Sightings of late

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

The Spotted Towhee was last sighted on the 1st and there hasn't been any other mega bird to take its place since but in lieu of anything outstanding has been a nice mix of boreal birds that have shown up in recent days.

Foremost among them (at least in my humble opinion) has been the arrival of the Bohemian Waxwings over the past two days as we went from 0 to at least 50-100 around the point in several obvious flocks.  I also got word that there was a flock of at 250 at the river mouth the other day so their annual invasion has begun.  Also seen each of the past several days have been Pine Grosbeaks and White-winged Crossbills with a few other "large" finches mixed in for good measure.  The redpolls are still arriving daily but no confirmed sightings of Hoary among them of late.

Predatory birds seen lately have included at least two Northern Goshawks including an adult which flew in off the lake on the 6th (despite what some people might tell you about that species crossing water), a few days with decent Rough-legged Hawk migration, and a young Northern Shrike that has been present, but elusive, for a few days.

The most interesting passerine of late is a partly leucistic Rose-breasted Grosbeak that has been present at the feeders for a few days, the previous late date for this species at the point was September 28th so its clearly a little lost.

Scott

Recent sightings (Spotted Towhee continues)

Evening Grosbeak

No major news to report form the past two days but the Spotted Towhee continues at the feeders, though it still being relatively shy.  Also of interest to some is the recent influx of "Boreal" birds over the past couple days with large numbers of Snow Buntings and Evening Grosbeaks accompanied by smaller numbers of Bohemian Waxwing, Northern Shrike, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, and Common Redpoll among others.  Also noted of late were Sharp-tailed Grouse, Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and Short-eared Owl along with the plethora of sparrows and other birds at the feeders which have included a Brewer's Blackbird and who knows what else might be lurking in woods just waiting to be discovered.

Scott

The aftermath

Cave Swallow

What a storm, winds in excess of 55 MPH (I heard that the peak wind speed at Whitefish Point was 63!! MPH) while I was out there and the power is still out at the point with Paradise (my current home) just getting theirs back this afternoon.  The storm brought a couple big birds to the point, the best of which was a CAVE SWALLOW which made a couple passes of me on the point yesterday before hanging out around the buildings for the afternoon and evening when I was able to snap a couple pics for documentation purposes.

Other notable birds were as much for the date of arrival as for the species themselves with many of these species not having been recorded since mid-September or early October and in some cases the first week of September.  They include

-Turkey Vulture (27th and 28th)
-Tree Swallow (2 on the 27th and 28th)
-Barn Swallow (27th)
-American Pipit (28th)
-Savannah Sparrows (28th)
-Yellow-rumped Warbler (27th)
-Snow Buntings- hundreds arrived off the lake throughout the day on the 27th and 28th
-An Icterid flock composed of 2 Red-winged Blackbirds, 2-3 Rusty Blackbirds, 12 Common Grackles, and 3 Brown-headed Cowbirds which joined the two European Starlings that have been present for awhile to make a pretty diverse blackbird flock for the point
-Common Redpoll- at least 15-20 arrived on the 27th with a number still around on the 28th
-Evening Grosbeak- a female on the 27th

There is also the continuing Brown Thrasher, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and Indigo Bunting among others as of the 28th.

Scott

Spotted Towhee continues

The female Spotted Towhee was still present this afternoon about 4 at the feeders.  I guess it remains to be seen how long this bird will stick around, especially with the weather that's on the horizon.

Just another bird from the west

female Spotted Towhee

A female Spotted Towhee was found this afternoon by Ken Mettie Jr. at the feeders behind the WPBO gift shop and was still there in the early evening feeding among the other sparrows in the rain.  The is an overdue first record for Whitefish Point and only the 7th for Michigan.

The Common Ground-Dove however was not located today despite many searching eyes so it seems we have traded one vagrant bird for another.  Also present at the feeders were a Brown Thrasher, Indigo Bunting, and a good selection of sparrows including Fox and Swamp.

Scott

Dove update

Yep its still here, didn't leave on last night's calm weather but it was a little less reliable today with the increased crowds at the point.  Looks like it might be sticking around for the long haul.

Scott

Dove update

The bird was still present as of 4:15 this afternoon.  Its still being seen on the lawn next to the gift shop starting about 9:30 or 10 in the morning and then regularly through the rest of the day.

Also present at the feeders this afternoon was a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Brown Thrasher, and Fox Sparrow.

