2006 Fermilab Bird Report

Winter

Lesser Scaup (Photo by Gene Oleynik)

The 2005 Christmas Bird Count recorded 49 species icluding a Lesser Scaup which is the first time this species has been recorded on the Fermilab part of the count. Record high counts were also obtained for Common Goldeneye (135 which shatters the previous high of 18), Cooper's Hawk (8), Wilson's Snipe (4), Horned Lark (48), Eastern Bluebird (8) and Fox Sparrow (7). On the other hand record low counts were recorded for Rock Pigeon (1) and American Crow (0). The absence of crows is a consequence of the devastation caused by West Nile virus.

The Pied-billed Grebe that wintered on the main ring moat last winter, was back and once again saw out the winter on its favorite section of the main ring moat. Waterfowl in general were readily found throughout the remainder of the winter, reflecting a trend which could well be attributed to global warming.

Rarities recorded this winter included a Bald Eagle and an immature Thayer's Gull.

Spring

Common Loon (Photo by Ann Sullivan)

The early spring migration produced few surprises. The most unusual finds were a Merlin and a Common Loon. Of particular interest however, was the March 15th arrival of American Woodcocks at their display grounds in the southern half of the main ring. This was important because the entire ring had been burnt earlier in the season and there was some concern that they might return. It appears that they do not mind, provided the burn occurs before they arrive.

Late spring is when birders turn their attention from the lakes to the woods since at this time of year waterfowl migration has tailed off and warbler migration starts up. This year however was an exception to that rule. The number and variety of warblers (and other land birds) was very disappointing whereas migrant waterfowl persisted on site well into May. The biggest surprise was a female Bufflehead that was still to be found on A.E.Sea on May 22. Apart from the late waterfowl, the most unusual find during this period was a Western Meadowlark inside the Main Ring on May 8.

Summer

King Rail (Photo by Jed Hertz)

The most significant event this summer was the confirmation of breeding King Rails in the Lake Logo area. On July 23 and 24 an adult bird was observed along the shores of the lake accompanied by two chicks. We even got to watch the adult catch a crayfish and feed it to the youngsters. We have suspected that this state endangered species was breeding in this area ever since one was spotted there on June 9, 2002.

Other significant breeding records this summer included a Hooded Merganser on Lake Logo and several Pied-billed Grebes on A.E.Sea. The latter is noteworthy because the character of that lake had changed significantly since last year's drought. This year it contained large amounts of cattails and other aquatic vegetation that attracted a number a waterbirds not often seen on site during the summer. Apart from the record numbers of grebes, we also found a Least Bittern, Soras, an Osprey, and an American Wigeon.

For several weeks in the early summer a Clay-colored Sparrow was repeatedly found singing from the same location in the sparrow hedge area. This was the first sign of potential breeding on site for this species.

Fall

Clay-colored Sparrow (Photo by Gary Davis)

Fall migration was fairly uneventful. Unlike last year, there was very little shorebird habitat except for Lake Logo which for reasons unknown, was mostly dry by the end of summer. The more unusual sightings occurred late in the season when both Harris's Sparrow and Le Conte's Sparrow were found on a couple of occasions. More unusual perhaps were extremely late records for both Grasshopper Sparrow and Clay-colored Sparrow in the garden club area. The latter lingered on until early November.