Temp in the 40s, overcast, foggy at times, occasional drizzle, Wind 15-25 NW.
Bramblings have started to show up at the feeders in town, but they seem not to linger. This is in contrast to our previous records of one or two birds finding a feeder and then staying there to feed and roost.
The Bramblings are everywhere. One observer today tallied 166! There are many more. There are records of such fallouts on the Western Aleutians, but this is the first such recorded event for the Central Aleutians. It is very enjoyable.
Brambling, Adak, May 17, 2017
The Rustic Bunting and White Wagtail were seen again today in Sweeper Channel!
Across from the High School Spruces, a Semipalmated Plover was trying to lure us away doing the “broken wing” act.
Semipalmated Plover doing the “broken wing” act, May 17, 2017
The fish processing ship in Kuluk Bay continues to attract large pelagics. Today, in addition to many Laysan Albatross, there were several Black-footed Albatross. But still too far for good photos.
The Bar-tailed Godwits continue on Landing Lights Beach.
Bar-tailed Godwits, Landing Lights Beach, May 17, 2017
At Lake Andrew, we had two Common Loons.
Common Loon, Lake Andrew, May 17, 2017
We learned late today, that there was a Yellow-billed Loon on the eastern side of Lake Andrew (in easy photo distance) since Monday! We had only gotten over there once so far this trip and it was fogged in. Yellow-billed is the one loon we have seen several times out here that has never been within photo range. Aargh!!!
There was a pair of Tufted Ducks on Lake Ronnie and several Black Oystercatchers at several locations. The only other shorebird of note was a Wandering Tattler at Clam Lagoon.
One of the other groups had a Short-eared Owl.
We ended today with a call from Aaron that there were a Herring Gull and a Vega Gull at Clam Lagoon. Vega Gull is an Asian subspecies of Herring Gull. We have seen the Vega variety before, but not the “American” Herring Gull out here.
So we headed up there and got to see the Herring, but the Vega had flown off.
“American” Herring Gull, Clam Lagoon, May 17, 2017
Our trip list is 58.
Many of the birders here are leaving tomorrow, but a few are staying until Sunday.
We will miss the extra eyes and ears.