by
Jukka Jantunen
Rocky Point Bird Observatory, RPBO, is one of four currently active Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) member stations in British Columbia. The data coming from RPBO is of great importance when assessing the population trends of many coastally breeding and migrating birds as none of the other stations is situated on the coast. RPBO study site is located on Department of National Defence (DND) lands within the property of the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD - Rocky Point). The geography of it's location in the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island makes it a natural migrant trap and thus an ideal place for a Bird Observatory monitoring bird migration.
This report outlines the activities of the fall migration monitoring season in 2004, the 11th year of the station's operation. The data presented in this report was derived from unproofed field data set and may contain errors.
The field work was conducted over a 90 day period from July 21 to October 18 and the methodology followed the methodology established in the previous years and can be found, for example, in Jantunen (2004). At the time of writing, the data regarding net hours and weather was not available for the author.
One could say that the season opened even before the official opening day as the greatest banding rarity of the year, an adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, was caught during pre-season banding workshop! It stayed in the area until at least Aug 4. The actual season opened with 50 birds banded, just five birds less than the opening day record set a year ago. The early season captures were largely the usual suspects for that time of the year and included many Wilson's Warblers, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, White-crowned and Song Sparrows, Chestnut-backed Chickadees and so on. Some of the more interesting captures included an early Hammond's Flycatcher on Jul 25, a Cedar Waxwing on Jul 26, two Black-headed Grosbeaks on Jul 28, and a male Townsend's Warbler on Jul 29 as well as a high number of Brown Creepers. Although birding wasn't at it's most exciting, as is often the case at that time of the year, shorebirding was quite productive and semi rarities included a Solitary Sandpiper on Jul 24, a Ruddy Turnstone on Jul 25, two Sanderlings, the only ones for the season on Jul 26, and a juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper on Jul 30. Other interesting birds included a Tufted Puffin on Jul 22, and two Brown Pelicans, one on Jul 24 and the other or the same one again on Jul 30. Two separate Tree Swallows and a few Caspian Terns added to the excitement but for sure the phenomenon of the early season was the occurrence of Ring-billed Gulls which were seen in unprecedented numbers, including 15 on Jul 31.
August started with a very slow pace, especially at the nets as some days the catch was no more than 12 birds and even on the best days the catch didn't break 40. The species composition was pretty dull too but a couple of Hutton's Vireos and Townsend's Warblers, a Black-throated Gray Warbler and Cassin's Vireo kept the spirits up. Easily the rarest catch was a House Sparrow – the first one banded at RPBO for about ten years! Some new migrants were noted including an early Varied Thrush and an early Ruby-crowned Kinglet, both on Aug 1. One place where there was lots of action was the water and the seawatching was lots of fun even though no rarities were seen. There were masses of birds numbering in the thousands. Some of the high counts were 1530 California Gulls on Aug 8, and 4700 Common Murres and 1800 Rhinoceros Auklets on Aug 10. In the forest it was a chickadee city with over 260 tallied on the best day! Some of the rarer species seen were a Northern Pygmy Owl on Aug 3 and 4, a Western Wood-Pewee on Aug 3, a Bank Swallow on Aug 9, and a Wandering Tattler on Aug 10.
A few more birds found our nets closer to the mid month including at that point season high 73 on Aug 17. Species featuring prominently in the nets were Pacific-slope Flycatcher (22 on Aug 17), Willow Flycatcher (seven on Aug 20), Yellow Warbler (many on a number of days and 15 on Aug 17), Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned and Wilson's Warbler (several on a number of days), and Lincoln's Sparrow (six on Aug 19). No rarities were caught but lack of those was compensated by good numbers of cute Red-breasted Nuthatches. This period was slow birding wise but did include some nice sightings like 110 Red Crossbills on Aug 11, four Western Tanagers on Aug 17, the first American Pipits on Aug 18, a Wandering Tattler on Aug 20, and a couple of Baird's and Solitary Sandpipers.
The last third of August was an exciting period especially rarity wise as something unusual was seen almost every day and it also saw an increase in the number of birds banded. The goodies for Aug 21 were a Black-legged Kittiwake and the season's first Steller's Jay from the nets, for Aug 22 a Wandering Tattler and a real surprise Ring-necked Pheasant while on Aug 23 a Baird's Sandpiper was seen. Aug 26 and 27 were good banding days with 60 and 67 birds banded. The top banding species for these days were Pacific-slope Flycatcher and Orange-crowned Warbler, and also the first one of the record number of Golden-crowned Sparrows was netted. On Aug 26, however, the bird of the day was not one from the nets but a fly-over Upland Sandpiper. On Aug 28 that title went for the blood-hungry Pileated Woodpecker one of very few ever banded in RPBO. The next day a brief Bar-tailed Godwit, the 1st for RPBO, stole the show while on Aug 30 a couple of lesser but still exciting rarities, a Bank Swallow and an American Golden-Plover, kept everyone on their toes waiting for the next good bird.
September started well with 102 birds, mostly Orange-crowned and Yellow Warblers and Lincoln's Sparrows, banded on Sep 1 and good banding days continued for another few days. The best ones of those were 80 birds on Sep 3, mostly Lincoln's and Fox Sparrows, and 82 birds on Sep 7, including the usual warblers, sparrows and a half-a-dozen Swainson's Thrushes. A Northern Waterthrush, first seen on Sep 3 and then banded on Sep 6 was the bird of the period. The birds outside the nets were a Whimbrel on Sep 4, Brown Pelican, ten Black Swifts, and a Townsend's Solitaire on Sep 5, an evening swirl of at least 250 Vaux's Swifts on Sep 6, and 360 Red-necked Phalaropes on Sep 8.
The mid September period was all about banding. On Sep 12, 132 birds including 18 Pacific-slope Flycatchers and 17 Winter Wrens, were banded and then, on Sep 19, the RPBO's all time one day banding record of 203 birds kept the banders busy. The highlight of the day, besides the sheer numbers, was the RPBO's 1st banding record of Red-breasted Sapsucker. And if one thought that was it, well, it wasn't. 172 birds were banded on Sep 20 including mostly the same species as on the previous day i.e. 50+ Golden-crowned and tens of Fox Sparrows and Spotted Towhees. Good birds outside the nets were plentiful too but there was very little time for looking around. A Tennessee Warbler was seen on Sep 15, 640 Red-necked Phalaropes on Sep 16, and three Broad-winged Hawks on Sep 20.
Sep 21 was yet another good banding day with 95 birds and the observing produced a late Cliff Swallow. On Sep 23 the only Mourning Dove for the season was seen. On Sep 24 the banding was good with 91 birds of 22 species. The variety was great and included a gorgeous male intergrade Northern Flicker. A juvenile Golden Eagle, a Wood Duck, and a Horned Lark were the best birds outside the nets. Sep 26 was great day to have ones eyes fixed on the sky as 760 Turkey Vultures, 200 Band-tailed Pigeons and 85 American Pipits were tallied and a Yellow-headed Blackbird made a brief appearance. The same was the case with Sep 28 but this time it was Snow Geese, more than 1500 of them, that stole the show. Also seen were 700 Turkey Vultures, a Broad-winged Hawk, and a Lapland Longspur while a juvenile female Cooper's Hawk from the nets was a handful. The last two days of September were good banding days with 119 and 101 birds banded. The species of those days was Ruby-crowned Kinglet with over 70 banded. Also common captures were Spotted Towhee and Golden-crowned Sparrow. The best of observing were a Franklin's Gull, and tens if not hundreds of Pine Siskins and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
October started with mediocre banding but a few good birds seen or banded every day. On Oct 1 a Swamp Sparrow was banded and an Anna's Hummingbird and a Swainson's Hawk were seen, on Oct 2 another Swamp Sparrow found the nets, and observing produced a Horned Lark. On Oct 3 a Nashville Warbler was banded while Oct 4 offered 48 Ruby-crowned Kinglets and a Barred Owl banded and an adult and a juvenile Golden Eagle put up a good show for people to see. Oct 6 was an entertaining raptor day with at least 55 Red-tailed, one Broad-winged, and 40 Sharp-shinned Hawks but the real bomb dropped on Oct 7 when a White-winged Dove blasted across the upper field! Unfortunately the good rarity run was cut short by rain for the next couple of days.
