This was an exciting week for waterbird migration! A string of strong favorable west winds led to productive movements.
Dabblers are starting to become more abundant. Small flocks of Blue-winged Teal (30) have been sighted consistently this week. The first Wood Ducks (2) of the season were also recorded.
The 5th of September brought rain and intense 25+mph west winds. Strong gales and massive offshore swells led to an entertaining waterbird count. Early in the morning, a distant, dark immature Parasitic Jaeger (1) transited through at impressive speed. A nonbreeding Forsters Tern (1) also made an appearance, easily identified from its broad silvery wings and black bandit mask. Bonaparte’s Gulls were also on the move, reaching double digits for the day (10).
Red-necked Grebes are still passing through as we near the end of their fall migration window. A west wind on September 7th brought a productive triple-digit flight of 133.
Groups of shorebirds are becoming less abundant. The migration windows for most species are diminished by the end of September. New species for this season’s count include American Golden Plover (1) and Sanderling (6).
Migrant song and shorebirds are often preyed upon by the local Merlin and Peregrine Falcons. A photo is included of the banded local Peregrine carrying a Common Grackle back to the Mackinac Bridge for lunch.