Scott

Dove update

The Common Ground-Dove continues today through at least 3 p.m. and with the current weather (35 degrees and snowing as of 5 p.m.) it is unlikely that it is going anywhere soon.  Also present at the feeders today were the continuing Brown Thrasher and Indigo Bunting but there were very few other birds present on the point today.  

Scott

Quick update

The dove was seen up until 7 or so and was starting to go to roost at that time in the alders behind the gift shop which means it should be here tomorrow morning as long as the weather doesn't get 'em.

Other birds present today included a White-breasted Nuthatch, a Hermit Thrush, a continuing Brown Thrasher, a Yellow-rumped Warbler, a female-type Indigo Bunting, 3 House Sparrows (fairly rare at the point if not all that interesting as a rule), and an increase in Pine Siskin and Snow Bunting numbers with 150+ and 20+ respectively.

The only other notable bird seen in recent days but not today was a Winter Wren on the 18th.

Scott

COMMON GROUND-DOVE!!!

Common Ground-Dove next to gift shop

This little beauty was found near the gift shop by Hank Veldman around 11:30 this morning.  It eventually settled in nicely around the lawn and feeders adjacent to the gift shop for the latter half of the afternoon and was still there as of 5 p.m. or so.  As is typical with this species he stays on (or very close to) the ground at all times and flies it short bursts, heading for cover when he gets spooked.  They typically feed in short grass and/or sandy soils which makes the area around the gift shop and the banding trail ideal conditions for this species, at least as ideal as a bird which is normally found no closer than southern Alabama could find in the UP.

Scott

Reasons to walk the trails

Landbird migration was strong on the point today with many birds already present this morning and large numbers arriving well after sunrise. Most common were Swainson's Thrush and Yellow-rumped Warbler but other common species were present in good numbers including Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwing, and White-throated Sparrow.

New birds for the fall arriving today included 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, a Gray Catbird, and 2 Rusty Blackbirds while other notables included 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 2 Least Flycatchers, 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 1 Veery, 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush, 9 warbler species (including 1 Pine, small numbers of both Blackpoll and Bay-breasted, and a Northern Waterthrush), a couple Clay-colored Sparrows, a new Field Sparrow, and a few additional Lapland Longspurs.

The weather is suppose to more of the same for Monday and Tuesday so hopefully all the birds that were staged to the north of us didn't come through today and there will be more to enjoy in the near future.

Scott

WARBLERS!!!

From the walk out to the shack this morning it was clear that there were a lot of birds on the point. But the true number wasn't revealed until the birds began to move with first light and the trees began to drip. Huge numbers of passerines had piled up on the point through the night and even as waves continued to arrive in the early morning hours there were birds taking advantage of western winds and departing the point. Standing at the shack I watched hundreds, upon, hundreds of warblers moving south and east with the storms and yet the woods still dripped with birds.

All of the 25 regular occurring fall warblers were found this morning and afternoon and while most birds evaded our eyes the ones that could be found included

Tennessee 150

Orange-crowned 4

Nashville 40

Northern Parula 5

Yellow Warbler 3

Chestnut-sided 2

Magnolia 75

Cape May 75

Black-throated Blue 4

Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) 100

Black-throated Green 8

Blackburnian 8

Pine 2

Palm 30

Bay-breasted 15

Blackpoll 115

Black-and-white 5

American Redstart 25

Ovenbird 9

Northern Waterthrush 2

Connecticut 1 (along the south side of the "Fog Horn" Pond)

Mourning 2

Common Yellowthroat 4

Wilson's 5

Canada 3

Other migrant numbers included:

Black-backed Woodpecker 1

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1

Alder Flycatcher 1

Least Flycatcher 2

Philadelphia Vireo 4

Red-eyed Vireo 2

Brown Creeper 6

House Wren 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 10

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6

Veery 1

Gray-cheeked Thrush 5

Swainson's Thrush 150

Hermit Thrush 5

Cedar Waxwing 125

Lincoln's Sparrow 6

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1

I know not every day in September can be this good but this sure was one heck of a way to ring in the new month at the point.

Scott

Ovenbird

Black-and-white Warbler

American Redstart

Blackpoll Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Cape May Warbler

8/29 migration

Swainson's Thrush

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

The highlight in the woods today was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The woods were pretty active, but most of that activity was Yellow-rumped Warblers. Swainson's Thrushes remain in good numbers with 17 seen today. Other notable species include Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-crowned Sparrow, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Warbler species(9): Nashville-4, Black-throated Blue-1, Yellow-rumped-25, Black-throated Green-1, Palm-3, Blackpoll-1, American Redstart-2, Common Yellowthroat-3, and Wilson's-2.