A juvenile Broad-winged Hawk on Oct 11 was one of the latest ones ever in RPBO and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher on the same day was also behind the schedule. A Palm Warbler on Oct 13 was a nice treat and even more so was a Northern Saw-whet Owl roosting near the banding hut on Oct 15. Five Varied Thrushes were banded on Oct 16 – as many as the previous season record! Also seen that day were a number of Lapland Longspurs and two Western Meadowlarks. The season ended nicely with a Swamp Sparrow and a Northern Goshawk seen in the front, and the nets found the season's second Nashville Warbler and an Anna's Hummingbird – RPBO's first ever banding record!
In total, 4001 birds of 57 species were banded this season. The banding total is a new record (3716 in 2003) but the species total was the third highest falling four species short of the record set in 2003. A new single day banding record was set on September 19 when 203 birds were banded.
One new species, Red-breasted Sapsucker, was banded during the standard banding and two new species, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Anna's Hummingbird, were banded as a result of non-standard banding. Also, an amazing 17 species set a new single season banding record: Cooper's Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Steller's Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Varied Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow! The new records compared to the old records can be found in Table 2. Even in a year this productive some species were banded in below average numbers and especially poor numbers were recorded for American Goldfinch (lowest ever), Chipping Sparrow (majority with foot deformities!), Savannah Sparrow (lowest since 1998) and Wilson's Warbler (lowest since 1998).
In this chapter every species recorded, whether banded or not, during the season has been dealt with some detail. The species appear in taxonomic order and the taxonomy follows American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) "Check-list of North American Birds", 7th Edition, 45th Supplement (200) also followed in the latest Rocky Point Bird Observatory Checklist of Birds (Allinson 2004). Immediately under each species name are one to four different figures and always in the same order. First comes the Banded figure which is the number of individuals banded this season. If that number is in brackets, it means that those birds were banded as non-standards. The next figure is ET number, simply all the daily ETs of the season summed up and thus it also includes all the banded birds. This kind of a total of daily counts without an attempt to subtract possible overlap of individuals staying from one day to an other is called a number of bird days. This ET figure was introduced here as a simple way of comparing the results from different years of, especially, species that fall outside the banding coverage. As one can see from the above, the PKS (Probable Known Stop-over) was not considered as its impact to the usefulness of this figure was thought to be negligible. The next figure, NS, stands for Non Standard. This is the difference between the season sum of DST and ET, and indicates how many new birds were added after the seven hour standard period. For some species, especially seabirds, this number was so significant that in the species account it was chosen to use DST over ET for the analysis. The final figure is the number of days when the species was recorded during the season i.e. the maximum value here is 90. This is simply an attempt to quantify how common a particular species is – possibly and hopefully another useful index for comparing the differences between years and extracting trends from the data. The banding analysis is less comprehensive compared to the 2003 report because at the time of writing the actual banding data was not available to the author.
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
ET 2, 2 days
Only two sightings of singles: on Sep 16 and Oct 1.
Snow Goose Chen caerulescens
ET 1222, NS 360, 2 days
On Sep 28 a strong Snow Goose migration took place and during the day a total of 1579 geese were tallied flying south-east. The only other sighting was of three birds on Oct 16.
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
ET 529, NS 44, 64 days
Small numbers, mostly probably local breeders, present through the season. In October a few small flocks of migrants were noted. The high counts were 40 on Oct 10 and 30 on Oct 4.
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
ET 3, 3 days
Probably the same bird was observed three times, on Sep 24, Sep 26, and Sep 28.
American Wigeon Anas americana
ET 37, 11 days
The first one was seen on Sep 8 and 12 was the high count on Sep 15.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
ET 629, NS 11, 82 days
Present in small numbers throughout the season. The highest counts were made early in the season and included 28 on Jul 31, 30 on Aug 1, and 25 on Aug 4.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
ET 4, 4 days
Four sightings of probably three different birds. First on Aug 7 and 8, then Sep 2, and last Sep 23.
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
ET 84, 18 days
The first one was seen on Aug 15 and the high counts were 32 on Sep 15 and 20 on Sep 28.
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca
ET 109, 27 days
The first ones were singles on Jul 25 and Aug 10. The peak counts were 29 on Sep 15 and 12 on Oct 15.
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
ET 60, 24 days
The first three were seen on Jul 26 but very few other records were made on the first half of the season. The majority of the sightings occurred in September and October but the counts remained low. The high count was eight on Sep 6 and four were seen on four different days, once in September and three times in October. The median date was Sep 30.
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
ET 935, NS 204, 54 days
Present throughout the season in varying numbers without any clear pattern. The highest counts (DST) were 85 on Aug 31, 100 on Sep 18, and 133 on Oct 16. The median date was Sep 17.
White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca
ET 76, NS 21, 15 days
The first ones were seen on Jul 22 and Aug 9, and the highest numbers were 13 on Sep 19, 15 on Oct 17, and 24 on Oct 18.
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
ET 1, 1 day
Just one was seen, on Oct 16.
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
ET 1, 1 day
One was seen on Oct 16.
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
ET 4, 3 days
Three sightings: singles on Oct 5 and Oct 15, and two on Oct 18.
Common Merganser Mergus merganser
ET 419, 34 days
A flock of 28 on Aug 31 was the first record for the season and after that mergansers were seen in varying numbers till the end of the season. Besides the aforementioned flock, the high counts included 31 on Sep 25 and 40 on Oct 11. The median date was Sep 29.
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
ET 20, NS 1, 2 days
Two sightings: one on Sep 14 and 20 on Oct 16.
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchius
ET 1, 1 day
One was heard on Aug 22.
California Quail Callipepla californica
ET 1518, NS 107, 85 days
Recorded on most days in small flocks but on some days the roadside on upper field was filled with quail. The high counts included 73 on Jul 31, 68 on Aug 4, 67 on Aug 5, 51 on Sep 25, and 75 on Oct 15.
Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata
ET 7, 4 days
Four records: singles on Aug 4, Sep 16, and Oct 16, and four on Sep 14.
Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica
ET 83, NS 4, 23 days
The first one was seen on Aug 25 and the highest counts were 14 on Oct 1, 14 on Oct 10, and ten on Oct 18. The median date was Oct 5.
Common Loon Gavia immer
ET 67, 29 days
The first two records were on Jul 23 and Aug 7 but the majority wasn't seen until in September and October. The highest count was six on Sep 14 and five were seen on three days two of which were in September and one in October. The median date was Sep 24.
Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
ET 3, 2 days
Two records: one on Aug 29 and two on Oct 18.
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
ET 20, NS 5, 16 days
The first one was seen on Aug 20, the high count was five on Oct 12, and the median date (DST) was Oct 6.
Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis
ET 32, NS 5, 9 days
The first one was seen on Sep 15 and the high counts were seven on Sep 26, ten on Oct 11, and six on Oct 12.
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
ET 2, NS 1, 3 days
Three records of probably two different birds: a juvenile on Jul 24 and Jul 30, and an unaged bird on Sep 5.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
ET 303, NS 7, 90 days
Was seen through the season in very even numbers without any apparent change in the numbers. Seven were seen on several days and the season high count was eight on Oct 18.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
ET 46, NS 2, 40 days
As Ospreys were breeding in the area and they were seen flying back and forth on most days, it was impossible to form any idea of the migration. The most that was ever seen in one day was three, on Jul 25, and two were seen on many days. The last records were on Oct 3 and Oct 7.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
ET 141, NS 4, 69 days
The highest numbers were seen early in the season when the locally breeding birds were very visible. High counts from that period were seven on Jul 25 and six on Jul 28. For the most of the season the numbers were in 0-2 per day range but there was a slight increase in numbers around mid-October, likely caused by arriving new migrants, when the daily counts were in 3-4 range.
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
ET 25, NS 3, 23 days
The first one was seen on Aug 1 and the last one on Oct 17. Two were seen on five days: once in August and twice in September and October. The median date was Sep 27.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Band 8, ET 415, NS 2, 70 days
Banding: A better than average year. The first one was banded on Sep 1 and the last one on Oct 2. Two were banded on Sep 3.
