Hi everyone,
On May 17thwe did a ground-based survey on Outer Brewster looking for Common Eider and wading birds. We conducted a thorough search of all but the very eastern tip of the island and found 42 Common Eider nests (average of 4.41 eggs). We estimated approximately 135 adult Black-crowned Night-Herons, 27 Snowy Egrets, 7 Glossy Ibis, and 1 Great Egret in residence in the center island colony. Upon closer inspection we were able to access and count 41 BCNH nests, 21 SNEG nests, and 3 GLIB nests. Snowy Egrets appear to be significantly more abundant then when last counted (12 nests) in 2009. Black-crowned Night-Heron nests were also more abundant then previous counts (36 in 2009). A pair of American Oystercatchers was also observed nesting on the landing beach and a nest with 2 eggs was located. Although (as you all know!) we focus our efforts EXCLUSIVELY on waterbirds, we also collectively (read – Bob & Wayne) managed to spot a variety of migratory species moving through the island, including Parula, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-White Warbler, Black-capped Chickadee (!), Veery, Savannah Sparrow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and an unidentified Empidonax flycatcher.
Snowy Egret nest in Outer Brewster colony (CLT, 5.17.2012).
On May 18th we conducted our first boat-based survey in the Outer Islands. We confirmed what we think was a third pair of AMOY on the east side of Calf Island (2 nest sites were found on the 14th) along with pairs on the landing beaches on Middle and Outer Brewster and spotted a pair on the seawall on Great Brewster. Cormorant and gull numbers appeared similar to previous years (see attached) and will be verified with comparisons to digital photos taken during the survey. We also observed 5 immature Great Cormorants on the Graves and 3 immature Great Cormorants on Outer Brewster; no sign of nesting adults…yet! Following our boat-based circuit, we landed on Middle Brewster where we detected 43 eider nests during a through search of the entire island. For comparison, 28 nests were found there in 2009. No BCNHs were observed on Middle Brewster, though we have found small numbers nesting there in the past.
Waterbird Monitoring volunteer Pat Dolan searching for eider nesting on Middle Brewster (CLT, 5.18.2012).
Nesting Double-crested Cormorants on Middle Brewster (CLT, 5.18.2012).
Hoping to avoid the rain and make it too Sarah in the morning!
-Carol
Field Notes 