the idea that they
are not migratory here, though there was a very small increase of about 5
herons from 27-29 herons in late Dec.-March 3 to 33-34 during March 16-
April 23--a change too small to show on the graph below. But will counts
remain steady in May? Young usually don't start to show up until June.
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 XX
20-X X XXX XX
10-X X XXX XX
0-X X XXX XX
'|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|''|
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
RAPTORS
[Image Not Included: Kitty Brigham's April 3 photo of an Osprey searching
the ocean north of Seal Rocks for a meal.]
OSPREY returned to their nest on the lights atop the pole at the
Waldport High School football field by 4/22 (JW). A nesting platform was
installed near the Port of Alsea docks on 4/25 (JW; BB). BB notes "the
platform is the same design as Yachat's pole, except it has an extra kink,
making it form a "W" instead of the Yachats "Y."
There were many BALD EAGLE reports, especially at Yaquina Head where
they attempt to prey on nesting seabirds; 3 subadults were there one
afternoon in early April, and 2 adults flew together on 4/7 (CA). Another
adult was perched in the lower Yaquina Bay Great Blue Heron colony on 4/27
(JL). Eagles can also prey on herons.
On 4/20, ODFW biologist DC (fide DG) reported that an adult Bald
Eagle was "electrocuted near our office at South Beach and brought to us by
the Oregon State Police. The eagle had just caught a gull, and they
apparently hit the power lines together. The gull actually lived a few
moments, and power was knocked out at our office for 15 minutes."
A male NORTHERN HARRIER lingered at the HMSC on 4/19 (JL), and a
COOPER'S HAWK was in Newport on 4/28 (CP).
MERLINS have been scarce with no reports during February-March.
Their most frequent month in the past has been April (SemiL), and this
April does not appear to be the exception. Singletons were at the HMSC
Nature Trail on 4/20 (JL), Sally's Bend on 4/25 (CP), Boiler Bay on 4/28
(PP and DT), and near Oregon Coast Aquarium on 4/30 (JL).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was at Yaquina Head 2 days in March (BLM) and on
4/4 and 8 (CA); 1 was at Sally's Bend on 4/1 (CA).
SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS
3 WHIMBRELS were at Idaho Flats on 3/29 (M and MD), and then numbers
then began picking up. Highest counts were 56 at Yaquina Bay during the
4/14 LCAFT and 90 at Boiler Bay on 4/28 (PP and DT).
A MARBLED GODWIT was at Yaquina Bay during the 4/14 LCAFT, and 6 were
near Nye Beach in Newport on 4/20 (JL).
4/28 was a big day for shorebird migration at Boiler Bay with 8,000+
WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1,800 DOWITCHERS, 800+ DUNLIN, and a RED KNOT (PP and
DT).
A ROCK SANDPIPER was with SURFBIRDS and BLACK TURNSTONES at the end
of YBSJ on 3/30 (R and NA).
PP noted 500+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS migrating north past Boiler Bay on
4/1. The same day, CA noted at least 26 on the water at YBSJ, and an adult
BALD EAGLE flew by with a Bonie in its talons.
An uncommon from shore SABINE'S GULL passed Boiler Bay on 4/14 (PP),
and a GLAUCOUS GULL was at YBSJ on 3/30-4/6 (R and NA; WH).
4 CASPIAN TERNS per minute were streaming north past Depoe Bay cliff
on 4/6 (DS).
At least 100 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were at Boiler Bay on 3/30 (R and NA);
250 there on 4/9 (PP). At Boiler Bay, there were 4 MARBLED MURRELETS on
3/30 (R and NA) and 7-18 on 4/1, 14, 22, and 28 (PP).
Two rare PARAKEET AUKLETS washed ashore during 3/8-9--1 along long
4.6 miles of beach north of Ona Beach (B and SLo, L and VO) and another at
Yaquina Head (BLM). At Yaquina Head, 2 HORNED PUFFINS were found in March
(BLM). 12 rare HORNED PUFFINS, 5 TUFTED PUFFINS, and 40 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS
were also beached north of Ona Beach in March, which is unusual (B and SLo,
L and VO). These results are most similar to 1980, but there are also
similarities to 2006 because both were in the top three years for Fork-
tailed Storm-Petrel, Parakeet Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Tufted Puffin.