ETs: The first one was seen on Aug 1 and it was followed by ones and twos almost daily until the last days of the month when numbers climbed to five a day. The numbers kept climbing and there was a peak around mid September with top day counts ranging from 15 to 18 (Sep 14). The highest counts in October included the highest count of the season, 40, on Oct 6 and 16 on Oct 12. The median date was Sep 24.
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Band 2, ET 127, NS 1, 56 days
Banding: Two HY females were banded, the first on Sep 7 and the second on Sep 28.
ETs: The first one was seen on Jul 30 but the numbers didn't build up until late in September. The highest count was ten on Oct 6. Five were estimated on eight different days two of which were in September and six in October. The median date was Sep 30.
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
ET 1, 1 day
The only one for the season was seen on Oct 18.
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
ET 25, 18 days
The first two for the season were seen on Sep 5 and the last one on Oct 13. Three were seen two occasions, on Sep 20 and Sep 26. It is difficult say how many different birds were seen this fall but most early birds were adults, including all the ones on both days when three were seen, while later at least some juveniles were seen as well.
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni
ET 1, 1 day
One was seen on Oct 1.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
ET 473, NS 3, 57 days
The first one was seen on Jul 27 and the next one on Aug 1. These probably represented bird breeding somewhere nearby or perhaps non-breeders. Numbers remained low through August but started build up early in September. The highest numbers were tallied in late September and early October. Some of the highest counts were 38 on Sep 20, 30 on Sep 25, 30 on Sep 26, and 55 on Oct 6. The median date was Sep 29.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
ET 5, NS 1, 5 days
Five sightings: singles on Sep 25, Oct 2, Oct 3, and Oct 15, and two on Oct 4. All but one were juveniles and the remaining one was reported as an adult.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
ET 21, NS 1, 17 days
The first ones were seen on Aug 12 and Sep 3. A slight peak was noticed during the last ten days of September but there were never more than two birds observed per day (on five days). The last two were seen on the closing day, Oct 18, and the median date was Sep 23.
Merlin Falco columbarius
ET 30, 27 days
Was seen in ones and twos from July till October. Two were seen on Sep 1, Sep 29, and Oct 3. The median date was Sep 13.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
ET 39, NS 2, 30 days
Mostly singles were seen throughout the season. The first ones were on Jul 28 and Aug 5. Three were seen on Sep 12 and two were seen on nine different days. The median date (DST) was Sep 30.
Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
ET 15, 14 days
Singles, except two on Sep 28, were seen and (mostly) heard from Aug 29 till the end of the season.
Sora Porzana carolinensis
ET 16, 16 days
Only singles were seen from Aug 7 to Oct 2. Most of the records were made in September and the median date was Sep 3.
Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis
ET 23, NS 42, 9 days
The first sighting was of a flock of eight on Sep 3 and the last one was of flock of six on Oct 18. The biggest flock was 40 on Sep 15.
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
ET 9, 2 days
Two records: eight on Aug 3 and one on Sep 8.
American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
ET 1, 1 day
The 2nd for the observatory was seen on Aug 30. Also, an unidentified Golden-Plover was seen on Sep 5.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
ET 32, NS 2, 23 days
Was seen from Jul 22 to Sep 9 with a separate record on Oct 10. On most cases only one to three birds were seen but six were seen on Jul 22. The median date was Aug 11.
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
ET 241, NS 5, 73 days
Present on the mudflats throughout the season but generally most numerous in September. The high counts included eight on Aug 1, nine on Sep 5, eight on Sep 13, and seven on four different days one of which was in August and the rest in September. The median date was Aug 31.
Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani
ET 394, NS 15, 81 days
Small numbers, from singles to low teens, were present throughout the whole season. The highest counts were 16 on Oct 16, 15 on Jul 25, and 13 on Sep 30.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
ET 68, NS 1, 52 days
Small numbers were seen through the season, generally a little more common early in the season. The highest count was very modest three on Aug 16 and the median date was Aug 26.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
ET 13 days
The first one was seen on Aug 1 and the last two on Sep 9. All the other sightings were of singles except five on Aug 26.
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
ET 7, NS 1, 7 days
The first one was on Jul 24 and the next one on Aug 16. Two on Aug 26 was the high count and the last one was on Sep 3.
Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incana
ET 5, NS 2, 7 days
Seven records of maybe four different birds between Aug 10 and Sep 28.
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
ET 30, NS 8, 28 days
The first ones were seen in July and the majority in August. The high count was three on four different days, all in August except one in September. The last records were Sep 18 and Oct 2. The median date (DST) was Aug 18.
Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
ET 1, 1 day
One fly-over was seen and heard on Aug 26.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
ET 3, 2 days
One was seen on Sep 4 and two on Sep 5.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
The 1st for RPBO was seen on Aug 29.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpress
ET 1, 1 day
One was seen on Jul 25.
Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala
ET 422, NS 19, 55 days
Was seen in fairly small numbers on most days throughout the season. There was a clear peak in late July and early August when the highest counts were 40 on both Jul 30 and 31, and 38 on Aug 4 which was also the median date.
Surfbird Aphriza virgata
ET 111, NS 1, 16 days
The first group of seven were seen on Jul 25 and the last two were spotted on Oct 6. The highest count was 35 on Sep 1.
Sanderling Calidris alba
ET 2, 1 day
The only record was of two birds on Jul 26.
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
ET 1, 1 day
A juvenile was seen on Jul 30.
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
ET 476, NS 35, 51 days
No clear peaks but a few decent counts were made. The highest ones were 28 on Jul 25, 54 on Aug 15, and 43 on Aug 26. The last ones were seen on Sep 19 and the median date was Aug 15.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
ET 410, NS 3, 44 days
An early season species with mostly rather modest numbers. The high counts for the period of mostly adult birds were 24 on Jul 24 and 30 on Jul 30, and the highs for the juveniles were 26 on Aug 8 and 42 on Aug 12. The median date was Aug 8.
Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
ET 1, NS 2, 3 days
Three records of singles: on Aug 15, Aug 18, and Aug 23.
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
ET 6, 4 days
Only for records: one on Sep 28, two on Sep 30, two on Oct 5, and one on Oct 7.
Dunlin Calidris alpina
ET 6, 2 days
Two records: one on Oct 11 and five on Oct 18.
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
ET 6, NS 1, 5 days
All sightings of one or two birds between Aug 6 and Aug 20.
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
ET 28, NS 13, 17 days
Small groups were seen on well scattered days from Jul 22 to Oct 14. The high counts were 12 on Aug 6 and six on Aug 7. Both of these records concerned adults.
Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata
ET 14, NS 1, 10 days
The first two were seen on Aug 26 and the season high three on Sep 3. Two were also seen on Sep 9 and Oct 16. The median date was Sep 9.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
ET 931, NS 424, 22 days
The first ones were seen on Jul 25 and the last ones on Sep 24. The high counts were 360 on Sep 8, 100 on Sep 12, and 640 on Sep 16. The median date was Sep 15.
Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus
ET 1, 1 day
Just one a single bird was identified and that was on Oct 5. Between Aug 22 and Sep 18 there were four records of unidentified Jaegers.
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan
ET 1, NS 1, 2 days
Two single first-winters were seen, on Sep 10 and Sep 29.
Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia
ET 4490, NS 1690, 41 days
Two peak periods were detectable from the ET and DST data: one in late July and early August and the other in early October. In between, the species was nearly absent. The highest counts during the first peak were 300 on Jul 29, 480 on Aug 4, and 360 on Aug 5, and during the second peak 360 on Oct 3, 580 on Oct 5, and 490 on Oct 6.
Heermann's Gull Larus heermanni
ET 11340, NS 1094, 89 days
Present almost daily throughout the season with the highest numbers in September. The highest counts were 400 on Sep 15, 700 on Sep 16, and 400 on Oct 1. The median day (DST) was Sep 16.
Mew Gull Larus canus
ET 3270, NS 371, 90 days
Was seen through the season, usually a few tens a day but on five days the numbers exceeded a hundred: 130 on Sep 15, 310 on Sep 16, 120 on Oct 5, 280 on Oct 6, and 192 on Oct 18.
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
ET 227, NS 82, 76 days
Was seen in record numbers throughout the season but more commonly in early season. The highest number was 15 on Jul 31 and 12 were seen on five different days. The majority of the birds were juveniles/1st-winters but a few of the other age classes were seen as well.