8/28 migration

There was decent activity in the woods early this morning, but as soon as it started getting hot out, it became quite dead.

Highlights: Northern Goshawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Swainson's Thrushes, Lincoln's Sparrow, and a Red Crossbill.

Warbler species(7): Nashville-3, Northern Parula-1, Yellow-rumped-5, Black-throated Green-1, Palm-1, Blackpoll-2, and Common Yellowthroat-5.

8/27 migration

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

The woods were quite active again, although things were more spread out. Warbler diversity remains good, with 10 species today. Swainson's Thrushes were present in high numbers with at least 13 at the point. Other thrushes were quite skittish and flew off before they could be identified.

Highlights: Northern Goshawk, Philadelphia Vireo, Brown Creeper, 5 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Swainson's Thrush, and 5 Lincoln's Sparrows.

Warbler species(10): Nashville-3, Northern Parula-1, Cape May-1, Yellow-rumped-30, Black-throated Green-2, Palm-3, Blackpoll-2, Northern Waterthrush-1, Common Yellowthroat-3, and Wilson's-3

FYI

I just wanted to let everyone know that this blog may not be updated daily depending on staffing but I will be giving a quick rundown of what is seen each day in the woods at the end of the Waterbird Count blog which hopefully will suffice when we can't give a full day's rundown here.

Thanks,

Scott

Recent migration

Things have really picked up in the woods this past week, including 21 species of warbler between the past 2 days and today. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Swainson's Thrush, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, and Common Nighthawks are some of the more recent arrivals. There continues to be a decent variety of raptors around the point, including a Goshawk.

Warblers today include: Tennessee, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Pine, Palm, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, A. Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's, and Canada.

8/13 migration

Not much today, and no evening count was conducted. Just 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper and 6 Least Sandpipers.

8/12 migration

The woods weren't covered today, but it didn't seem like much was going on in them from the walks to the shack. Waterfowl were slow this morning, but there was a decent variety of shorebirds. This morning:

Common Loon-1
Red-necked Grebe-6
Great Blue Heron-1
Ruddy Turnstone-1
Sanderling-4
Semipalmated Sandpiper-2
Least Sandpiper-8
Caspian Tern-1
Tern Sp.-1

This evening Red-necked Grebes really moved again, as did the fog. Within 10 minutes the visibility went from 30 km to barely seeing just past the shack at around 9:00.

Red-necked Grebe-140
Waterbird Sp.-14

8/10 and 8/11 migration

Ruddy Turnstone

8/10-Not much around-No shorebirds or waterfowl, led to the 'bird of the day' being a Palm Warbler. Very foggy for some of the day as well.

8/11-Hawk diversity has been pretty good this week, and 4 species were seen today. Another slow day for waterfowl, but shorebirds were excellent. This morning:

Dabbler Sp.-1

Common Loon-3

Red-necked Grebe-1

Piping Plover-3

Spotted Sandpiper-1

Ruddy Turnstone-1

Sanderling-5

Semipalmated Sandpiper-2

Least Sandpiper-16

Baird's Sandpiper-1

Not much time was spent at the point this evening, due to rain, but most of the shorebirds above were still around, with an additional Sanderling. No waterfowl were seen.

8/9 migration

The woods were slow today, along with waterfowl, but there was a good variety of shorebirds.

This morning:

Double-crested Cormorant-4
Great Blue Heron-1
Semipalmated Plover-2
Least Sandpiper-1
Baird's Sandpiper-1
Bonaparte's Gull-4

This evening:

Common Loon-2
Red-necked Grebe-6
Sanderling-5
Semipalmated Sandpiper-1
Shorebird Sp.-1

8/8 migration

There was pretty good activity in the woods today, with a decent variety of warblers, including at least 15 Palm. Waterbirds were pretty slow this morning:

Common Loon-3

Red-necked Grebe-1
Great Blue Heron-1
Baird's Sandpiper-2
Short-billed Dowitcher-1
Bonaparte's Gull-1

It was better this evening:

Common Loon-1
Red-necked Grebe-47
Grebe Sp.-2
Killdeer-1
Sanderling-7
Bonaparte's Gull-1

