Double-wow!
Temp in the 40s, mostly cloudy, wind WNW 15-25 mph.
The Common Sandpiper (or another one) that has been hanging around Sweeper Channel was there again this morning and actually didn’t fly off before we got there!
Common Sandpiper, Sweeper Channel, May 25, 2017.
At Contractors’ Camp Marsh, we finally caught up with a couple of friendly Wood Sandpipers.
Wood Sandpiper, Contractors’ Camp Marsh, May 25, 2017.
Overnight, the Red-necked Stint flock grew to 62(!), but we lost 2 Dunlin, as there were only 7 this morning. As far as we can tell, this is a North American record for quantity of Red-necked Stints.
Red-necked Stints and Dunlins, Clam Lagoon, May 25, 2017.
As we were leaving Shotgun Lake, the Peregrine Falcon that has been hanging around — but eluding us — made an appearance.
Peregrine Falcon, Shotgun Lake, May 25, 2017
On out second trip around Clam Lagoon this afternoon, as we just got to the Seawall, we got a call from Jim that they had 2(!) Lesser Sand-Plovers — or Mongolian Plovers, as I like to call them — on the Clam Lagoon Flats.
We raced around and, low-and-behold, there they were — up-close-and-personal — right along the edge of the lagoon about 30 yards from the roadside. We have seen them before on September trips — in non-breeding plumage — so this was an extra treat, seeing them in all their finery.
Lesser Sand-Plovers, Clam Lagoon, May 25, 2017.
Lesser Sand-Plover, Clam Lagoon, May 25, 2017.
Lesser Sand-Plover, Clam Lagoon, May 25, 2017.
Wow!
As we were driving back o town, we scoped a flock of gulls on Navfac Beach and saw what appeared to be a dark-backed Gull. We were too far to be sure, so I went down the road a bit and climbed the sand dune to get a closer look. Just before I crested the dune, they all took off, but then returned. I could not find a (or the) dark-backed gull, but as I was scanning the flock, a Black-headed Gull flew in and settled in behind all the big guys! I started walking up the dune to get a better angle, but I couldn’t relocate him. I assume he flew off as I was watching where I was stepping.
But wait, there’s more…
We had just finished eating dinner, when Jim called to say they had a White Wagtail at Landing Lights Beach. We raced up there, where they were standing on the dunes, watching as the bird took flight. However, we saw it and followed its flight path. It disappeared up the beach toward Nacfac Creek, so we raced up there and, as we stopped, I spotted the bird down on the creek where it flows onto the beach. The others quickly caught up and got to see it again, also.
White Wagtail, Navfac Creek Beach, May 25, 2017.
So after 20 trips to Adak, always wanting — but failing — to see a wagtail, we have now had two of each — white and yellow!
Our trip list is now 77! Our best ever, and there are still three days to go!
What’s gonna show up next?
PS: The flight to Adak today was cancelled due to volcanic ash erupting out of a volcano somewhere east of us. They plan a flight tomorrow. Lets hope the volcano doesn’t stop our Sunday ride home.