Despite some annoying sea fog that played havoc with visibility, our inaugural Northwood & Beyond walk turned up some interesting birds, and some interesting discussions. Despite the pea-souper, there was clearly bird movements taking place, as little trips of American Oystercatchers trickled along the tideline and frantic groups of Sanderling played Canute in the surf. Perhaps our best surprise was the first Piping Plover of the season, first found for us moments before by the ever diligent Tom Reed. And it was perhaps very fitting that, by the time we saw the bird, Chris Davis of Fish & Wildlife’s shorebird team was already on site and studying the bird. From Chris, we learned that pink markers have been put on a few birds during the winter in The Bahamas, so we encourage everyone to keep an eye out for those and report them should you find any – it will help us have a better understanding of where the various wintering grounds are for the various breeding populations.
Somewhat sadder, but still eliciting much discussion, was the discovery of a dead Red-necked Grebe and a Horned Grebe on the beach. A number of other waterbird species have been found washed up in the area in recent days and it is possible that we are seeing some of those that simply didn’t make it through the worst of the winter weather.
A great walk, with some good birds, good discussion, and good coffee afterwards. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, and Catherine Busch.