California Gull Larus californicus
ET 26109, NS 7341, 90 days
An abundant species with highest counts in late July, early August and mid September. Some of the top numbers were 1950 on Jul 25, 1530 on Aug 8, 1800 on Aug 15, 2000 on Sep 15 and 1300 on Sep 16. A few tens to a couple of hundred per day were seen in October.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
ET 8, 3 days
Three sightings: five on Sep 15, two on Sep 16, and one on Oct 16.
Thayer's Gull Larus thayeri
ET 160, NS 5, 10 days
The first sighting was of six birds on Sep 16 and the highest counts were 38 on Oct 9 and 55 on Oct 16.
Western Gull Larus occidentalis
ET 6, 5 days
Four records of singles between Sep 14 and October 11 plus two on Sep 16.
Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens
ET 18110, NS 1548, 90 days
The always present basic gull species. Was seen in a few tens to a few hundreds per day through the whole season but seemed to be a little more common in September and October perhaps reflecting the arrival of northern migrants. The highest counts were 800 on Sep 15 and 3000 on Oct 1.
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
ET 1, 1 day
The only record for the season was a single bird on Aug 21.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
ET 10, NS 7, 14 days
Ones and twos through the first half of the season. Two were seen on Jul 27, Aug 3, and Sep 3 which was also the last sighting of the season.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
ET 4, NS 1, 3 days
Only three records of possibly only three individuals: one on Oct 6, three on Oct 7, and one on Oct 8.
Common Murre Uria aalge
ET 10639, NS 7757, 88 days
After fairly small numbers early in the season, some good counts were made in August and again in late September. The highest counts were 4700 on Aug 9, 1200 on Aug 23, and 1200 on Sep 24.
Pigeon Guillemot Cepphus columba
ET 634, NS 465, 65 days
Much more numerous early in the season with the highest counts in July and August. These included 85 on Jul 26, 55 on Jul 30, 54 on Aug 4, and 98 on Aug 9. Only single-digit counts were made in October. The median date was Aug 5.
Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus
ET 170, NS 35, 38 days
Was seen through the season in small numbers. The only double-digit counts were 18 on Jul 26 and 79 on Aug 3.
Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus
ET 5, NS 3, 4 days
Five on Aug 26 was the first record and the high count for the season. Singles were seen on Sep 16, Oct 16, and Oct 18.
Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata
ET 13234, NS 3858, 85 days
One of the most numerous birds this season with numbers typically ranging in a few hundreds a day early in the season and a few tens a day late in the season. Some of the highest counts (DST) were 750 on Jul 28, 767 on Aug 4, 1025 on Aug 8, and 1850 on Aug 9. The median date was Aug 9.
Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhata
NS 1, 1 day
One was seen on Jul 22.
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
ET 2, 2 days
Two sightings of the same bird: on Jul 22 and Jul 25.
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
ET 1, 1 day
This extra ordinary rarity was seen on Oct 7.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
NS 1, 1 day
The only one for the season was seen on Sep 23.
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
ET 22, NS 10, 28 days
Was seen and heard in ones and twos through the season.
Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma
ET 2, 2 days
Probably the same bird was heard on Aug 3 and Aug 5.
Barred Owl Strix varia
Band 1, ET 28, NS 2, 24 days
Banding: One, the 2nd for standard banding, was banded on Oct 4.
ETs: The first one seen on Aug 4 and the next one not until Sep 6. After that ones and twos were seen regularly through the rest of the season.
Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadius
ET 1, 1 day
Besides the owls banded in the special project, just one was seen on Oct 15.
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
ET 21, NS 3, 14 days
Nighthawks were seen sporadically in early mornings from the beginning of the season till early September. The two highest counts were also the two last records: three on Sep 5 and five on Sep 6.
Black Swift Cypseloides niger
ET 26, NS 2, 8 days
The first one was seen on Aug 7 and the last one on Sep 23. The high counts were ten on Sep 5 and nine on Sep 12.
Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi
ET 1144, NS 581, 33 days
The first ones were seen on Jul 25 and on Aug 12, and the last ones on Sep 28. The highest numbers were noticed in early and mid September and included counts such as 250 on Sep 5 to Sep 7, and 200 on Sep 15. The median date (DST) was Sep 7.
Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna
ET 2, 2 days
One, the 4th for Rocky Point, was seen on Oct 1 and another was banded for the 1st RPBO banding record on Oct 18.
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
NS Band 27, ET 145, NS 9, 31 days
A common sight from the beginning of the season through the first half of August with the high count of nine on four different days. The last two sightings were on Aug 23 and Sep 5. The median date was Aug 1. 27 were banded under a separate permit.
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
ET 263, NS 3, 90 days
Two to four birds were seen on most days throughout the season with a slight peak in late August early September when the counts reached six on Aug 28, nine on Aug 29, and six again on Sep 11.
Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus ruber
Band 1, ET 19, 18 days
Banding: The first one ever banded at RPBO was on Sep 19.
ETs: The records spanned from Jul 27 to Oct 6 but the majority occurred in September.
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Band 3, ET 455, NS 1, 87 days
Banding: A record year. Singles were banded on Jul 21, Aug 23, and Oct 14.
ETs: Seen throughout the season with generally higher numbers early in the season. The double-digit counts were 12 on Jul 24, 11 on Jul 30, ten on Aug 1, 11 on Aug 8, and 12 on Sep 6.
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
ET 203, 86 days
Was seen through the season in small numbers, usually one to four a day. Five were seen on Sep 10, Sep 12, and Sep 26.
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Band 2, ET 637, NS 3, 88 days
Banding: The first one, a Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted intergrade, was banded on Sep 24 and the second one, a Red-shafted, on Oct 12.
ETs: Early in the season usually at least a few were seen every day and from the second week of September onwards more than ten were seen on many days, especially around mid September and again in early October. The highest counts were 15 on Sep 14, 13 on Oct 1, and 25 on Oct 6. The median date was Sep 17.
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Band 1, ET 91, NS 2, 61 days
Banding: One was banded on Aug 28.
ETs: Up to three a day were seen throughout the season. Generally a little more common early in the season.
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
ET 103, NS 1, 28 days
Olive-sided Flycatchers were happily pip-ing away for the first three weeks of the season. The highest day totals were ten on Aug 4 and eight on Aug 3. The last three records were of singles on Aug 19, Aug 28, and Sep 2. The median date was Aug 1.
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus
ET 4, 4 days
Four records of singles between Aug 3 and Sep 17.
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax trailliii
Band 57, ET 124, 44 days
Banding: A better than average season but with a slow start as the first one wasn't banded until Jul 28. That was probably because there were no breeding birds near the net lanes this year. Migrants started show up in August and the biggest numbers were banded on the second half of the month with such highs as seven on Aug 20 and five on Aug 27. The last ones were banded on Sep 8 and the median date was Aug 19.
ETs: The ET data gave almost identical picture of the occurrence compared to the banding data with the exception that a few birds were seen right from the beginning of the season. The high counts were six on Aug 13, six on Aug 19, eight on Aug 20, and six on Aug 26. The last ones were the banded birds on Sep 8 and the median date was Aug 18.
Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
Band 27, ET 115, 53 days
Banding: The first one was banded on Jul 25 and the next one on Aug 5. A few more were banded in August before the species became a regular almost daily catch in early September. Two birds were banded on Aug 30, Sep 19, Sep 20, and Sep 21. The last one was banded on Oct 6 and the median date was Sep 6.
ETs: The first one was noticed on Jul 24 accompanied by two more records for July. Surprisingly, the season high count of 13 was made on Aug 5, in the middle of otherwise slow period for the species. Otherwise the migration peaked on the first half of September with high counts of six on Sep 3, five on Sep 6, and six on Sep 12. The last one was noticed on Oct 11 and the median date was Sep 1.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Band 298, ET 822, 68 days
Banding: Better than average year. Was commonly caught right from the beginning of the season. The highest numbers were caught on quite irregular dates from mid August till mid September with a little concentration of good days on the first week of the latter. The highest daily banding totals included 12 on Aug 7, 22 on Aug 17, 16 on Sep 1, 11 on Sep 2, 18 on Sep 12, and 19 on Sep 19. Very few were banded after Sep 19, the last one on Oct 4. The median date was Aug 26.
