Fall 2004 Sightings Archive
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28 November
All stations closed for the season on 15 November. Waterfowl continue to been seen in high numbers in the area. Tundra Swans still number close to 10,000. An adult Golden Eagle over BSC headquarters on the 26th was noteworthy. Sandhill Crane numbers have grown to over 60 in the area of the Big Creek NWA. The Long Point Christmas Count will be held 20 December. The next update of the Sightings Board will occur in March. Have a good winter!
7 - 14 November
The past period saw
the close of the Tip field station on 8 November. This was, of course, not
without some interesting sightings. As reported, two Cave
Swallows were seen on 7 November, and afforded excellent views to
everyone stationed at the Tip. They were last seen heading west and were
not spotted at Old Cut field station in the days thereafter. The 7th also
provided a good movement of raptors including 53 Red-tailed Hawks, a
number of late Broad-winged Hawks, Bald Eagles, Northern Goshawks,
Rough-legged Hawks and Peregrine Falcons. The Parasitic
Jaeger was still hanging around with the gulls at the tip of the
Point at the time the station had shut down for the season. The
final warbler banded at the Tip was a surprisingly late young male
Black-throated Green Warbler. Horned Larks and American Pipits are
beginning to build in numbers, accompanied by Lapland Longspurs at both
the Tip and Old Cut field stations.
Waterfowl continue to be spotted in good numbers on the Lake with
highlights such as Hooded Merganser, Northern Shoveler and Black Scoter.
Tundra Swans were present in high numbers during the period with thousands
observed daily. November 13th saw an influx of Tundra Swans passing over
Old Cut and in the inner bay of Long Point.
Old Cut has enjoyed at least one Red-bellied Woodpecker daily, as
well as huge passages of Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. Rusty
Blackbirds are seen almost daily as well. Sandhill Cranes were seen
at Old Cut on 8 and 9 November and counts up to 70 birds have been made in
and around the Big Creek NWA. Eastern Screech Owls continue to delight
observers in the woodlot behind Old Cut, where territories are being
set-up to enjoy the winter months in the Long Point area.
Banding has slowed considerably since the cold weather hit early in
the week, with White-throated Sparrows and Slate-colored Juncos trapped in
greater proportion than other species, as well as large proportions of
local recaptures. Mist nets have become a distant memory, as temperatures
have been too low for safe capture in any other trap than ground
traps.
Northern Saw-whet Owls have also dropped in number; however, this
is in part due poor weather conditions. The Tip pulled-off a night of 67
saw-whets banded before closing and Old Cut has banded a respectable
number considering the effort devoted has been diminished to three out of
the seven possible trapping days. With only two nights remaining in the
official season, one can only hope that a group of lingering migrants is
heading towards Long Point to cap off a fine fall season at Long Point
Bird Observatory.
31 October - 6 November
This past week saw
the arrival of good numbers of Tundra Swans (100’s). Waterfowl number
and diversity have been impressive. The first Bufflehead of the season
were observed as were good numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers. Surf
Scoters and Horned Grebes continue to be seen in small numbers at the Tip.
The Common Eider has not been seen since the
31st. but a Little Gull and an immature Parasitic Jaeger continue to hang
out there. Late on the 6th, a probable Cave
Swallow was reported from the Tip and two were confirmed there on
the morning of the 7th.
Good numbers of Northern Saw-whet Owls have been banded, with
Eastern Screech, Long-eared and the season's first Short-eared Owl (at the
Tip on the 1st) also recorded. Rough-legged Hawk and Northern
Goshawks have been present in low numbers. Interestingly one of the
Goshawks killed a Ring-necked Pheasant at the Tip on the 1st.
Other noteworthy observations from the Tip this week included
lingering Western Palm Warblers (31st, 1st), Common Yellowthroat (1st), Nelson’s
Sharp-tailed Sparrow (1st), Swainson’s Thrush (2nd),
Clay-coloured Sparrow (3rd), and Orange-crowned Warbler (4th, 5th).
Banding highlights from the Tip included Snow Bunting (3rd), Rusty
Blackbird (6th), Eastern Bluebird (6th), and a Sanderling (6th). On 1
Nov., the Tip banded 335 birds making it the best day for the season, with
high diversity as well as numbers. Hundred of Robins, Cedar Waxwings,
Myrtle Warblers, juncos, blackbirds and goldfinches were encountered. Also
noteworthy was 166 Grackles banded on the 2nd.
