Today was a good day for migrating birds on all fronts, including for migrating waterbirds. With the day starting with strong north-westerly winds the birds had a strong tail wind at their backs to speed them along the way.
The waves at Avalon sea watch were in a perpetual state of agitation making ocean conditions a Beaufort 3 to 4. With the waves breaking over parts of the jetty the air was filled with spray covering everything, including the optics (Note: Need to pack more lens cloths).
We had 1,576 birds migrate through. Of special note we had 112 American Oystercatchers pass by, as well as the first teal and mallards of the season. And what made this thousand plus day possible were the hundreds of cormorants and scoters flying through. I'd like to thank them for giving me something to count!
Here is a complete list of birds seen today.
Location: Avalon Sea Watch
Observation date: 9/25/09
Number of species: 14
Canada Goose 87
Mallard 5
Northern Pintail 47
Green-winged Teal 6
Surf Scoter 12
Black Scoter 51
Dark-winged Scoter 407
Common Loon 2
Brown Pelican 5
Double-crested Cormorant 785
Great Blue Heron 26
American Oystercatcher 112
Caspian Tern 5
Common Tern 4
Black Skimmer 22
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