Wednesday, October 2, 2024

This post was delayed, as high winds on Adak interrupted internet access (It shakes the Star-Link antenna dishes too much for a steady signal).

Temps in the 40s-50s, overcast, drizzle in the early morning, then a break, then rain starting in mid-afternoon, Wind WSW 10-25 mph

Weather, October 2, 2024

I finally caught site of the Brant at Clam Lagoon that Aaron had reported a few days ago.

I have seen Brant here 4 times before (the last one in May this year). All of my previous sightings have been in spring.

At Andrew Lake, both the male Tufted Duck and Ring-necked Duck were on the lake where you first approach it (on the west shore). Here is a better (though still distant) photo of the Ring-neck.

Ring-necked Duck, Andrew Lake, October 2, 2024

I went back to Lake Jean and halfway down the hill, I stopped to scope the waterfowl before they flew. I spotted a flock of mergansers and the first one I zoomed in on appeared to have a sharp white throat (Common). Aaron had reported a possible Common Merganser at at the north end of Andrew Lake yesterday, but it swam out of view before he could confirm it.

The birds flew before I could get any closer, but I got some flight shots. Aaron thginks the bird on the right might be a Goosander (the Asian subspecies of Common Merganser).

Common Mergansers, Lake Jean, October 2, 2024

We will look for them again tomorrow.

Today, the Pectoral Sandpiper and Song Sparrow were sharing the kelp patch.

Song Sparrow (far right) and Pectoral Sandpiper (far left), Seawall, October 2, 2024

They are predicting West winds of 40-50 mph tomorrow!

Bring on the birds!

The Trip List is 59. The Year List is 89.

Today’s List: https://ebird.org/checklist/S197305720

Trip List: https://ebird.org/tripreport/277586?welcome=true