From Tim Mccarthy <[email protected]>
The Whimbrel migration is winding down, we only had 14 birds today. The
folks down in Virginia, claim informally that their numbers are down
this year from last and so are ours at Sam Smith, down about 1000. The
Grand Total now stands at 2085. We did not see nearly as many other
Shorebirds either during our Watch; today there were 3 Peep Sp., a
Spotted Sandpiper, 12 Semipalmated Sandpipers and a Sanderling. Crazy
weather and extremely high water may be factors in the decline, we need
more data. Meanwhile the other attractions at Sam Smith continue to
dazzle. The hyperactive Marsh Wren "showed well" as the real estate
agents say. The Least Bittern became one of my favourite birds today,
just because I had the chance to observe it for as long as I wanted. It
is beautiful and goofy at the same time, with moves that are surprising.
Its tail, a dark colour contrast from the rest of its body, moves in a
surprising fashion - in, out, up down, and all around in a circle. Now
why do you think it does this? The current explanation in favour is the
tail wagging gives a signal to potential predators that the bird is
alert and healthy so -"back off." Now I'd need a bit of money in the
bank before I bought that one so what do you think? If you want to come
out and see it, believe me, it is a once in a lifer, come and find me
out at Whimbrel Point and I'll take you to it.
I think we're going to shut the Watch down on Wednesday but tomorrow its
business as usual . 4 o'clock comes early so I'll see you tomorrow.
Best o' Luck
Tim
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Mark Cranford
Toronto, ON
[email protected]
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