As the fall progresses, winds are beginning to intensify! Towards late fall, strong winds in the Straits area lead to substantial movements of waterbirds.
Productive flights of loons have dominated counts this week. Over 800 migrating Common Loons were tallied from 09/24/23-00/30/23! In certain conditions, migrants hold their bills open to help thermoregulate (see photo). Red-throated Loons are also passing through in high numbers, with a total of 74 this week.
On 09/24/23, a Forster’s Tern was spotted heading East past McGulpin Point! This species will transit through the upper Great Lakes heading to coastal saltwater marshes. This represents the first eBird record for the count site. Numerous flocks of Common Terns (24) have been recorded over the last month.
A push of migrant Common Mergansers was a high point this week. Red-breasted Mergansers have started to arrive in significant numbers. Small flocks of Surf Scoters have now been tallied, the first of the fall.
Other highlights this week include a second Cackling Goose for the count on 09/24/2023. Both individuals have been spotted from McGulpin Point, traveling among the vast flocks of Canada Geese.
