The spring waterbird count has officially begun! A lengthy spell of cold weather from mid March has left the Straits completely frozen in. Icebreakers are working hard to keep shipping lanes open while migration has been mostly stalled out for much of this week.
Small pockets of open water host early returning migrants such as Common Goldeneye (257) and Red-breasted Merganser (212). Flocks of Canada Geese (134) and Redhead (303) have already started to trickle through. Both Bufflehead (2) and Hooded Merganser (1) were recorded this week. A group of Trumpeter Swans (3) was observed flying north on 03/21.
A strong southeast wind on 03/25 was notably productive for the count. This included the first Killdeer (1) and Sandhill Crane (1) for this spring season. A flyover adult Great Black-backed Gull (1) added some excitement in the early afternoon.
Wintering passerines have been good company during a fairly slow week at Graham Point. Numerous flocks of Redpolls, Bohemian Waxwings, and Pine Grosbeaks have been recorded almost daily.
