ABB - April 24th

[dclark32]

Was up early this morning so headed into Ashbridge's Bay to see what I could find, and came up with the first new arrivals in almost a week.  A pair of Blue-winged Teal were sitting on a tire in the marina, and a Black-and-White Warbler was foraging in a tree along the woodland path that runs along the fence just past the parking lot.  Other birds of note included a Field Sparrow (found yesterday) on the Southern edge of the Northwest prong, Brown Thrasher (same place), Gnatcatcher (Eastern side) and two Pine Warblers.  Additionally, the raft of Red-necked Grebes continues to hang around the park, albeit in somewhat reduced numbers.

Another week or so and the floodgates should really open!  Good birding all.

Doug Clark

[mr.sharp-photo]

i think "floodgates" is the operative word.
i have a feeling tis year will be nuts

[nana]

Around noon I saw the Black and White Warbler by the same fenceline and also the Towhee that has been along that path for the past while. The Warbling Vireo(s) were in the tall fir trees by the parking lot, but no sign of the Blue-winged Teal. Still several Horned Grebes, 3 very vocal Kingfishers, Hermit Thrush, YB Sapsucker, Flickers and a possible Savannah Sparrow.

[paul_reeves]

Yesterday (23rd) I saw and photographed some Chipping Sparrows but only saw one briefly today.

[Laurel]

We saw 5 black-crowned night herons last night - they flew into a tree near the bay one by one!

[dclark32]

A couple of additional arrivals from today, just before the rain started.  Savannah Sparrow (which I suppose confirms the previous probable) and Palm Warbler.  Also Chipping Sparrow, which was an overdue first of the year for me.  With strong easterly winds, passerines were concentrated in the sheltered areas of the driveway, the downhill side of the East side of the marina, and the northwest prong.  Many swallows as well, though difficult to identify because of the speed at which they were whizzing around.

Will be out again tomorrow am when the rain will have hopefully stopped to see what the storm knocks down.

[vivekgk]

This morning at ABB (9:30-13:30). Very windy-many birds were on or just above the ground in the numerous thickets/tangles.

Chimney Swift-2-SW tip
Spotted Sandpiper-2-on the rocks just south west of Woodbine Beach.
American Woodcock-1-flushed from tangle about 200 metres south west of Woodbine Beach.
Iceland Gull- 1 summer adult and 3 immature birds (1 x 3rd winter, 2 x 2nd winter)- immatures in the bay off the SW tip, adult in the marina.
Glaucous Gull- 1-Summer adult flying east along Woodbine Beach.
Warbling Vireo-1- in the willow trees just east of the marina.
Cliff (x1), Bank (x4), Northern-rough winged (x10) Swallows- with a large group of Tree and Barn Swallows over the marina.
Black-and-white Warbler-1- in dogwood thicket at the SW tip.
Pine Warbler-1-in trees just east of the restaurant.
Field Sparrow-1- foraging below the willow trees just east of the marina.
Savannah Sparrow-1- On the grass east of the fence bordering the yacht club.

[dclark32]

Saw your checklist on ebird earlier Vivek - you had one heck of a day, especially considering the wind.  Nicely done!

[vivekgk]

Hi Doug,

I was quite surprised myself. The wind was very bad when I started but conditions improved marginally between 10 and 11:30, causing the birds
to become slightly more active. Hopefully, there will be some new arrivals this weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed for a few more warblers!

Cheers
Vivek

[mr.sharp-photo]

doug,
think we met today.
saw a palm warbler near the front.