ETs: Most numerous early in the season, especially July and early August. Migration in the rest of August and through most of September came through in prominent but well scattered waves so that one day flycatchers were everywhere just to be almost completely gone on the next day. Some of the highest ETs were 32 on Jul 25, 32 on Aug 5, 30 on Aug 7, 38 on Aug 17, 25 on Aug 26, 21 on Aug 27, 22 on Sep 1, 31 on Sep 12, and 21 on Sep 19. The last one was seen on Oct 11 and the median date was Aug 13.
Cassin's Vireo Vireo cassinii
Band 5, ET 78, 29 days
Banding: A new season record. The first one was banded on Jul 28, the next one on Aug 4, and the rest in early September last of which was on Sep 18.
ETs: Most of the observations, especially those in July and early August, consist of local breeders but a few probable migrants were also seen in September. The highest counts were six on Jul 25 and seven on Jul 31. The highest count later in the season was three on Sep 7 and the last ones were noticed on Sep 18.
Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni
Band 12, ET 282, 83 days
Banding: A new season record. Ones and twos were banded on scattered days ranging from Aug 3 to Oct 7.
ETs: Commonly encountered throughout the season but a little less numerous towards the end. The high counts included ten on Aug 5 and eight on three different days, all in July – early August.
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Band 21, ET 155, NS 4, 53 days
Banding: Better than average season. Four were banded in July, and eight in both August and September. The dates were scattered through the season except for a small peak in mid September when also the season high three were banded on Sep 16. The last two were banded on Sep 19 and the median date was Aug 17.
ETs: Commonly observed in small numbers through early part of the season till late September. Two peaks were noticed, in late July early August and in mid September. The high counts for the first peak were 11 on Jul 30 and 12 on Aug 2, and for the second peak 14 on Sep 14 and eight on Sep 15. The last one was seen on Sep 29 and the median date was Aug 10.
Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
Band 40, ET 1819, NS 10, 64 days
Banding: A new season high. The first one was banded on Aug 21 and the next one on Aug 30. In September some were banded on most days including the season high four on both Sep 4 and Sep 23. A few more were banded in October. The date was Sep 19.
ETs: The first one was seen on Aug 3 and double-digits were reached by the end of the month. The highest numbers occurred after mid September and in early October including such high counts as 50 on Sep 23, 55 on Oct 5, 70 on Oct 6, and 68 on Oct 7. The median date was Sep 23.
Northwestern Crow Corvus caurinus
ET 984, NS 26, 81 days
Was seen almost daily through the season but generally in low numbers. The highest counts were 42 on Aug 8, 48 on Aug 9, 37 on Aug 11, and 33 on Oct 15.
Common Raven Corvus corax
ET 606, 89 days
Present almost every day in small numbers. The highest counts were made late in the season and included 30 on Sep 24, 50 on Oct 12, and 35 on Oct 15.
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
ET 2, NS 1, 3 days
Three sightings of singles: on Aug 26, Sep 25, and Oct 2.
Purple Martin Progne subis
ET 58, NS 1, 13 days
The first one was seen on Jul 23 and the last ones on Sep 3. The high counts were ten on Aug 20 and 16 on Aug 27.
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
ET 7, NS 1, 6 days
The first one was seen on Jul 25 and the last one on Aug 26. All the other sightings were of a single bird except for three on Jul 27.
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
ET 460, NS 36, 51 days
The migration had already started before the beginning of the season so decent numbers were seen right from the start. The highest numbers were seen in early August and included 40 on Aug 3, 52 on Aug 4, 47 on Aug 8, and 37 on Aug 13. The last ones were seen on Sep 28 and Oct 9. The median date was Aug 4.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
ET 258, NS 8, 39 days
An early season species with highest numbers in August and the last ones on Sep 7. The top counts were 26 on Aug 1, 21 on Aug 2, and 24 on Aug 8. The median date was Aug 3.
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
ET 2, 2 days
The 8th and 9th records for RPBO were singles on Aug 9 and Aug 30.
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
ET 57, NS 1, 22 days
Small numbers through the early part of the season with majority between Jul 27 and Aug 8. Eight were counted on two days, Aug 4 and Aug 8. The two last records were of singles on Aug 30 and Sep 21.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
ET 529, NS 53, 57 days
Barn Swallows were seen through most of the season. The highest ETs were 32 on Aug 4, 29 on Aug 8, and 25 on Aug 25. 14 on Sep 10 was the last double-digit count and two on Oct 3 were the last ones for the season.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee Poecile rufescens
Band 79, 5018, NS 20, ET 90 days
Banding: Nearly half of the Chickadees were banded in July and the median date was as early as Aug 5, indicating that most of the Chickadees banded were local breeders or their offspring. For the rest of the season the bandings were spread out quite evenly. The highest day totals were five on Jul 23 and Jul 26. Four birds were banded on five different days, all except one, Sep 24, in July.
Recaptures: The season's two most exciting recoveries concerned Chickadees. The first one, recaptured on Sep 9, was originally banded on Jun 4 at RPBO's MAPS station at Royal Roads University some 13km away! The second, recaptured on Sep 18, was originally banded on Aug 2, 1997, as an AHY (after hatch-year i.e. adult). This marks a new longevity record for the species at 8 years and 3 months!
ETs: This season Chickadees were abundant and occurred in good numbers through the whole season. The largest numbers were noted early in the season and a hundred or more were tallied on five different days: 130 on Jul 27, 174 on Aug 3, 266 on Aug 4, 200 on Aug 5, and 100 on Sep 14.
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
Band 41, ET 802, NS 28, 59 days
Banding: Small flocks, or parts of a big flock, were caught on scattered days through the first half of the season but none after Sep 5. The highest banding totals were five on Jul 23 and seven on Aug 28.
ETs: Bushtits were very erratic in their occurrence but flocks were seen through out the whole season. The high counts included 49 on Aug 5, 43 on Aug 8, 47 on Aug 18, and 30 on Oct 7.
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Band 18, ET 2067, NS 14, 89 days
Banding: A new season high. The first one was banded on Jul 22 and the last one on Sep 18. Two were banded on Jul 23 and Aug 23.
ETs: Much more numerous than normally especially during the first half of the season. The high counts included 58 on Aug 4, 55 on Aug 13, and 55 on Sep 2.
Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Band 15, ET 861, NS 2, 89 days
Banding: Higher than average total. Most creepers were banded early in the season, including two on Jul 22 and three on Jul 26. The last one for the season was banded on Sep 26.
ETs: Creepers were seen and heard throughout the entire season. The highest counts were 45 on Aug 3, 41 on Aug 4, and 25 on Aug 15. Smaller peaks were noticed in mid-September and in early October.
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii
Band 39, ET 499, 90 days
Banding: The majority was banded early in the season, many during the first week, as is shown by the highest daily banding totals of four on the opening day Jul 21 and three on Jul 23. These were probably local breeders and their offspring. Only a handful was banded late in the season, like three in October, but it is difficult to say whether these represent actual migrants or perhaps local birds that managed to avoid the nets that far. The median date was Aug 1.
ETs: The ETs and the banding data coincide nicely. The highest numbers were recorded early in the season, for example the season high of 21 on Aug 3. 13 on Sep 15 and ten on Sep 16 represented a small late season peak and were the latest double-digit counts. The median date was Aug 22.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Band 28, ET 363, NS 3, 55 days
Banding: A new season high. Most were banded in the very beginning of the season as is shown by the median date Aug 3 and majority of these probably represent local breeders and their offspring. The best days were three banded on Jul 27 and five on Aug 5. Small numbers were caught almost through August and the last one was banded on Aug 26.
ETs: The highest ETs were recorded early in the season and the last double digit count was ten on Aug 12. The highest counts were 20 on Jul 27, 32 on Aug 4, and 20 on Aug 5. Small numbers lingered through September and the last three records were on Sep 19, Sep 27, and Oct 5. The median date was Aug 4.
Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Band 166, ET 864, 86 days
Banding: The odd one every now and then was banded in July and August. The first signs of new birds moving into the banding area were noticed in early September and the consistently highest numbers were banded in late September and early October. The highest day banding totals were 17 on Sep 12, nine on Sep 30, ten on Oct 4, and nine on Oct 5. The median date was Sep 27.