January-March results are analyzed at
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/2007-beached.htm (all lower case
letters).
PIGEONS-GOLDFINCHES
BAND-TAILED PIGEONS had arrived and were plentiful by mid-April in
South Beach (KS), Toledo (DG), and Waldport (RL).
At north Beaver Creek, LO heard a BARRED OWL calling on 4/26. The
unbanded BURROWING OWL that was probably released by Chintimini Wildlife
Rehabilitation Center along the Lincoln County coast was last reported on
April 1 (CA). 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).
The spring's first VAUX'S SWIFT were in Toledo near the Thriftway
store on 4/29 (JL).
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS remained at Yachats on 4/6 (BB).
On 4/7, DF found this spring's first HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER at Thornton
Creek about midway between Toledo and Eddyville. This is early--our
earliest date through 1992 was 4/20 (SemiL). But it is not clear if this
is an aberrant individual or part of the spring influx.
2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS, our first this season, were along 3 Rocks Road
in north Lincoln Co. on 4/27 (PP).
The 3 GRAY JAYS at BB's Yachats suet feeder continued on 4/6 and 27.
Other spring arrivals include BARN SWALLOW at Waldport on 4/5 (BH),
PURPLE MARTIN at the HMSC on 4/15 (RB), and CLIFF SWALLOW at the Ship
Support Building at HMSC on 4/20 (JL).
On 4/22 about 4 miles east of Waldport, J and KC noted that CHESTNUT-
BACKED CHICKADEES had been bringing moss into their nest boxes for several
days. On 4/22, they started their "pillow top" by gathering cat fur by the
mouthfuls and carrying it back to their nests. You can watch a video clip
of one collecting fur at: http://birdsamore.com/videos/cbch-fur.htm
SaL notes that 4/21 YBNFT participants to the Cape Perpetua Giant
Spruce spent several minutes at the tree to simply appreciate it and
photograph it, and Cape Creek was gorgeous in its spring florals. Their
bird of the day was WINTER WREN.
A VARIED THRUSH was lost about a mile offshore of Ona Beach on 3/29
(SK).
Our latest PALM WARBLER was at the HMSC on 3/29 (M and MD; RL), and
spring arrivals include WILSON'S WARBLER at Newport Reservoir on 4/23 (BO)
and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT in Toledo on 4/25 (CP).
DF found lots of Myrtle YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS passing through
Thornton Creek during 4/6-7. Our latest date for them through 1992 was
5/14 (SemiL).
Other arrivals include AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES at Beaver Creek on 4/21
(LO) and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD at Beaver Creek on 4/26 (LO) and two days
later in Toledo (CP).
OBSERVERS/SOURCES: Richard and Nanette Armstrong, Cindy Ashy, Betty
Bahn, Range Bayer, John Bell, Kitty Brigham, Bureau of Land Management
staff at Yaquina Head (BLM), Jorrie and Ken Ciotti, CoastWatch (a volunteer
project monitoring one-mile segments of the Oregon coast;
http://www.oregonshores.org/ourprograms/coastalwatch), Doug Cottam, Dick
Demarest, Mike and MerryLynn Denny, Darrel Faxon (some of DF's bird records
are at http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/bird.htm#thornton_creek),
Greg Gillson, Dawn Grafe, Wayne Hoffman, Bettye Hunt, Phillip Johnson,
Steve Kupillas, Janet Lamberson, Lincoln City Audubon Field Trip (LCAFT led
by DD), Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob Loeffel (BLo) and Shirley Loeffel (SLo),
Roy Lowe, Linda and John MacKown, Kathy Merrifield, Field Notes (FN, see
"Search" or "Recent Lincoln County Bird Field Notes" links at top of
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/bird.htm [all lower case letters]
for Lincoln County records from the Sandpiper since 1992), Bob Olson, Paul
Osburn, Laimons and Vicki Osis, Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Dave Pitkin,
SemiL (semimonthly Lincoln Co. bird records through 1992 at
http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/bird.htm#semimonthly [all lower case
letters]), Don Stein, Keith Stratton, Dave Tracy, Jean Weakland, Yaquina
Birders and Naturalists Field Trip (YBNFT led by SaL).
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