[The Chesapeake Baywatch is conducted daily from Civil Dawn
until midday from an elevated bluff located north of Kiptopeke State Park. All
species moving both into and out of the Bay are identified, counted, and
recorded.]
Migration in the Bay was again generally unspectacular
during the period with small numbers of the expected species but no large
flights. Northern Gannets and Common Loons were seen almost daily, but only in
small numbers. Black and Surf Scoter numbers have been low but seem to be
increasing slightly. Small dabbling duck flights have been occurring on some
days with Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, and Green-winged Teal accounting for
most of the birds.
Certainly the week’s best bird (and no doubt a season highlight!) was
an immature Black-legged Kittiwake on 15 Oct. The bird was rather close and
gave a beautiful view in the scope as it moved north into the Bay.
 |
| Black-legged Kittiwake. "Close" is a relative term when seawatching, and obtaining a photograph of a migrating bird over the Bay is most often impossible. In the scope, this bird was quite stunning. Even in this photo the very dark "M" pattern on the upperwing, the black hind-collar, and the black tail tip are evident. Photo by Steve Kolbe. |
Other highlights included the first White-winged Scoter of
the season on 15 Oct and an immature Parasitic Jaeger heading north into the
Bay on the same day. The first Bonaparte’s Gull of the season was detected on
the 18th. A female Common Eider was sitting out in front of the
bluff at first light on 17 Oct and eventually drifted down to the Concrete
Ships off Kiptopeke State Park. It continues to be seen, often very close to the boat
launch, at the time of this post.
 |
| Female Common Eider. Note sloping forehead and large bill. |
