Joe Metzler reports a CHIPPING SPARROW at his feeders in Coos Bay on
the10th. That same day he found two LB CURLEW on N Spit Coos Bay.
This morning (14th) I took a walk in the rain with Pipit out on N Spit Coos
Bay, highlights:
Several flocks of Greater Yellowlegs, largest flock was about 50.
A few calling BB Plover.
A half dozen singing/calling C Yellowthroats.
Five species swallows: Tree, VG, Cliff, Barn and one adult male Purple
Martin.
A few flocks of peeps to far to ID.
One LB CURLEW just north of BLM boat ramp.
Many singing AUDUBON’S WARBLERS plus several MYRTLE WARBLERS not singing.
Several Savannah Sparrows.
Another half dozen Caspian Terns.
The real surprise was a male RING-NECKED PHEASANT which I haven’t seen on
the spit in about a decade, probably released by hunters. I have seen
hunters release them out there before. They use to be fairly common on the
spit and may have bred; in recent years the habitat has rapidly been
changing and many areas previously covered by beachgrass have transitioned
into shore pine forest.
Merry migration all!
Tim Rodenkirk
Coos Bay
