Tag Archive for 'bald eagles'

Breeding Bird Survey

Published on June 7, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

These are three of the most intense moments of your birding life. Three minutes to count all of species and individual birds in a 1/4 mile radius. This is the United States Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey. Look, listen, scan, identify, count, and repeat 50 times at designated stops.

Scott and I had chosen to be volunteers for the Breeding Bird Survey four years ago. We selected the Nighthawk route in Okanogan County of north eastern Washington State. This area is rich in wetlands, riparian zone, sagebrush, Ponderosa Pine forests, lakes and rivers. Unbeknown to us at the time, it is the highest diversity of breeding birds in Washington. But after intensely surveying these many habitats for hours on end I can attest that it is indeed extremely diverse.

After four years, the route and routine are somewhat more manageable. Our roles are clearly defined. After arising at 3:30 a.m., we arrive at our first stop at 4:25a.m ready to go, coffee in one hand, binoculars in the other. Scott mans the computer assuring that each stop is accurate and on target according to our GPS. He dutifully records any ambient noise we may experience such as rushing stream, tractor or cattle drive. He also records and interprets the crazy chatter flying from my mouth as I attempt to call out each species as I see and hear them during the precious three minute time span.

I assume an intense stance, eyes and ears attune to all bird life surrounding us. I must appear somewhat insane staring fixedly ahead as I first holler out all of the songs and calls I hear. Black-headed Grosbeak! Western Tanager! Gray Catbird! Then the binoculars are attached to my eyes as I scan, high, low near far and don’t forget the other side of the road! Pick out the Lazuli Bunting, squeeze out three Wilson’s Warblers, and five Yellow Warblers in the riparian zone – then, oh joy, a MacGillivray’s warbler! Ok, i.d. the Flycatchers- NOW!

Despite its great intensity and exhausting eight hours of work, the route is a true joy. Not only the delight of revisiting old friends each year but the possibility of discovering new species as well. Stop 24 – guaranteed Rufous Hummingbird and he will be sitting on the wire above the road. Stop 12 – Say’s Phoebe sallying forth in search of insects for her young. Stop 5 at the corral, sure enough there is the House Wren in full song. Stop 42 – Lewis’s Woodpeckers are guarding territory in old cottonwoods next to the river. Stop 29 – yes the Bank Swallow colony is still there. We can be assured count that every transformer on the poles lining the highway will be populated by a pair of Western Kingbirds.

Sprinkled amongst the old friends such as Western Wood-Peewee and Western Meadowlarks are treasures of new discoveries. While dodging hummingbirds and peering at a Red-tailed Hawk, a distinct chibit repeatedly struck my ear. And there in the Ponderosa Pine singing away was a Least Flycatcher, our first in four years of surveys. Later on while counting the large groups of Bald Eagles feasting on carp at the lake shore, a group of shore birds flew past my bins. White, chestnut and black – could it be? YES! Wilson’s Phalaropes landing along the edge of a flooded field. Stop number 48 in the heat of the day promised to be barren except for the usual Black-billed Magpies and California Quail but today a lovely chuck, chuck, chuck call issued from the sage. Finally – Chukar on our route. While looking for “our” Clark’s Nutcrackers who had repeatedly surprised us by hanging out at the lake in most untypical Clark’s habitat we were delighted to discover instead two nesting Common Mergansers. This seemed a much more appropriate species for this stop.

After hours of wrestling with an accurate count of swallows, the intensity of birding by ear and elation of new discoveries we ended this year’s Breeding Bird Survey with a total of 50 stops, 25 miles driven, six distinct habitats and 77 species and the anticipation of next year’s survey on our minds.

On the Hunt with Falcon Research Group

Published on March 8, 2010 in Uncategorized. Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Whoosh, she got it!  Suddenly the quiet gray morning was filled with delighted and dangerous sounds as the young Peregrine cut through the tightly bunched, swerving, twisting flock of Dunlins.  This indeed was our reward for rising at 4:00am for a pre-dawn trip to the Samish Flats.

Adult Female Peregrine, Dunlin in the background.
Photo by Greg Thompson

Scott and I had joined the Falcon Research Group’s Hawk Watching class field trip at the request of our longtime friend Bud Anderson, founder and lead raptor genius behind FRG.  Along with several classmates we had met at the Padilla Bay Visitor Center where we were greeted enthusiastically by Bud.  He could barely contain his excitement as he explained what we would be doing for the morning portion of the trip on the Samish Flats.  A pair of Peregrines had set up a territory over a large flock of Dunlins who consistently fed in a muddy field next to a very accessible road.  This would afford us ample opportunity to watch falcons and their prey in action.  We quickly saddled up and drove down the road in excited anticipation.

Arriving at the Dunlin-filled field, we noticed quickly that the small shorebirds had attracted not only a pair of Peregrines but noted photographers and plenty of ornithologists.  After all, if you want to find birders, just go to where the birds are.  Greg Thompson, an up-and-coming photographer was in position; we were joined by Martin Stewart, renowned bird sound recorder; Paul Bannick, noted photographer and author of Owls and Woodpeckers was in place with two cameras with enormous lenses.

For the next hour we milled about, sharing stories, comparing lens, admiring different spotting scopes, and catching up with old friends, all the while keeping an eye on the Dunlin and their attendant raptors.  Scanning the flat flooded fields, we could see several Bald Eagles perched on pilings near the dike.  Another closer look revealed a Prairie Falcon on a fence post on the outer edge of the field.  Just to the south, Scott picked up an immature Peregrine biding her time.  The adult female Peregrine was poised on the crossbar of a power pole just north of our position.  Further yet but still within view (and reach) of the Dunlins was an adult male Peregrine quietly waiting.  In the middle of this predator wall were approximately 5,000 Dunlin.

