Should a desire to burn off some calories and move about after planned feasting this week occur, grab a pair of binoculars - or better yet a spotting scope - and head down to the closest beach. Check out the birds that are sitting on, flying over, and diving under the water’s surface. From virtually any location one will see both Common and Red-throated Loons. These fish-eating birds are relatively large and actively pursue fish in near-shore waters. Take a look in a field guide at these species and then try to differentiate them. With a little practice, given adequate views, you will soon separate them with ease.
Areas that have lots of loons, generally means there are good numbers of fish, which also attract red-breasted mergansers. These sleek ducks with long bills with serrated edges for holding slippery fish, often fish together in loosely organized flocks, much like double-crested cormorants. They will form a line and drive small fish towards a shoreline, shoal or other barrier and attempt to corner and catch them.
This in turn attracts small gulls in the form of Bonaparte’s gulls and occasionally some other species. It is always a good idea to check out feeding groups of gulls and see what birds are in the mix. A little farther from shore, it will be small black and white alcids called razorbills driving the bait to the surface for the gulls to chase. These handsome birds are worth watching all by themselves, but when feeding they spend 97 per cent of their time underwater so one has to look quickly.
This is an excerpt of the Weekly Bird Report. Audio of the full essay is posted above.