ETs: A few birds were present from the beginning of the season but no changes in numbers were evident until in September when the first double-digit counts were made. Good numbers were seen from mid September onwards and they peaked in early October. The highest counts included 28 on Sep 12, 33 on Oct 4, 38 on Oct 5, 35 on Oct 6, and 34 on Oct 10. The median date was Sep 28.
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Band 6, ET 153, 79 days
Banding: Only singles per day were banded: one in July, two in August, two in September, and one in October.
ETs: Small numbers were seen from Jul 26 onwards, mostly in the cattails in Clover Pond but a few were seen at Teal Ponds as well. The highest numbers were recorded late in the season and included seven on Oct 5, six on Oct 15, and five on Sep 16 and Oct 16.
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Band 90, ET 1750, NS 5, 86 days
Banding: The first three were banded on Aug 23 and the next two on Sep 11. After that some were banded on most days and the highest numbers in October. The two biggest days were both eight birds banded, on Oct 3 and Oct 14. The median day was Oct 3.
ETs: Small numbers were counted from the beginning of the season. The numbers grew steadily and the highest numbers were detected in early October. The top counts included 75 on Oct 2, 150 on Oct 5, and 75 on Oct 6.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
Band 463, ET 1226, NS 10, 49 days
Banding: The second highest total. The first one was banded on Sep 2. The first good wave of migrants came through just after mid September and the main peak was in the end of the month and in early October. The highest banding totals were 27 on Sep 19, 30 on Sep 29, 42 on Sep 30, 48 on Oct 4, and 26 on Oct 5. The median date was Sep 30.
ETs: The first records were on Aug 1, Aug 27, and Sep 2 after which the species was seen on a daily basis. As an early and a separate high 60 were tallied on Sep 12 but otherwise the highest numbers were noted in the end of September and the beginning of October when the high counts included 90 on Sep 30, 110 on Oct 4, and 70 on Oct 5. The median date was Sep 30.
Townsend's Solitaire Myadestes townsendi
ET 1, 1 day
The only one for the season was spotted on Sep 5.
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
Band 148, ET 287, NS 32, 58 days
Banding: A new season record. The odd one was banded in every few days during the first month of the season but numbers started to climb with migrants appearing in the end of August and the species was a numerous catch through the whole month of September. The highest banding totals were eight on Sep 1, Sep 12, and Sep 17, and 11 on Sep 19. The last two were banded on Oct 4. The median date was Sep 10.
ETs: The ET data gave very similar picture to the banding data including the dates of the first and last observation. The high counts were 20 on Sep 1, 12 on Sep 2, Sep 7, and Sep 17, 31 on Sep 19, and the last double-digit count 11 on Sep 26. The median date was Sep 7. Hundreds of Swainson's Thrushes were heard on certain mornings but were not included in the ETs as they will be dealt with in a separate nocturnal migration report.
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
Band 139, ET 212, NS 1, 41 days
Banding: A new season high. The first one was banded on Aug 29. The first small push was noticed on Sep 5 when five were banded and the next one was on Sep 12 when 9 were banded. Consistently high numbers occurred through the last two weeks of September and the first week of October with such day banding totals as eight on Sep 16, eight on Sep 24, eight on Sep 26, and nine on Oct 4. A separate late push took place on Oct 16 when further eight were banded. The median date was Sep 24.
ETs: The pattern derived from the ET data was practically identical to that of banding data. The highest day counts were 14 on Sep 16, 12 on Sep 24, 13 on Sep 26, 12 on Oct 4, and 15 on Oct 6. The median date was Sep 26.
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Band 11, ET 4342, NS 6, 89 days
Banding: A few local breeding robins were banded during the first few days of the season after which only singles on widely scattered days were caught. The only exception was Sep 30 when three were banded.
ETs: The robin numbers remained small till mid-September when triple-digits were reached for the first time. The peak numbers occurred on the second week of October with high counts of 360 on Oct 10, 320 on Oct 12, and 280 on Oct 14. The median date was Oct 7.
Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevia
Band 11, ET 624, NS 41, 41 days
Banding: A new season high. The first one was banded on Sep 14 and the last five, also the highest number, were banded on Oct 16.
ETs: The first one was seen on Aug 1 and it was followed by three other August sightings possibly of the same bird. The next one was seen on Sep 3. The numbers started to build up in the middle of the month and the highest numbers were seen in October and included 50 on Sep 25, 38 on Oct 5, 43 on Oct 6, 90 on Oct 16, and 36 on Oct 18. The median date was Oct 5.
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
ET 1051, NS 5, 78 days
Generally most numerous in September with high counts of 56 on Sep 1, 62 on Sep 16, and 75 on Oct 5.
American Pipit Anthus rubescens
ET 862, 48 days
The first two were seen on Aug 18 and the next two on Aug 26 after which the species was seen almost daily till the end of the season. The first peak was noticed on the first week of September with a high count of 48 on Sep 6 and the main peak occurred on the last week of the month with high counts of 85 on Sep 26 and 83 on Sep 30. 48 on Oct 12 was the high count for that month. The median date was Sep 25.
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Band 6, ET 2075, NS 21, 84 days
Banding: One was banded on Jul 26 and the rest, a flock of five in a net, on Aug 20.
ETs: Flocks of Waxwings were seen through the season but they were most common in August with gradually smaller numbers through September and into October. The highest counts were 70 on Aug 8, 90 on Aug 9, and 78 on Aug 20.
Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina
ET 1, 1 day
One, the 3rd for RPBO, was seen on Sep 15.
Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata
Band 270, ET 996, NS 11, 85 days
Banding: A new season record. A handful of presumably local birds were banded in July and the first prominent wave of migrants was noticed on Aug 8 when 11 were banded. The best banding days took place in late August and early September and included 15 on Aug 26, 22 on Sep 1, and 11 on Sep 2. Later in September there two more good banding days, Sep 18 with 14 banded and Sep 24 with 12. The last ones were banded on Oct 2 and Oct 16 (2). The median date was Sep 4.
ETs: Migrants started to show up in early August with good counts like 16 on Aug 5, 30 on Aug 8, and 45 on Aug 15. The strongest migration was noticed from late August to mid September when the highest counts were 110 on Aug 26, 32 on Aug 27, 33 on Sep 1, 30 on Sep 5, 36 on Sep 12, and 57 on Sep 16. Small numbers were seen till the end of the season and the median date was Aug 31.
Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla
Band 2, ET 2, 2 days
Two singles were banded: the first on Oct 3 and the second on Oct 18.
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia
Band 259, ET 928, NS 12, 77 days
Banding: A new season record. The first two were banded on Jul 22 and the next one on Aug 2. First banding peak was around mid August and second, a stronger one, on the first half of September. A few were caught through the rest of the season including the last two on Oct 16. The highest daily banding totals were 15 on Aug 17, 21 on Sep 1, 11 on Sep 5 and Sep 9, 12 on Sep 12, and ten on Sep 18. The median date was Sep 3.
ETs: A few birds a day were seen starting from the beginning of the season and numbers picked up in the beginning of August. Four waves of migrants were noticed, in mid August, late August, early September and late September. The high counts included 35 on Aug 17, 37 on Aug 20, 70 on Aug 26, 30 on Aug 27, 32 on Sep 1, 31 on Sep 5, 40 on Sep 12, 33 on Sep 14, and 42 on Sep 15. A few continued to be seen till the end of the season and the median date was Aug 28.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
Band 53, ET 1295, 50 days
Banding: The first ones were banded on Sep 18 and the last one on Oct 16. The highest number were banded on the last week of September and included eight on Sep 27 and ten on Sep 28. The median date was Sep 27. 12 of the Yellow-rumped Warblers were identified as Audubon's and 20 as Myrtle, and their respective median dates were Sep 25 and Sep 27.
ETs: Just a handful was seen in July and August. The migrants started to arrive in early September and the numbers peaked in late September with such high counts as 160 on Sep 24, 90 on Sep 25, 90 on Sep 27, and 180 on Sep 28. A few were seen till the end of the season and the median date was Sep 28. Very few were identified to the subspecies.
Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens
Band 5, ET 79, 38 days
Banding: Higher than average total. The first one was banded on Aug 5 and the last two on Sep 8.