8/7 migration

Pretty slow in the woods today. Highlights today were 10 Red Crossbills, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Harrier, and 1 Kestrel. Another couple of hours were spent this morning at the shack and almost everything was migrating by at the horizon and couldn't be identified. This morning:

Mallard-1
Common Loon-2
Red-necked Grebe-1
Waterbird sp.-58
Sanderling-2
Baird's Sandpiper-3
Spotted Sandpiper-1
Bonaparte's Gull-1

Things were much closer late this evening and the following were seen:

Red-necked Grebe-80
Waterbird Sp.-5
Sanderling-2(different from the morning)

This summer and past week's migration

Lesser Yellowlegs

Sanderling

Willets

Another year of nesting Piping Plovers was nice, with 4 successfully fledged chicks, 3 of which survived the summer. There were a few unusual/uncommon sightings this summer at the point including a Whimbrel in mid-June, a White-crowned Sparrow several times in July, 4 Willets on July 2, a Black-billed Cuckoo throughout July, Red Crossbills a couple of times in July, a Cape May Warbler on July 10, Common Loons throughout July, a Palm Warbler on July 21, a Woodcock, Cape May Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and 2 Baltimore Orioles on July 22, a Tennessee Warbler on July 23, a White-winged Scoter and 6 warbler species on July 26, a Woodcock and House Wren on August 4, and a Bonaparte's Gull yesterday. The beginning of fall migration appeared to start on July 22 here, with a good number and diversity of species. This past week there have been 5-7 warbler species each day, and usually a couple species of shorebirds. Some of the shorebirds this past week include Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, American Golden-Plover, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, and Killdeer.

With migration obviously taking place, a few hours were spent this morning at the waterbird shack and the following migrants were seen:

White-winged Scoter-1
Common Loon-5
Red-necked Grebe~170
Double-crested Cormorant-5
Waterbird sp.-20
Least Sandpiper-1
Semipalmated Sandpiper-1

Red-headed Woodpecker

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Blackburnian Warbler

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Magnolia Warbler

Highlights: Red-headed Woodpecker & Yellow-headed Blackbird


The current weather pattern has really stalled things out the last couple days, but late season migrants have just started picking up and there have been some interesting recent sightings. On the 21st there was a nice flight of songbirds including several first arrival. Even though activity dropped off the last two days, there have been a couple more first arrivals. Recent sightings in the woods include; Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Blackpoll & Canada Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Bobolink, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Red Crossbill.

Blackburnian Warbler

Cape May Warbler

American Redstart

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Swamp Sparrow

Highlights: Swainson's Hawk, Connecticut Warbler

We are currently at what is really a great time of the year at the Point. Although some things are slowing down, we're in the period when hawks, waterbirds, and songbirds can be active. The songbirds have begun picking up and recent sightings in the woods include; Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed & Philadelphia Vireos, Bank Swallow, Scarlet Tanager, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Rose-breasted & Evening Grosbeaks. The warblers have begun arriving in earnest with 17 species the last two days including; Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, Connecticut, and Wilson's. We want to thank Jason Bojczyk, who is currently down state for the Purple Gallinule, for volunteering his time. In addition to giving the counters days off, he has been giving education programs in the Owl's Roost and updating the sightings blog.

5/10/2010

Cape May Warbler

Sharp-shinned Hawk
killing a Blue Jay

Orange-crowned Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler with a fly

Pine Warbler

With the warm weather and clear skies, activity at the waterbird count, hawk count, and woods picked up significantly. Diversity in the woods was good today, with the first nice mix of warblers.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 66

Highlights: Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, Bonaparte's Gulls, Caspian Tern, Blue-headed Vireos, Bank Swallows, many Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, many American Pipits, Lincoln's Sparrow, Snow Bunting, and Evening Grosbeaks.

Warbler species(10): Orange-crowned-4, Nashville-8, Yellow-2, Magnolia-1, Cape May-3, Yellow-rumped-93, Black-throated Green-8, Pine-1, Palm-2, and Black-and-white-1.

5/9/2010

Lincoln's Sparrow

Clear skies but cold temperatures led to some species seen several days ago returning, but not the diversity expected at this time of year. Tomorrow could be a decent variety of species again, with perhaps some new migrants(and warblers)! Two woodcock were seen walking along one of the trails in the woods, which is always nice to see.

Number of species at the point today (including counts): 37

Highlights: Piping Plover, American Woodcock, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrush, Lincoln's Sparrow and Snow Bunting.

