Summer finally came with temperatures in the upper 60's. Southbound shorebird movements were right on schedule. The most impressive migrant was the LESSER SAND-PLOVER that spent about 4 days on the Necanicum Estuary. Several SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS and at least 1 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER were also reported.
Above average ocean temperatures farther south and west have pushed large numbers of NORTHERN ANCHOVY nearshore. They are congregating between Tillamook Head and Gearhart attracting spectacular numbers of seabirds and mammals. At least one juvenile SABINE'S GULL has been lurking on the edge of a flock of well over 10,000 CALIFORNIA GULLS on Little Beach. HEERMANN'S GULL numbers are also remarkable at about 5000 on most days, the greatest concentrations at Seaside Cove. COMMON MURRES, BROWN PELICANS and all three cormorant species are in abundance as well.
A HUMP-BACKED WHALE, HARBOR PORPOISES, seals and sealions are also putting on quite a show.
In butterfly news, the numbers of butterflies at Saddle Mountain and Nicolai have been disappointing. It's hard to know wheather this is the result of the weird, below average June weather, the above average early spring temperatures or something human caused (like spraying). Butterfly counts on Clatsop Plains are showing early peaks for both nectaring plants and some lep species.
Posted by mbalame at August 1, 2005 5:56 PM