The weather had improved today; thin cloud cover, low heat shimmer, easterly winds averaging five miles per hour, and rising temperatures. The bird activity had also improved considerably as well. For example, the first Common Loon of this season was sighted loafing to the west this morning, and there were Long-tailed Ducks on their way east throughout the early hours, including a small group of thirteen that came within fifty yards of shore. A passing ship from the west managed to stir up a large raft of Long-tailed Ducks in the distance, bringing them into view, and putting their numbers into the familiar high counts of last spring. Raptor activity had also recovered from the previous day, with many Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and a lone American Kestrel on the move again. Other surprises for the day included a Northern Shrike and adult female Pileated Woodpecker.
Canada Goose – 8
Mallard – 2
Redhead – 2
Greater Scaup – 1
Long-tailed Duck – 496
Common Goldeneye – 8
Common Merganser – 12
Red-breasted Merganser – 359
Common Loon – 1
duck sp. – 49
Other Species:
Turkey Vulture – 20
Accipiter sp. – 3
Bald Eagle – 3
Red-tailed Hawk – 14
Buteo sp. – 41
American Kestrel – 1
