I was at Craney Island in Portsmouth for a short period this afternoon. I
was unable to check all areas of the impoundments, but most areas are very
dry. There were still a few American Avocets (8) present at the southwest
corner of the south impoundment. There was still a little area of water
here. I also saw Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers (2 in juvenile
plumage), a few peep (I think Semipalmated Sandpipers by their feeding
calls), a few Blue-winged Teal, and 2 Palm Warblers. There is still a large
flock of terns on the west side which contained 1 Forster's Tern among the
Caspians and Royals (a few Laughing Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants, and
lots of Brown Pelicans too). Of course there were Mallards too -- I believe
I see them every time I go to Craney. I thought I saw some diving ducks off
to the west, but I could not be sure (shimmer in distance). A few Great
Black-backed Gulls were on the water. I also saw a few Bobolinks and heard
some rails (sounded like Clappers). The shorebird numbers are very low
compared to a few weeks ago.
Elisa Enders
Portsmouth, VA
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