Thursday, May 21, 2015

Some people just can’t leave…

Overcast, but not raining in the early morning. Then increasing wind and rain throughout the day. South wind 35-40 mph.

We headed up to Contractor’s Camp Marsh to look for the Brambling. As we approached the marsh, we spotted a large flock of Cackling Geese circling and landing on the airport — joining another flock already there. We scoured them for other geese, but they were all Cackling. 105 of them.

Cackling Geese, Airport, May 21, 2015

Cackling Geese, Airport, May 21, 2015

The other two groups were over in the marsh looking at Pacific Golden-Plovers. As we neared the fenced-in compound where the Brambling had been seen, we spotted a Gyrfalcon sitting on the fence. We stayed back and called the other two groups and they got to see it and photograph it up close. It finally flew away when we tried to get closer, so my photo is not so hot.

Gyrfalcon, Contractor's Camp Marsh, May 21, 2015

Gyrfalcon, Contractor’s Camp Marsh, May 21, 2015

We didn’t see the Brambling. We cruised around the marsh looking for Wood Sandpipers, which we did not find. However, the Tundra Bean Goose was still in the field where it was yesterday. We saw some more Pacific Golden-Plovers.

Pacific Golden-Plover, Contractor's Camp Marsh, May 21, 2015

Pacific Golden-Plover, Contractor’s Camp Marsh, May 21, 2015

We ran into the High Lonesome group and they reported seeing a flock of Redpolls.

At Clam Lagoon, we had the Black-headed Gull again. At Shotgun Lake, no Smew. If it had been there, it would have been the latest date that we had had one on Adak (not a record though — there is one June record).

Near the Blue Building feeder, we spotted another Gyrfalcon. This one was different from the other as it had a ragged tail.

Gyrfalcon, Clam Lagoon, May 21, 2015

Gyrfalcon, Clam Lagoon, May 21, 2015

At the Breaches, we had our first Ruddy Turnstone for the trip.

Ruddy Turnstone, the Breaches, May 21, 2015

Ruddy Turnstone, the Breaches, May 21, 2015

On the east side of the lagoon, we found only 3 godwits. The Black-headed Gull had also come over to the east side. Back on the west side, we spotted both the Glaucous and Black-headed Gulls.

We headed back to town to see the Sitka birders and find out if the plane was on time. Not only was it not on time, it was cancelled. You see, Typhoon Dolphin was bearing down on us! So they are stuck here until Sunday. You just can’t get rid of some people…

The Sitka Birders, Vicky, Jen, and Kitty.

The Sitka Birders, Vicky, Jen, and Kitty.

We went back out, checked Sweeper Creek and the Airport Ponds, but everything was hiding. We came around near Contractor’s Camp Marsh and spoted some ducks in one of the nearby ponds. One of them was different. It turned out to be a Ring-necked Duck! Our first for Adak and one of only a few records out here.

Ring-necked Duck, Contractor's Camp Marsh, May 21, 2015

Ring-necked Duck, Contractor’s Camp Marsh, May 21, 2015

We went back and let everyone know about the duck, then went to dinner with Sitka.

A few days ago, Barb had the idea of throwing some seed out behind our unit in case a few birds might wander by. Well — after we got back from dinner, Frank looked out and saw the two Hawfinches feeding away!

Our trip list is now 63 — 2 over our average.

One week down and one to go.

 

 

 

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