Influx of Long-tailed Ducks

Conditions at McGulpin today were ideal for counting, with excellent visibility and near-perfectly still waters. This revealed season-high numbers of resting Long-tailed Ducks strung out across the straits (~1300). Their distinctive noisy calls can be heard from great distances, as they are often the only waterbird vocalizing at any given moment. The haunting wail of an occasional resting Common Loon is always a welcome sound as well. I was also excited to see the first Bonaparte’s Gull of the season at Graham yesterday, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of these handsome gulls!