Warbler species(1): Yellow-rumped-3

5/8/2010

It was a very cold and windy day which led to the worst total number of species at the point in weeks. The predicted snow didn't accumulate though.

Total number of species(including counts): 21

Highlight: White-crowned Sparrows.

Warbler species(1): Yellow-rumped-3

5/7/2010

Blue Jays and Hairy Woodpecker

Still no new passerine migrants and the woods were dead. Tomorrow doesn't look good either-up to 5 inches of snow overnight and 20 mph winds throughout the day from the North. Highlight of the day was 3 Piping Plovers.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 36

Highlights: Piping Plovers, American Pipit, and White-crowned Sparrows.

Warbler species(1): Yellow-rumped-4

5/6/2010

Strong winds in an unfavorable direction led to a lack of birds at the counts and virtually no activity in the woods.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 33

Highlights: Bonaparte's Gulls, Glaucous Gull, Cliff Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and White-crowned Sparrows.

Warbler species(1): Yellow-rumped-6.

5/5/2010

Spruce Grouse

After the early morning rain the sky cleared up a little bit, and the most species in a day this spring were recorded. No new songbirds arrived, but the number of warbler species is back up to 5. The waterbird count had a nice diversity of waterfowl and the hawk count didn't pick up until the end of the count.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 72

Highlights: Ruffed Grouse, Greater Yellowlegs, Caspian Tern, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Brown Thrasher, American Pipits, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Lapland Longspur.

Other: David Bell found 9 Willets at the Tahquamenon Rivermouth early in the morning, and they were still seen later in the evening. A Northern Mockingbird was at Vermillion and a Spruce Grouse was at Vermillion Road.

Warbler species(5): Nashville-2, Yellow-rumped-8, Black-throated Green-1, Pine-2, and Palm-2.

5/4/2010

Yellow-rumped Warbler

The woods were quiet again today. The overall highlight today was the great loon flight that happened today-see the waterbird blog for more details. Another highlight was an immature Golden Eagle that made a couple of passes over the hawk platform towards the end of the hawk count in perfect lighting.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 56

Highlights: Greater Yellowlegs, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrush, American Pipits, and Evening Grosbeaks.

Warbler species(3): Nashville-1, Yellow-rumped-7, and Black-throated Green-1.

5/3/2010

Sunset at the Point

The woods weren't covered that well today and no new migrants were detected. The number of Blue Jays has increased to over 200. The highlight of the day was an American Woodcock seen in the woods.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 50

Highlights: American Woodcock, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrushes, American Pipits, Swamp Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak.

Warbler species(1): Yellow-rumped-4.

5/2/2010

Blue Jay

The woods were pretty quiet today other than the large flock of Blue Jays with at least 150 birds. Throughout the day the Blue Jays gave perfect imitation calls of both Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks. Towards the end of the hawk count a light morph Swainson's Hawk flew around and even briefly perched.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 58

Rarity: Swainson's Hawk

Highlights: Whip-poor-will, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Pipit, White-crowned Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak.

Warbler species(3): Nashville-1, Yellow-rumped-4, and Black-throated Green-1.

5/1/2010

Eastern Kingbird

The day began with thick fog around the point and didn't let up until around 12. It was nice to hear Common Loons calling in the fog though. There was visibility, at least partially, all day at the hawk platform and an amazing 2,411 birds were tallied. This included a large kettle of around 1,200 Broad-wingeds way up in the air. Although the woods weren't covered as well as yesterday, there were some new arrivals.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 60

Highlights: Whip-poor-will, Eastern Kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, American Pipit, Vesper Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrows, and Rusty Blackbirds.

Warbler species(4): Yellow-rumped-10+, Black-throated Green-2, Pine-1, and Palm-1.

Swamp and Vesper Sparrows

A great day at the point today that began with numerous Sharp-shinned Hawks at 6:30 this morning and continued through the end of the day. Yellow-rumped Warblers, blackbirds, and Robins all formed large flocks throughout the day. The songbird migration is really picking up and it was nice to see a Green Heron briefly today as well.

Number of species at the point today(including counts): 71

Highlights: Green Heron, Whip-poor-will, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, American Pipits, 5 warbler species, and 7 sparrow species, including singles of Vesper, Swamp, and White-crowned.

Warbler species(5): Nashville-1, Yellow-rumped-100+, Black-throated Green-1, Pine-1, and Palm-4.