After some windy conditions over the past few days, today was remarkably calm. At least that was the case where I could see. Crescent Bay in particular seemed like glass. Temperatures were warmer, with highs up in the 50s. It did rain, though not hard any time I was out – it was more of a steady drizzle.
I spent a little time outside today checking on birds. I was able to re-find a shorebird reported at the Turnaround yesterday. It was unclear what it might be from the initial (binocular-less) report, but what I saw was a Dunlin. A good bird for Sitka in the winter. I wonder if it’s the same one that was there earlier with the Marbled Godwit.
Despite many looks by several people over the past couple of days, the Wood Duck along Indian River has not been seen again since Monday. Hopefully it shows up, as it was a fun bird to see, and a number of people would like to get a chance to view it.
Connor got to go out on a boat to look for birds this afternoon. He seemed to enjoy the trip, and said that among other things they saw a bunch of White-winged Scoters and in the Channel there were more than 50 Common Mergansers.
One of the Wood Duck seekers found a Eurasian Wigeon today, another good bird for count week.
Speaking of good birds for the season, I think I didn’t mention before that I was able to see some photos of a Rufous Hummingbird that has been frequenting a feeder in town. After the past couple of years Anna’s Hummingbirds are getting to seem unsurprising in winter, but Rufous Hummingbirds are a different story. It will be interesting to see if this one stays (or makes it) through the winter.