Posted by Robin on November 19, 2003 at 12:20:54:
In Reply to: Crandon Beach: American Golden-Plover posted by Robin Diaz on November 17, 2003 at 18:10:49:
There were 2 American Golden-Plovers this morning on Crandon flats. The one I saw Monday had a distinct dark smudge on the left side of breast, but I haven't seen that one again. There were ~125 Black-bellied Plovers yesterday, but no golden-plovers. Today there were 102 Black-bellieds with 2 golden, so perhaps the compostion changes somewhat daily. The larger plovers leave on incoming tide and do not return in afternoon, even on low tide.
Dunlin numbers are increasing, Short-billed Dowitchers are numerous (and vocalizing for ID), Semipalmated and Wilson's Plovers are abundant and Piping Plovers number 35-39. There are 7 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, only 1 Ring-billed so far and only 2-3 Herring. Yesterday, a young Herring dropped a seed pod 7-8 times onto the soft sand, hoping to open it.
A flock of 9 frigatebirds over the bay was unusual, but even stranger when they joined a kettle of Turkey Vultures. Aside from 2 youngsters and 1 female, the rest of the frigatebirds were adult males.
I have not seen the Black Scoters since 12:30 PM on Monday (11/17).