At Old Cut, interesting sightings included 2 Tree Swallows (5th),
American Bittern (4th), Black-crowned Night Heron (5th), Sandhill Cranes,
and Northern Mockingbird (3rd). Banding highlights included several Fox
Sparrows, Nashville Warbler (31st) and an extremely late Mourning Warbler
on the 5th.
Several dozen Dunlin were present at Turkey Point on the 2nd as
were 3 Little Gulls. Two Greater Yellowlegs lingered in the Turkey Point
marsh the same day.
Blackbirds continue to pass through in impressive numbers. Daily
estimated totals of grackles have exceeded 100 000 at Old Cut. American
Tree Sparrows also continue to build in number, a sure sign that fall
passerine migration is nearing its end.
25 - 30 October
The past week was highlighted by a number of rarities and late migrants. By far the best bird of the period and perhaps the season was a probable Yellowhammer (27th). This beautiful European bunting was observed at our remote station and would represent the first record for North America if accepted. Of course, it's expected that the origin of the bird will be called into question. The Common Eider also continues to be seen at the Tip, with the latest sighting on the 28th. Other water birds continue to be seen in good numbers and variety. Green-winged Teal (200+), Surf Scoters and Horned Grebes were present throughout at the Tip, as were Little Gull, Lesser Black-back Gull, and an immature Parasitic Jaeger (28th & 29th). Raptor diversity was great this week, with several Northern Goshawks, and a few Rough-legged Hawks and Bald Eagles. A Peregrine Falcon was seen at the Tip on the 25th. Saw-whet Owls continue to pass through in good numbers, with the seasons total nearing 300 banded. Sparrows are still in abundance, with a Le Conte’s Sparrow at the Tip on the 26th the most noteworthy. Fox and American Tree sparrows continue to pass through in small numbers. Late migrants at the Tip this week included a Whip-poor-will (24th), Tree and Barn swallows (24th), N. Rough-winged Swallows (24th, 25th, 28th, 30th), Scarlet Tanager (26th), Caspian Tern (28th), and a Common Yellowthroat (29th). A Ring-necked Pheasant on the 29th was an unusual sighting. Late migrants at Old Cut have included Swainson’s Thrush (24th), Brown Thrasher (2 on the 24th), Green Heron (29th), and Blue-headed Vireo (30th). Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been reported at both stations, and Old Cut had a Red-headed Woodpecker on the 29th. Eastern Bluebirds continue to pass through in small numbers, as do Purple Finches and Pine Siskens (50+ seen on 26th).
18 - 24 October
Waterfowl once again dominated birding highlights this past week. The Common Eider continues to hang around, with sightings on the 17th, 18th, and 21st. Other waterfowl observed at the Tip included all three species of scoters, Long-tailed Ducks and small numbers of Horned Grebe. Two Brant at the Tip on the 19th were noteworthy. Shorebirds remain in the area with Sanderling and Dunlin seen throughout the period, and Black-bellied Plovers at the Tip on the 22nd. Both Little and Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue to be seen at the Tip. At Old Cut small numbers of Sandhill Cranes have been heard and seen flying by. Raptors were around in good numbers this week, with a Peregrine seen at the Tip from the 17th-20th and a few Bald Eagles and Northern Goshawks throughout. A Rough-legged hawk on the 22nd was the first for the season. Owl banding has been great over the past week with well over 100 banded at Old Cut, including 57 banded on the night of the 22/23!. The occasional Screech and Long-eared Owl have also been around Old Cut. A few late migrants continue to linger in the area. Small numbers of Orange-crowned, Nashville, Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers have been either seen or banded. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Old Cut on the 23rd was a late record. A single Red-bellied Woodpecker at Old Cut has also been hanging around the past few days. This past week has also seen the arrival of the first Fox, Vesper and American Tree Sparrows of the season, and a Snow Bunting was at the Tip on the 23rd. Lapland Longspurs, Horned Larks, Eastern Bluebirds, and Rusty Blackbirds continue to pass through in small numbers. Two Tufted Titmice banded at the Tip on the 21st were also a nice surprise! By far the most abundant bird of the week was the Red-winged Blackbird, with an estimated 25 000 passing by Old Cut on the 23rd.
11 - 17 October
The best bird of the
past week was once again the Common Eider.
Seen sporadically at the Tip over the past few days, it was last seen on
the 15th. Waterfowl numbers and diversity continue to improve on a daily
basis. Some of the more interesting sightings have included daily Surf
Scoters at the Tip and a Long-tailed Duck on the 9th. At Old Cut, 4 Tundra
Swans were seen on the 16th. The Tip has also seen thousands of
Double-crested Cormorants this week.
