Hi all, sorry this is a little late. On Wednesday of
this week we had a juvenal Ancient Murrelet near the
South east end of Anderson Island.
Yesterday we had to wait for the fog to clear a
bit before we could head out on the water. As we
motored out at about 1115 we saw a Tufted Puffin
inside of Ediz Hook with a small raft of Rhinocerous
Auklets. Soon after we had a group of Cassin's
Auklets just outside of the hook. I was excited for
the first encounter of this species on our transects
this year, and a year bird for me as well. I figured
we were lucky to have seen them, then the fog began to
lift, and it was obvious that there were many more in
the area.
In total on our transects from Angeles point to
Green Point we had:
Marbled Murrelet: 95
Cassin's Auklet : 279
Rhino: 144
Red-necked Phalarope: 36
Common Murre: 135
Ancient Murrelet: 4
Pigeon GUillemot: 42
We also had a strange Murrelet that appeared
shorter billed, with a markedly pale face, especially
behind the bill and in front of the eye. The bird
flew off, though we neglected to bring cameras
yesterday, due to the impending foul weather. When it
flew it gave a call reminiscent of what we are used to
with normal MAMUs, but a little lower. It did not
sound like the "groan" call whatsoever that some of
the literature describes. It was more of a basic
"keer" but just a shade lower in tone. One of those
occurances, where you just have to kick yourself and
be content with never knowing.
Sorry that this is late, and I can't report if any
of the Cassin's are still around, though yesterday
they certainly would have been within scope view, and
closer at times. Also, regrettably, yesterday was my
last survey, so no more fun on the water. It's off to
the east side, and the Entiat river for a bit for me.
Good birding,
Drew Wheelan

Andrew S. Wheelan
www.hermaninstitute.org
The Herman Institute of Biological Studies



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