The Dunlin were feeding quietly, their peeps, twitters, and soft short whistles reassuring the flock that all was well.  Suddenly they took flight and all binoculars and cameras were shifted to the action.  But it was a short, loose flight in response to a cruising Northern Harrier assessing the flock for any injured or easy prey.  The healthy members of the flock settled back down and continued to feed.  Just as quickly as the Dunlin had leaped into the air to avoid the Harrier, the entire flock fell asleep as though a switch had been flipped- a magical and remarkable feat considering they were surrounded by a circle of death.  And where can one experience the noise and twittering of 5,000 living creatures all falling silent with sleep?

With sleep upon the flock and a long day of the raptor field trip ahead of us, Bud suggested that we load up and move on.  But despite the fact that we had been standing in the damp cold grey morning for over an hour, no one was ready to leave; everyone wanted to see a falcon hunt.

Within moments of deciding to stay, the young Peregrine Scott had scoped out earlier took flight with a determination driven by hunger.  Every spotting scope, cameras, and pair of binoculars was trained on the hurtling dark form of the falcon, but most optics were lowered within seconds as the action got too close.  The Dunlin lifted into the air as one living organism, bunching, swooping, trying desperately to evade.  The falcon cut through the flock with precision.  Once, twice, three times she turned and twisted.  We lost sight of her within the mass of shorebirds when suddenly, two Dunlin dropped out of the flock to the muddy field below.  One more pass and the Peregrine had breakfast dangling from her talons.  No sooner had the young falcon made the kill then the adult female Peregrine was off her perch in hot pursuit.  Driven by hunger and success, the immature bird quickly sped off south over the flats to enjoy her meal in peace.

Smiles and congratulations came from all around as the group of photographers, birders, and friends bonded over an incredible birding moment.  Satiated with the falcon hunt but appetites whetted for more, we loaded up to explore other raptorial treasures hidden within the Samish River flats.

Olympia – Part I

Published on February 5, 2010 in Uncategorized. Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Birders Scott and Penny set out for a two-part birding adventure. Check out what they saw in colorful detail…

Bored with the normal weekend pursuit of new yard birds, Scott and I went looking for a novel local area in which to bird.  After all it was Scott’s birthday weekend and we needed something completely different in order to celebrate.  After much head scratching, hemming and hawing, we lit upon an idea.  How about Olympia?  Washington’s state capital lies at the southern end of Puget Sound, ideally placed for winter birding along saltwater shores.  Tragically, neither of us had ever visited our state capital, but now we had a perfect reason to go.

We headed out into the dark gray rainy January morning, our mood reflecting the weather.  By the time we reached Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, a perfect rest stop on the trip, the sun had broken through and the clouds had lifted, taking our spirits upward with them.  It was just a few moments later down I-5 that we easily located Priest Point Park on the northern border of Olympia.  An old park in Western city terms, it was founded in 1905 on land formerly controlled by a missionary, hence the name of Priest Point. The park’s forested hills and slopes border Budd Inlet, a southern arm of Puget Sound.  Ellis Creek flows into Ellis Cove and Budd Inlet.  Many of the parks’ lengthy trails explore the ravines around the creek, cove, and inlet.

As a naturalist with the City of Seattle it was a bit like taking a busman’s holiday.  I cast a sad, disapproving eye on the tremendous amounts of English Ivy quickly engulfing the understory.  Everywhere it seemed trees were snugly wrapped in the death grip of this invasive.  But despite the threat of non-natives, large tracks of very old conifers tower over a relatively healthy understory.  Due to the park’s age and the steepness of the slopes, many very large and old conifers dominated the forest and skyscape.  Grand firs of immense height were circled by Bald Eagles- an unforgettable sight when viewed through binoculars or a spotting scope. The view was complemented by their sharp cries, which rang throughout the forest.  Could they be defending territories?  A good possibility, as the firs were the perfect shape, size and location for Bald Eagle nests.

We meandered for miles, enjoying the sun and joy of bumping into mixed feeding flocks of Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and yanking Red-breasted Nuthatches.  A quiet tapping alerted us to the presence of a Red-breasted Sapsucker.  Surely he was not alone as countless Western Red-cedar showed the neat lines of sapsucker wells from base to heavenly heights.  Every ancient, uprooted tree had a winter wren scolding and defending the new territory that winter winds had created.  Glimpses of the inlet and beach access were all used as opportunities to scan the water.  By far the most common bird on the water were Buffleheads, the males’ bright white and black heads glowing in the sunshine.  Lesser Scaup abounded and Common Goldeneye were peppered amongst the Buffleheads.

Eventually hunger drove us out of the woods. We took our picnic lunch to Percival Landing. Resting on boardwalk benches over the saltwater, we delighted in the birds of the inlet feasting on their lunch as well.  A Belted Kingfisher perched nearby making a catch of small fry every third try.  Double-crested Cormorants joined the feast in droves.  First, one was diving, then five then ten more traded places under the water.  Most beautiful of all were the Red-breasted Merganser males in spectacular breeding plumage joined by less showy females for a lunch of fish.

Follow Scott and Penny in the next installment of their Olympia birding adventure. If you thought their morning was filled with a variety of species, just wait to see what the afternoon had in store…