ETs: The observatory's logo bird was seen mostly in very small numbers. The high-counts were six already on Jul 28, five on Aug 17, and four on Sep 6. The last one was on Sep 26.
Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi
Band 12, ET 158, 49 days
Banding: Better than average year. The first one was banded on Jul 29 and the last one on Oct 1. Besides these extremities, eight were banded in August with a slight peak around mid month and two in September. The highest number for a day was two on Aug 17 and on Sep 19.
ETs: A few were seen from the beginning of the season but the species was most numerous from early to mid August with quite a few still present in early September. Some of the highest counts were 17 on Aug 5, nine on Aug 8, ten on Aug 17, and seven on Sep 1. The last two sightings were on Sep 28 and the banded bird on Oct 1. The median date was Aug 17.
Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum
ET 1, 1 day
One of the western subspecies was seen on Oct 13.
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis
Band 1, ET 5, 5 days
Possibly the same bird was first seen near Cape Calvert on Sep 3, then banded on Sep 6, and then seen almost daily till Sep 10.
MacGillivray's Warbler Oporornis tolmiei
Band 47, ET 107, 45 days
Banding: Most MacGillivray's were banded in July and the first half of August, and the last ones on Sep 18. The highest daily banding total was four on two occasions, on Jul 23 and Aug 11. The median date was Aug 11.
ETs: Some were seen almost daily from the beginning of the season till early September. High counts included five on Jul 23, Aug 5, and Aug 11, and eight on Sep 1. The last ones for the season were the two banded birds on Sep 18 and the median date was Aug 13.
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Band 94, ET 645, 76 days
Banding: Better than average season. At first majority of the birds banded were local breeders and their offspring but migrants started show up in August and the migration peaked in late August. The last two were banded on Sep 30. The highest day totals were six on Jul 21, six on Aug 18, seven on Aug 26, and five on Sep 1. The median date was Aug 26.
ETs: The ETs pattern followed quite closely the pattern of banding data except for a peak in early August which didn't show in the banding data. At first the numbers stayed around ten per day with the exception of 26 on Aug 3 and 25 on Aug 4. The migration peak was evident in late August and into September. Some of the high counts were 18 on Aug 23, 20 on Aug 26, 18 on Aug 27, 15 on Aug 28 and 15 on Sep 2. An isolated good count of 15 was made on Sep 17. The last one for the season was on Oct 12.
Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla
Band 166, ET 447, NS 13, 59 days
Banding: The lowest season total since 1998. Good numbers, probably a mixture of early migrants and local breeders, were banded right in the beginning of the season including nine on Jul 21 and eight on Jul 22, Jul 23, and Jul 30. Migrants became prominent in August and the peak numbers were caught around mid month and again near the end of the month. Some of the best banding day totals were eight on Aug 11, six on Aug 15, seven on Aug 17 and Aug 27. Smaller numbers were caught through September and the last one was banded on Sep 30. The median date was Aug 9.
ETs: Good numbers were seen in the beginning of the season but the highest ones were in August and included 29 on Aug 5, 22 on Aug 15, and 25 on Aug 26. The last ones were seen on Sep 30 and the median date was Aug 11.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
ET 73, NS 1, 43 days
Fairly small numbers were seen through most of the season. The highest counts were four on Aug 17, four on Aug 24, and eight on Aug 26. The last one was seen on Oct 9 and the median date was Aug 26.
Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus
Band 191, ET 719, 85 days
Banding: A new season high. The first ones were banded on Jul 26 and Jul 28 after which very few were banded until in September. The peak numbers were banded late in that month and included 19 on Sep 20, 15 on Sep 25, and 16 on Sep 29. The median date was Sep 27.
ETs: Small numbers were present right from the beginning of the season but the first double-digit count wasn't until Sep 12. The peak movement occurred in late September and early October with high counts of 33 on Sep 29, and 30 on both Oct 2 and Oct 5. The median date was Sep 29.
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
Band 5, ET 161, NS 4, 25 days
Banding: The second lowest total. One was banded on Jul 23 and two on each Jul 27 and Jul 29. All but one of these had some kind of foot deformities or a foot disease.
ETs: Most were seen very early in the season. The median date was Jul 29 and the high counts included 21 on Jul 23, 16 on Jul 25, and 19 on Aug 3. The last one was seen on Aug 28.
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
Band 65, ET 693, NS 30, 62 days
Banding: Poorer than average year. The first ones were banded on the first days of the season but migrants didn't start to appear until late in August and early September which was when the highest numbers were banded. The highest daily banding total was five on Aug 26, Sep 1 and Sep 3. After that only zero to four were banded on any given day. The median date was Sep 15.
ETs: A few local breeders and their offspring were present from the beginning of the season and the migrants appeared in decent numbers in late August with a high count of 60 on Aug 26. A less sharp but longer peak occurred in early September and the highest numbers were recorded around mid month. The highest counts were 30 on Sep 3, 32 on Sep 6, 85 (DST) on Sep 14, and 40 on Sep 15. Over ten were tallied on many days late in the month and in early October. The median date was Sep 15.
Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca
Band 244, ET 577, 56 days
Banding: A record year. The first ones were banded on Aug 17 and Aug 27. The first push came through early September but the main peak occurred in the end of the third week of September. The highest banding totals were 19 on Sep 19, 28 on Sep 20, and 19 on Sep 21, and further 15 were banded on Sep 24. Smaller numbers were caught through the rest of the season. The median date was Sep 20.
ETs: The picture from the ETs was nearly identical to that drawn from the banding data with a small peak in early September, the main peak in late September, and a peak, not noticeable in the banding data, on the first week of October. The first records for the season were singles on Jul 24 and Jul 25 (possibly the same bird), and on Aug 17. The high counts included 32 on Sep 20, 30 on Sep 21, 33 on Sep 26, and 35 on Oct 5. The median date was Sep 25.
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Band 132, ET 937, NS 2, 89 days
Banding: Good numbers of local breeders and their offspring, including six on the opening day, were banded early in the season. As the locals learned the net locations the captures became less common until late September when the main push of migrants arrived. The highest banding totals were five on Sep 20, Sep 26, and Oct 2, and six on Sep 28. The median date was Sep 8.
ETs: Song Sparrows were commonly encountered throughout the season although the numbers were on average a little higher during the first two weeks of the season and again in late September and early October. The highest counts were 20 on Jul 22, 22 on Sep 16, 21 on Sep 26, and 20 on Oct 5. The median date was Sep 9.
Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii
Band 197, ET 604, 66 days
Banding: A new season high. The first one was banded on Aug 11 and the peak numbers occurred on the first week of September when daily banding totals included 11 on Sep 1, 12 on Sep 2, 17 on Sep 3, and ten on Sep 7. A smaller late season peak was noticed in the end of September and the beginning of October with nine banded on Sep 29, eight on Oct1, and nine on Oct 2. Otherwise just a few were banded in October. The median date was Sep 7.
ETs: The ET and banding data gave quite similar picture of the occurrence. The first birds were seen on Aug 11 and the first small peak was noticed just after mid August. 15 on Aug 25 and 20 on Aug 26 were the highs for that month. The season high numbers were observed early in September and included 22 on Sep 2 and 50 on Sep 3. The species remained common till early October and the last double-digit count was ten on Oct 7. The median date was Sep 8.
Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana
Band 2, ET 6, 6 days
Banding: Singles were banded on Oct 1 and Oct 2.
ETs: On top of the banding records, singles were noticed on Oct 3, Oct 6, Oct 9, and Oct 16. All these ones may be of the birds banded.
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
Band 1, ET 2, 1 day
On Sep 29 one was banded and an unbanded bird was seen.
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Band 114, ET 1522, NS 10, 88 days
Banding: A new season high. Several a day, mostly local off-spring, were banded in the first few days of the season. After a slower period banding numbers picked up again in late August and early September. The species remained a common catch through September but very few were banded in October. The daily banding highs included five on Jul 23, 12 on Aug 31, and five on both Sep 4 and Sep 8. The median date was Aug 31. All but two were of pugetensis subspecies and the two were of northern gambelii.
ETs: The biggest numbers were seen early in the season when flocks of local birds roamed the area. A noticeable push of migrants came through in mid September and small numbers were seen through the rest of the season. The highest counts for early season were 55 on Jul 26, 53 on Aug 3, and 80 on Aug 4, and the high counts for the migrants were 29 on Sep 14, 40 on Sep 18, and 27 on Sep 19. The median date was Aug 10.
Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla
Band 273, ET 740, 48 days
Banding: A new season record. The first one was banded on Aug 27 and the next on Aug 4. Banding numbers started to build up on the second week of September and peaked on the next week when the season highs 57 on Sep 19, 54 on Sep 20, and 24 on Sep 21 were banded. The species remained as a common daily catch through the month but numbers quickly diminished in October. The median day was Sep 20.
ETs: The first one the banded one on Aug 27, the next two were noticed on Aug 30 and 13 were tallied already on Sep 3. Good numbers arrived late on the second week of September, the peak numbers were counted on the third week, and double-digits were tallied through early October. The high counts included 139 on Sep 19, 80 on Sep 20, 44 on Sep 21, and a smaller late peak of 26 on Oct 5 and 29 on Oct 6. The median date was Sep 21.
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Band 61, ET 1120, NS 14, 88 days
Banding: The majority of the juncos were banded in September, a few in October, and just a handful in July and August. The best banding days were eight on Sep 7 and six on Sep 19. The median date was Sep 17.
ETs: Interestingly with this species, the banding and the ET data give very different picture of the occurrence. The biggest numbers were seen in early August, when a few family groups roamed the upper meadow and Cape Calver area, and late September and into October. The high counts from the early "peak" were 57 on Aug 3, 44 on Aug 4, and 28 on Aug 8, and from the later part of the season 45 on Sep 27, 26 on Oct 7, and 32 on Oct 15. The median date was Sep 9. Only Oregon Juncos were observed or banded.
Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus
ET 13, 7 days
Seven sightings between Sep 28 and Oct 18. Three were seen on Sep 28, Oct 16, and Oct 18.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
ET 8, 8 days
An adult male, the first for RPBO, was banded on Jul 18 during the banding workshop before the beginning of the season and was seen till Aug 4. What was especially interesting was that on a few occasions the male was followed by a female-plumaged bird, presumably a juvenile, behaving as if it was begging for food.
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus
Band 2, ET 38, 25 days
Banding: Two, the observatory's 12th and 13th banding records, were banded on Jul 28.
ETs: Small numbers were seen through the first half of the season. Four was the high count on both Jul 28 and Aug 25, and the last one for the season was on Sep 6.
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Band 9, ET 1846, 82 days
Banding: Three were banded on Jul 22 and Aug 4, and singles on Sep 7, Sep 23, and Oct 10.
ETs: A commonly encountered species throughout the season but distinctly more numerous late in the season. The high counts included 84 on Sep 16, 75 on Sep 18, 97 on Sep 30, 100 on Oct 11, and 135 on Oct 13. The median date was Sep 25.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
ET 7, 6 days
Six records concerning perhaps four different birds. The first one was on Sep 26 and the last two on Oct 16.
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
ET 1, 1 day
One was seen on Sep 26.
Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
ET 45, 5 days
The earliest one of five observations was of two on Sep 5. All the others were in October and included ten on Oct 3 and 25 on Oct 11.
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Band 6, ET 76, 32 days
Banding: Two were banded on the opening day Jul 21 and the last one on Sep 3.
ETs: Mostly early in the season. The high counts were 12 on Jul 21 and six on Aug 4. The last records were on Sep 16 and Oct 5.
Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus
Band 13, ET 298, 72 days
Banding: One was banded in July, six in August, three in September, and three in October.
ETs: Was seen in small numbers through the season. The only double-digit counts were 16 on Sep 15, 14 on Sep 16, 13 on Sep 25, ten on Oct 2, and 14 on Oct 14.
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
ET 677, NS 2, 81 days
Interestingly the highest numbers were recorded early and late in the season while the numbers in the middle part of the season were very modest. The highs of the early season were 22 on Jul 22, 26 on Aug 3, and 24 on Aug 4. The highs from late season were 45 on Oct 12, 21 on Oct 13, and 30 on Oct 15.
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
ET 2753, NS 11, 87 days
Fairly numerous throughout the season although distinctly more so early in the season. In July and August typical ETs ranged from 25 to 75 while later in September and in October typical ETs were in five to 25 range. The three highest ETs were 110 on Aug 11, 110 on Sep 12, and 100 on Oct 16. The median date was Aug 22.
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
Band 1, ET 2520, NS 24, 77 days
Banding: The only one for the season was banded on Jul 28.
ETs: Numbers early in the season were no more than a few tens a day. The highest numbers occurred late in the season and included 350 on Sep 30, 425 on Oct 3, 225 on Oct 14, and 240 on Oct 15.
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
Band 38, ET 976, 86 days
Banding: A record low banding total. This species was banded with some regularity only till mid-August after which only singles on scattered dates were caught. Four were banded on Jul 26 and three on four dates. The last ones banded were on Oct 5 and Oct 14.
ETs: The ETs give a very similar picture to that of the banding data. It was a poor year with the ET total over 400 lower than in 2003. Majority were seen early in the season and very few double-digit counts were made after August. The median date was Aug 12 and the highest ETs were 50 on Jul 25, 47 on Aug 10 and 45 on Aug 9. A small late season peak was observed from Oct 12 to Oct 14 when the ETs ranged from 16 to 24.
Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus
ET 137, 39 days
The season's first was on Aug 9 and a high count of 11 was made already on Aug 31 but most were seen in late September and early October. The other double-digit counts were 14 on Sep 12, ten on Sep 30, 14 on Oct 5, and ten on Oct 6.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Band 1, ET 2, 2 days
One, the second ever for RPBO and the first since 1994, was banded on Aug 4 and it was seen again on the next day.
Year 2004 was another excellent year by all terms. The coverage was good, the banding total was a new record, 18 species were banded in record numbers, new one day banding record was set, and many interesting sightings were made. It was truly remarkable that after so many years of operation (11) this was the second record breaking year in a row.
The occurrence of different subspecies of different species was continued to monitor this year. No advances were made regarding Fox and Savannah Sparrows. At least two subspecies of both species come through and in the case of Savannah one is the local breeding subspecies while the other one is the large and pale Alaskan one. However, it is unclear if any interior birds occur at Rocky Point. As for Fox Sparrow, all the ones banded were designable to the Sooty "fuliginosa" –group. Some of them were easily recognizable very dark local breeding birds but then there were paler birds with varyingly reddish tail and rump presumed to originate further up the coast or possibly from inland but the exact area or areas of origin are unknown. Like 2003, the majority of Orange-crowned Warblers were of coastal lutescens subspecies but good numbers of birds exhibiting the features of the interior subspecies orestera were banded and even one with features of the northern boreal forest subspecies, celata, was banded. A new development was made with Ruby-crowned Kinglet when at least three individuals with features of the nominate subspecies, breeding in the northern interior, were banded. It seems that more of the migrants passing through Rocky Point may, at least in some years, originate from the interior than what was previously thought.
Perhaps the most interesting thing this season concerns the species that were banded in record numbers. Eight of the 18 species were the same ones that recorded their previous record just in the previous year (2003) and seven of those were species whose choice of habitat is brush and undergrowth – Swainson's and Hermit Thrush, Yellow Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow. Furthermore, the super abundant, compared to earlier years, Golden-crowned Sparrow which had its second best year last year is also associated with that similar habitat. The question that rises is whether this is just a coincidence and all these species happened to have a combination of a good breeding year and such timing of migration that weather events effectively dropped them down into Rocky Point to be banded or have there perhaps been such (natural) changes in the vegetation, habitat, at the net lanes that these species are more effectively lured into the netting area? Only the future will tell?
At the time writing the data concerning volunteer effort was not available for the author.
I would like to than all the volunteers for their assistance and the Rocky Point Bird Observatory Society for creating and maintaining the observatory. Special thanks are due to David Allinson and Rick Schortinghuis.
Allinson, D. 2004. Rocky Point Bird Observatory: A Check-list of Birds. Rocky Point Bird Observatory Society, Victoria.
Jantunen, J. 2004. Migration Monitoring at Rocky Point Bird Observatory in fall 2003. Rocky Point Bird Observatory Society, Victoria.
Copyright 2006, Rocky Point Bird Observatory.
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