Yesterday Ron Payne and I surveyed from the Bridport shore Lake
Champlain birds spread from Goose Cove south to Jones Dock and Giards
Bay, a lake distance of about 3.5 miles. Lake bird numbers continue to
increase in this part of the lake south of the Champlain Bridge.
Highlights of the day were two Pacific Loons in non-breeding plumage.
One was close enough for excellent viewing slightly northwest of Jones
Dock. The other was more distant, in New York waters west of Goose Bay
about 1.4 miles southeast of the Champlain Bridge. Given their
propensity to travel long distances above and (often) below water even
while being observed, their locations may change within this area
frequently.
Scaup numbers have increased to over 4100, with a very high proportion
(apparently 90% or more) being Lesser Scaup. They were somewhat
scattered in seven smaller rafts plus one large group of 3000 (counted
by 50s). The scattering was likely enhanced the morning's hunter
activity. Common Goldeneye have begun to assemble; we counted 216. In
total there were 15 waterfowl species (see below), including a couple
Northern Shovelers. Nearly 600 Ring-billed Gulls were dispersed among
the various scaup rafts plus in thin streams traveling along the
shoreline. The only other gulls seen were three Herring Gulls. We
spotted a single Bald Eagle.
Laboring into a stiff west wind, a Peregrine Falcon weighted down with a
freshly caught Rock Pigeon in its talons made slow progress crossing
Lake Champlain, apparently in the attempt to avoid a cruising
Rough-legged Hawk.
Waterfowl numbers are below.
Ian
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Waterfowl:
Scaup 4100 (apparently 90% or more being Lesser Scaup)
Canada Goose 781
Common Goldeneye 216
Mallard 153
Bufflehead 27
Hooded Merganser 18
American Black Duck 10
White-winged Scoter 8
Black Scoter 8
Common Loon 4
Pacific Loon 2
Gadwall 2
Green-winged Teal 2
Ring-necked Duck 2
Northern Shoveler 2
Double-crested Cormorant 4
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