Species totals from this week are included in parentheses ().
What a fantastic week this was for waterbird migration! This can be attributed to strong, sustained east/west winds, which are highly favorable for the count. The wind finally dispersed a thick blanket of fog that had been covering the Straits for almost a week. Flights are now reaching peak volume and diversity.
The floodgates opened on 04/18 featuring a movement of almost 10,000 ducks at McGulpin Point. The bulk of the count consisted of Long-tailed Ducks (7,027) and Red-breasted Merganser (2,501). Dabbling ducks made a fantastic showing! Daily totals included 154 Northern Pintail (188) and 121 American Wigeon (144). This count represented the first decent flight of Gadwall (56). A Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid) (1) flew west among a group of Mallard (63), a common hybrid in the eastern US. Greater (937) and Lesser Scaup (632) were also featured prominently. An unforgettable moment occurred late in the day when a leucistic scaup flew by within a Lesser Scaup flock. This genetic mutation is exceptionally rare in waterbirds and can be a once in a lifetime sighting for some birders.
A single Cackling Goose (1) was spotted from Graham Point on 04/18 within a line of migrating Canada Geese. Cackling Geese are “miniaturized” versions of Canada Goose that appear remarkably small in flight.
Late April also offers peak movements of Bonapartes Gulls (222)! This species is highly gregarious during migration. Flocks are tight knit and extremely vocal. Breeding adults sport a dabber plumage and groups are very pleasing to observe in flight.
Caspian Terns (2) are back! This handsome tern is the largest in the world and nests locally on the Great Lakes. A close individual offered fantastic views while plunge diving in front of McGulpin Point.
This week was productive for Sandhill Crane (386) migration. A nice push of 361 was recorded from Graham Point on 04/17. Fall movements through the Straits are considerably larger. The bulk of spring migration occurs along the Platte River in Nebraska.
Other notable sightings for the waterbird count include an Eurasian Tree Sparrow (1) that lingered at Graham Point for a few days from Apr 17-19. A bright white male Snowy Owl (1) flew past McGulpin Point on 04/18 while being harassed by a gang of Herring Gulls.
An American Beaver was a fun surprise as it casually walked by spectators at McGulpin Point on 04/18.