Both Little and Lesser
Black-backed Gulls were recorded at the Tip, as was a Parasitic
Jaeger on the 15th. In terms of raptors, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons
have been recorded daily, with the first Red-shouldered Hawks and a few
Northern Goshawks starting to move through. An immature Northern Goshawk
was a nice surprise in the nets at Old Cut on the 13th. Northern Saw-whet
Owls continue to be banded in small numbers, with the bulk still to pass
through. One owl caught at the Tip on the 13th was banded previously this
fall at Old Cut.
Other noteworthy records at Old Cut this week have included up to 4
Sandhill Cranes and singles of both Black-billed (13th) and Yellow-billed
Cuckoos (15th).
While the majority of warblers have passed through the area, good
numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers have been banded daily. Other warblers
observed/banded this week included a few American Redstarts, Magnolia,
Nashville, Black-throated Blue, Pine, Orange-crowned, Cape May, Palm and
Tennessee Warblers.
Hundreds of blackbirds continue to pass through Long Point, with
small numbers of Rusty Blackbirds mixed in. Two banded at the Tip on the
15th were noteworthy, as was a “Gambel’s”
White-crowned Sparrow on the same day. The first Lapland Longspur of the
season was seen at the Tip on the 9th, and another on the 15th. Purple
Finches have been seen daily and a few have been banded. Pine Siskins have
also been heard flying overhead in small numbers early in the morning.
4 - 10 October
The past week has been excellent for migration at Long Point. At both field stations triple digit banding days have dominated. Yellow-rumped Warblers were by far the most common migrant banded (several hundred). Brown Creepers, and both species of Kinglets are now being banded and seen in good numbers on a daily basis. Northern Parula, Orange-crowned and Cape May Warblers have been banded and seen in low numbers. A few Rusty Blackbirds, Sandhill Cranes, Horned Larks have also been observed. A late Whip-poor-will was seen at the Tip on the 3rd , 8 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers on the 5th, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo on the 9th. Raptors continue to pass through in decent numbers, with the majority being Turkey Vultures (73 at the Tip on the 4th), and Peregrine Falcons on an almost daily basis, peaking at 6 on the 4th at the Tip. Both stations have been catching small numbers of Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Old Cut banded a Screech Owl on the 4th. Interesting gulls at the Tip this week include a Little Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. An immature Parasitic Jaeger also put in an appearance on the 6th & 7th.Waterfowl have been building in numbers, with Surf and White-winged Scoter and Long-tailed Duck showing up in small numbers. However, the highlight of the week by far was a Common Eider spotted at our remote station. This is the first record of this species for the Long Point area.
27 September - 3 October
The week began with
an influx of new species: Myrtle and Orange- crowned Warblers,
White-throated Sparrow, Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Brown
Creeper. Old Cut banded it’s first Myrtle on 26 September, along with it’s
first White-throated Sparrow. The day also heralded a Pine Warbler, three
species of swallows (Tree, Bank and Barn), and a nice variety of warblers,
including Black-throated Green, Cape May and Bay-breasted. The 27th of
September brought a good selection of ducks to the lake including
Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, and Lesser Scaup. A
Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon were the highlight raptors of the day.
Yellow-shafted Flickers were in abundance, with hundreds seen throughout
the Point; they continue to push through in good numbers. A Great Egret
was seen at Old Cut on 28 and 30 September, along with a Northern Parula
and Peregrine Falcon on 28 September. The season’s first Slate-colored
Junco and Hermit Thrush were banded on 29 September. Two goshawks were
also seen that day, along with upwards of 2000 American Goldfinches.
Harriers were moving through in high numbers with 23 seen on 30 September
and 52 seen on 2 October. Raptor movement was considerable during the day
on 2 October with large numbers of American Kestrels, Sharp-shinned Hawks,
as well as 75 Turkey Vultures. White-crowned Sparrows were banded for the
first time this fall on 1 October at Old Cut, indicating that sparrow
migration has begun.
The Tip continued to be plagued by high winds during the period and had
limited numbers of birds banded. However, this did not affect the numbers
of species observed moving over the Point. Perhaps the most excitement
generated by observers at the Tip over the period was a Wilson’s
Storm-Petrel seen on 27 September. It was seen flying over the lake
with a number of Bonaparte’s Gulls. Further attempts to re-sight the
bird were unsuccessful. Although Long Point missed much of the
contributions provided by Hurricane Isabel, the storm-petrel was a
pleasant surprise. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons were seen daily, with
peregrines peaking at ten on 30 September and ten on 1 October. Rusty
Blackbirds have begun to show up regularly, with higher numbers seen at
the Tip.
