[birdky] RPT: West KY 12-13 August

I accompanied John Brunjes and Danna Baxley (KDFWR), and Caitlin Bork
(EKU), on a late-season check of traditional Least Tern nesting sites on
the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers 12-13 August. The wonderful
weather was probably responsible at least in part for the dearth of
migrant waterbirds observed. Least Terns appear to have had a horrible
breeding season due to the high water levels that have only recently
receded to what is normal for summer. We encountered loafing/feeding
groups of from a few to about 100 in several locations where they
traditionally nest, but it appeared that no late-season nesting attempts
were still underway. Out of maybe 200 birds seen, only about 10-15
juveniles were observed (all on the Mississippi); these were likely
raised in agricultural land adjacent to the river.
 
Other waterbirds observed included a single Caspian Tern, small numbers
of Spotted and Least sandpipers, and 3 Sanderlings (the last on a small
gravel bar near Monkeys Eyebrow, Ballard County). Mississippi Kites and
Fish Crows were present at several spots. Yesterday morning I counted
TEN hummers sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on a feeder at the Ballard WMA
headquarters building! 
 
bpb, Frankfort

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