This was another great week for the waterbird count. The 29th of April was a particularly special day for the season. A strong 25mph Southeast wind coupled with intense storm fronts created the perfect mixture for an interesting count.
In terms of numbers, Long-tailed Ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers continue to make up the bulk of migrants. The 29th of April saw the largest single day high counts for the season of both species, with 738 Red-breasted Mergansers and 2,481 Long-tailed Ducks.
Loons did not seem to mind the gusts as the daily total on April 29th reached 213 migrants. This included my first recorded Pacific Loon for the Straits! Luckily, this was a close flyby of a gorgeous alternate adult alongside two Common Loons, which made for an effortless ID. Getting on the bird initially through the scope was a thrilling moment as the pale nape and white checkered patches down the back are striking features. The summer breeding range of Pacific Loon extends well into Hudson Bay and individuals often end up on the Great Lakes during migration.
Another exciting sighting from April 29th included an adult Parasitic Jaeger. As they head to their breeding grounds in the spring, Jaegers are less likely to stop to harass gulls for food. This individual was no exception as it transited quickly through to the West and out of sight.
