[Birdtalk] Antelope Island

[Glenda Cotter]

I was, unfortunately, unable to locate the Pacific Golden Plover at the
Causeway--in spite of the fact that it's obviously still present. Did
find a lot of good shorebirds, however, including MANY Western
Sandpipers, a few Baird's Sandpipers, a single Pectoral Sandpiper,
several Semipalmated Plovers (standing next to a Killdeer, how
thoughtful!) and a handful of Sanderlings looking splendid in their
winter plumage. These were in mixed, very mobile flocks. Especially
after the storm blew in, they were restless in that way that seems
somehow to define shorebirds (think Peter Matthiessen's descriptions
here). Best birds of the day at Garr Ranch were five species of
warblers, including Wilson's, Townsend's, and a Black-and-White Warbler
exhibiting its typically nuthatch-like behavior in the trees around the
spring immediately east of the ranch house. Also a Cassin's Vireo in
that area. My point in writing, however, is really to pose a question. I
had thought, as early as mid-August, that there were more dead birds
along the causeway than I, at least, remember seeing before. Yesterday,
however, I was really dismayed by the large numbers of dead and dying
mallards, particularly on the south side of the causeway. Is this normal
for this time of year, or is something going on in Farmington Bay? I'd
appreciate any insights!

 

Glenda Cotter

 

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