Posted by Robin Diaz on November 19, 2002 at 19:51:49:
NE winds have produced another seabird show. Yesterday a Cory's Shearwater got close enough for good ID and a flock of 12 (probable) phalaropes flew low to the water. Today a flock of 15-18 dark scoters flew south but distance was too great for more detail. Later, a jaeger showed up and seemed compelled to pester every tern it encountered. I ruled out Pomarine due to its svelte shape. I'll assume it to be a Parasitic because of its proximity to shore and the fact that white was easy to see on top of the wing while it performed acrobatics. Two small flocks of ducks were fairly close, but I got on them too late to see more than a couple of field marks. I ruled out mergansers and most dark-headed ducks. The body shape (compact), size and facial pattern suggested female Long-tailed Ducks.
There were many flocks of Northern Gannets with 11 to 41 birds in each flock. There were also many 2's and 3's of adults. One of the frigatebirds was constantly diving on terns.
At Baggs, the Blackpoll Warbler is still present. Also: 2 Broad-winged Hawks, 2 Magnolia and 1-2 Orange-crowned Warblers. Peregrine Falcon and Short-tailed Hawk are over the Village periodically.