Numbers of ducks especially Scoters and Mergansers are on the rise. Today in particular with the strong northwest wind, 1040 ducks were counted. Of those, 418 were Red-breasted Mergansers, 97 Redhead, 106 White-winged Scoters, 1 for sure Black Scoter, & 39 Surf/Black Scoters. Other recent highlights include a Bonaparte’s Gull on 10/11, a Long-tailed Duck on 10/12, an American Black Duck on the 12th & 16th, and a flock of 19 Northern Pintail on the 16th.
Today & yesterday there was a Red-necked Grebe that just sat on the water all day within fairly close distance to the beach. Northern Harriers have been crossing the strait more frequently in the past week, 5 were counted today. A noteworthy passerine observation was a Snow Bunting that flew across the strait today.
Based on the current weather predictions, Saturday and Sunday look like they will probably be the best days for birds on the move for the rest of this week.
Below are the recent lists via eBird…
