Dawn Chorus Update #7: Enjoying Spring Migration at Flynn Pond

[Stephen Chase]

Hi Whatcom Birds,

Early this morning I was back at Flynn Pond, this time to experience migration in full swing. It won't be long before the species diversity here drops off significantly, but right now, it's excellent! I tallied 52 species on my walk this morning, including seven shorebird species.

The dawn chorus was already underway on my arrival at 5:21am: a soundscape of Red-Winged Blackbirds, Marsh Wrens, American Bitterns, Common Yellowthroats, and other marsh specialties. An early start also gives the opportunity for dawn photography; the morning fog made for a scenic sunrise! 

Once the sun rose, the gruiformes took center stage: Soras whinnying, Virginia Rails kiddikking, and American Coots croaking. One of my favorite things about Flynn Pond is how much it feels like a pond in the Okanogan, with many of the classic birds of that habitat: American Coots, Soras, Northern Shovelers, Pied-billed Grebes, and today, even a Yellow-headed Blackbird! They pass through the area in small numbers every spring, making themselves heard with their not-so-melodious songs.

Migrating shorebirds were a hit today also. Just before sunrise, a flock of about 60 Hudsonian Whimbrels flew overhead. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Least Sandpipers, and Black-bellied Plovers foraged in puddles south of the retention pond, occasionally giving nice views as they wheeled overhead before landing again in the distant fields. They're on their way to the high Arctic to breed; what a treat for us that they choose to stop over in our area for just a few days on their epic northbound migration!

We'll soon lose the shorebirds and ducks as they head north and inland, but in their place will come the next major wave of neotropical passerines, and our foothills especially will feel the increased diversity in birdsong, particularly with warblers, flycatchers, and of course the ethereal fluting of the Swainson's Thrush. I can't wait!

In Everson,

Stephen Chase