Shorebirds are still making their presence felt with American
Golden-Plover, White-rumped and Stilt sandpipers as highlight species.
Like Old Cut, good numbers of kinglets, both Ruby and Golden-crowned, as
well as American Goldfinches, have been moving over the Tip of late. Pine,
Orange-crowned, Connecticut, and Canada warblers, as well as Northern
Parula were all sighted during the last period It appears that
Myrtles are taking the lead in abundance, which indicates the end of
warbler variety for the season. The 2nd of October brought a
Yellow-throated Vireo to the Tip, capping off an excellent period of good
birds. With cooler weather descending upon us, Northern Saw-whet
Owls are only a sleepless night away, and 2 October did not disappoint.
Both the Tip and Old Cut tried for owls, with three snagged at Old Cut.
Judging from the good numbers of saw-whets banded in the north so far this
fall, we're hoping for a respectable total here at Long Point.
20 - 26 September
With the passing of the much-anticipated Hurricane Isabel over Long Point on the 20th, the lake-watch was in full effect. Hopes were high that pelagic species would be sighted in the area. However, no major rarities were sighted at the three stations; a juvenile jaeger (species undertermined) sighted at the Tip on the 25th was the highlight. The storm did have a positive effect on the banding effort, as 102 individuals were banded at the Tip on the 20th, while sightings included an American Golden Plover, Glaucous Gull, 112 Sharp-shinned Hawks and one Northern Goshawk. The day ended with a respectable 100 species seen passing over the Tip. Breakwater closed for the season on the 25th, but not without finding some good birds beforehand. One Western Kingbird, a Yellow-throated Warbler and Red-bellied Woodpecker were seen on the 21st. The Tip banded a Yellow-breasted Chat and had another hanging around on the same day, while Old Cut banded its first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and observed more than 50 Northern Flickers. In fact, flickers have been observed in large numbers at all stations; notably, 112 flying over Breakwater on the 21st.
One Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen regularly at the Tip while a 2nd-summer bird was seen by the Causeway Restaurant on the 23rd , Regular observations of Bald Eagles and Peregrine Flacons were made at both the Breakwater and Tip field stations. Old Cut has had its share of raptor movement with great diversity, but low numbers seen. Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Broad-winged and Red-tailed hawks, American Kestrel and Merlin have all been sighted regularly. The same can be said for warbler species at Old Cut, where a good variety, but low numbers of have been banded and seen. A Northern Parula was perhaps the most notable, but was not cooperative enough to fly into the net. Three Black Scoters and 247 Blue Jays were seen on the 23rd at the Tip, and a Little Gull was observed at Breakwater. Another was seen off the Coves on the 20th. Surf Scoters have also been observed at both Breakwater and the Tip recently, as have large numbers of ducks each evening over the lake north of Old Cut. A lone, late Bank Swallow was seen over Old Cut on the 25th.
13 - 19 September
A rather quiet week for the most part with few large movements of birds at any of the stations. The notable exception was the 13th of September when winds with a northerly component produced a sizable migration of raptors at Breakwater and the Tip. Tallies included Bald Eagle, Peregrine and 209 Sharp-shinned Hawks at Breakwater and 4 Bald Eagles, 215 Sharp-shinneds and 27 Merlins at the Tip. Bald Eagles (sometimes several) were recorded each day at all of the stations though it is difficult to determine which are resident birds and which are migrants. Passerine numbers were generally low though rain on the 16th produced a moderate fallout at the Tip with 25 Cape May, 110 Blackpoll and 25 Magnolia warblers plus 461 Blue Jays tallied. Notable sightings at the Tip on the 18th included Whimbrel, American Golden Plover and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Up to 3000 Common Terns were counted along Bluff Bar on the 17th.
The arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Isabel was much anticipated on the morning of the 19th. After Hurricane Fran's resulting list of rarities found on Lake Erie in September 1996, dreams of a similar list were much hoped for this time around as Isabel followed a similar path to Fran. Though hopes were initially low when the predicted path of the storm was across western New York and north over Lake Ontario, Isabel fooled the forecasters and crossed Lake Erie just west of Long Point with wind speeds topping 35 knots, very similar to Fran. This put Long Point on the "desirable" east side of the storm. While an all-day lake watch at the Tip produced nothing more than a Lesser Black-backed Gull, the possibility of a passing storm-petrel or other such storm-driven waif will spur on lake-watches for several days to come.
