I looked around Craney Island today from 0900 to 1200. Most notable was 2
Cave Swallows with 5 other swallows that also appeared to be Caves, but I
did not see them as well. The 2 birds I saw well were juveniles of the
Mexican race. I believe I heard one call -- sounded like a Budgie to me. I
forgot to listen to tapes of the calls to check that out. There were a few
Tree Swallows about, so possibly it was a Tree I heard, but the sound was
slightly different (not as electric).
Few shorebirds were around (only Sanderling, Dunlin, Killdeer, and A.
Avocet). The Avocet was with the Shoveler at the west corner of the south
impoundment. There were good numbers of waterfowl. The Canvasbacks, A.
Wigeon, Gadwall, scaup species, and most of the Ruddy Ducks were off the
west side of Craney Island. I am so pleased to see the Canvasbacks again.
An Osprey was still present at the west side. Also saw a few flyover
American Pipits and a male American Kestrel that appeared to be feeding on
insects.
Gulls were in good numbers, and the most unusual was a Lesser Black-backed
Gull at the west side. Also saw a few Bonaparte's Gulls and Forster's
Terns. There was a Herring Gull with a regular band on the right leg and a
color band (orange) on the left with the serial F9. I guess the place to
contact is the Bird Banding Laboratory in Maryland, but if anyone knows
anything with regards to this bird, let me know.
Red-throated Loon, 11
Common Loon, 1
Canada Goose, >50
Mallard, 12
Northern Shoveler, >300
Gadwall, >250
American Wigeon, >250
Canvasback, >500
Ring-necked Duck, 2
unknown scaup, 1
Bufflehead, 6
Hooded Merganser, 3
Ruddy Duck, >300
American Coot, 9
Elisa Enders
Portsmouth, VA
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