6 - 12 September
Once again birding highlights from the past week were dominated by good numbers and a variety of raptors. Highlights of the 10 species of raptors encountered at the 3 banding stations on the 10th included 120 Sharp-shinned Hawks at the Tip, and 272 at Old Cut. Old Cut also reported 19 Cooper’s Hawks, 7 Merlins, and 10 Bald Eagles. On the same day the Tip had 6 Merlins, and 16 Bald Eagles. Breakwater had a single Northern Goshawk. A few Sharp-shinned Hawks have been banded at the stations.
Good numbers and variety of warblers also continue to pass through Long Point. The Tip had an Orange-crowned Warbler and 5 Cape May Warblers on the 5th. A Pine Warbler on the 7th, a Northern Parula on the 8th and a Connecticut Warbler banded on the 6th (with another observed on the 9th) were also noteworthy. Breakwater recorded an Olive-sided Flycatcher on the 5th, and a Peregrine Falcon on both the 5th and 6th. Old Cut banded a single Connecticut Warbler on the 7th, and observers had 4 American Golden Plovers fly over on the 11th while watching the hawk migration. Early fall migrants continue to trickle into the area. In addition to a few Lincoln’s Sparrows and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, the Tip had a Glaucous Gull on the 9th and an American Pipit on the 10th and 11th. Breakwater recorded a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the 9th.
Monarch numbers have been declined from over 2500 last week to approximately 800 this week.
30 August - 5 September
During the past week shorebirds and warblers were the highlights at all 3 field stations. At the Tip, American Golden Plovers, Baird's Sandpipers and Whimbrel were all recorded as was an American Avocet on the 2nd, and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on the 4th. A Great Egret on the 28th, and a Peregrine on the 29th were also recorded. A sure sign of fall was a record-early 2nd year Iceland Gull on the 2nd and 2 Western Palm Warblers on the 4th. Breakwater had a great variety of warblers this week including a Blue-winged Warbler on the 29th & 30th, Pine Warbler on the 29th and a Connecticut Warbler on the 30th & 31st. A Clay-coloured Sparrow and a single Rusty Blackbird on the 4th were also noteworthy. Old Cut recorded several warbler species this week, including Pine Warbler, Northern Parula, Orange-crowned, and 1 Connecticut Warbler (banded on the 4th). An Olive-sided Flycatcher was seen there on the 31st. Monarchs have been building in numbers the past few days, with approximately 2500 currently at the Tip. Raptors have been migrating in small numbers at all three stations.
23 - 29 August
Several rainy days and high winds precluded banding effort at both of the stations in operation during the week. The new facilities at the Breakwater station were finally opened on the 27th. As expected in late August, wood warblers were present in good numbers and variety. All stations report an above average number of Cape May Warblers, a good sign after several seasons of below average numbers. Species of note during the period included a Louisiana Waterthrush banded at Old Cut on the 25th and a Connecticut there on the 27th. A White-cheeked Pintail that spent the 27th at the BSC headquarter's wetland certainly was a surprise though the band on the left leg almost certainly pointed to an escape from captivity.
15 - 22 August
The hot humid weather of the past week gave southbound migrants little incentive to push south in large numbers or to stop over. Yellow Warblers continue to make up a substantial portion of what was seen and banded. Gray Catbirds are also moving in good numbers. Flocks of blackbirds numbering in the tens of thousands are roosting in the marshes around Long Point, numbers of marsh ducks such as Mallards, Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal and American Wigeon are building and migrant hawks including Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Sharp-shinned Hawks and a few Broad-winged Hawks are now evident. Highlights of the week included a Golden-winged Warbler at Old Cut on the 17th, nine species of warblers there on the 18th, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper and 2 Little Gulls at the Tip on 16 August and an early Horned Grebe there on the 17th.
2 - 14 August
The fall banding season began at the Old Cut Field Station on 2 August. and at the Tip on the 10th. While Yellow Warblers dominated the daily totals, other migrants included Blue-headed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart and Northern Waterthrush. Migrant shorebirds on the 7th on Bluff Bar out off the Point included Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Red Knot and Least Sandpiper. Resident Sandhill Cranes continue to be heard and seen in the marshes around the Big Creek National Wildlife Area. Surprisingly, 4 different pairs of Northern Mockingbirds nested at the Tip this summer. This is typically an unusual species in the Long Point area. American Kestrels have begun their early fall buildup in the area and the season's first Peregrine was recorded at the Tip on 10 August.
