Atlantic: Summer 2024
Summer 2024: 1 Jun–31 July
David Seeler
dseeler@eastlink.ca
Recommended citation:
Seeler, D. 2024. Summer 2024: Atlantic. <https://wp.me/p8iY2g-huI> North American Birds.
The season was predicted to be—and was—exceptionally warm and humid. The temperature was well above normal through much of the season while precipitation tended to be below normal. Post Tropical Storm Beryl did have an impact upon the Region, with New Brunswick suffering significant amounts of rainfall 10 July 2024. Drought conditions existed for much of the Region, particularly within the Maritimes. Surrounding waters for the Maritimes were above normal for the season.
Reports of note included those of Common Ringed Plover, Wilson’s Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Mississippi Kite, Burrowing Owl, Western Kingbird, and a number of seasonal records.
Waterfowl through Phalaropes
A White-winged Dove that visited feeders along Long River Road, Queens Co PE 8–12 Jun (ph. Katrina Clow, ph. Donna Martin), was an accidental vagrant in summer to that province, and provided the sixth summer record. Casual in summer to Prince Edward Island, eleven Black-billed Cuckoos were reported—nine in Queens Co and two in Kings Co. In summer, Purple Gallinule is accidental to New Brunswick, where one was in the Sackville Waterfowl Park, Westmorland Co 2–6 Jul (ph. Paul Langelaan, ph. Rhonda Langelaan, m. ob.) and provided the province with its second summer record for that species. Two Sandhill Cranes in the South Lake area, Kings Co Prince Edward Island 11 and 14 Jun (ph. Roberta Palmer) provided that province with its fifth and sixth summer records. Casual to Newfoundland and Labrador, a Sandhill Crane was at the Shoal Pond area, St. Andrews, St. Georges-Stephenville 5–6 Jun (Barry Day, ph. Ethel Dempsey, ph. Allison Mews, m. ob.). Also, within that province two Sandhill Cranes were noted in Labrador-Happy Valley-Goose Bay 10 and 28 Jun (Brian Bishop, Tony Chubbs).
An American Avocet at Hirtle’s Beach, Lunenburg Co NS 25 Jun (Eric Mills, ph. Natalie Barkhouse-Bishop, ph. Kevin and Joan Lantz) provided the first summer record to the province. American Oystercatcher has bred in Nova Scotia since 1992, particularly in the Daniel’s Head area, Cape Sable Island, Shelburne Co NS. Elsewhere within Nova Scotia, American Oystercatcher is a casual visitor. This season an individual was reported in the Harbourville area, Kings Co 2 Jun (Neil Vinson, Emma Lockhart), while two were present at Three Fathom Harbour, Halifax Co 6–7 Jul (fide Diane LeBlanc). Unexpected, a Common Ringed Plover discovered on Crow Neck Beach/Island Provincial Park, Shelburne Co NS 22 Jun (ph. Jake Chute) provided the fourth documented record overall, and the second summer record for the province. A Common Ringed Plover, discovered at Lower Pond, Witless Bay, Avalon Peninsula NL 26–31 Jul (ph. Charles Fitpatrick, ph. Bruce Mactavish, ph. John Brattey, m. ob.) provided the province with its fourth summer record of the species. An unexpected delight, a Wilson’s Plover lingered in the Cormierville Marsh, Kent Co NB 23–29 Jul (ph. Denise Maillet, m. ob.) providing the province with its first record of the species, and the Region with its first documented summer record. A Eurasian Curlew was an exceptional visitor to insular Newfoundland at Fogo Island, Notre Dame Bay-Lewisporte NL 8 Jun (ph. Robert Blackmore, ph. Tori Burt) and provided that province with its second record for the species. It also provided the Region, and Canada with their second records for that species. The previous record was established at Ferryland, Avalon Peninsula NL 7–8 Jan 1991.
A Hudsonian Godwit, unexpected in summer to St. Pierre et Miquelon, was at the Observatoire du Grand Barachois 3 and 8 Jul (ph. Patrick Hacala, ph. Joël Detcheverry). Rare in summer to Nova Scotia, a Ruff was at Pleasant Lake, Yarmouth Co 5–6 Jul (ph. Alix d’Entremont, ph. Kathleen MacAuly, m. ob.). The presence of Stilt Sandpiper in Nova Scotia in summer has been increasing recently and is now considered rare (fide Alix d’Entremont)—12 individuals were reported this season. Accidental in summer to Newfoundland and Labrador, a Curlew Sandpiper present in the Eddie’s Cove East area, Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony 14–17 Jul (ph. Eli Gurguliatos, Jessica Turner, Rachel Godino, Ph. John and Ivy Gibbons et al.) provided the second documented summer record for the province. Unexpected, a Red-necked Stint found at the Observatoire du Grand Barachois SPM 8 Jul (ph. Joël Detcheverry) provided the French Isles with its second record of the species. Two Willets (ssp. inornata) at Beach Meadows Beach Park, Queens Co NS 13 Jul (ph. Kathleen MacAulay) were casual visitors to the province.
Skuas through Spoonbills
Rare in New Brunswick waters, a South Polar Skua was observed in the Bay of Fundy offshore of Black’s Harbour, Charlotte Co 8 Jul (ph. Deana Gadd, ph. Peter Gadd), while another was observed over the Bay of Fundy, offshore of St. John Co NB 15 Jul (ph. Jim Carroll). A Sabine’s Gull at Elliston, Bonavista/Trinity-Clarenville NL 1–6 Jul (ph. Rain Saulnier, ph. Cameron Hunter, ph. Annie Finch et al.) provided the province with its third summer record. Franklin’s Gulls are now nearly annual to insular Newfoundland (fide Bruce Mactavish). This season, individuals were at St. Vincents, Avalon Peninsula 23 Jun+ (ph. Sheldon Anthony, Bruce Mactavish, Ken Knowles, ph. Andy and Ellen Stepniewski et al.), while another was in the Elliston area, Bonavista/Trinity-Clarenville 27 Jun through 10 Jul (Tony Battiste, Rosemary Critch, Jennifer Reimann, ph. Ilya Povalyaev et al.). The Franklin’s Gull in Stonehaven, Gloucester Co NB 19 Jul (Louise Duguay, ph. Denise Boudreau et al.) was the 6th documented summer record for the province. Casual to Nova Scotia, a Brown Booby was photographed from the Digby-St. John Ferry in the Bay of Fundy, Digby Co NS 9 Jun (ph. Anonymous eBirder). The American White Pelican at Grand Barachois, Miquelon Island, SPM 17 and 28 Jun (ph. Joël Detcheverry, ph. Patrick Hacala, Elliot Naef) was the second record for the French Isles.
BEGIN SA
23 July 2024—Bay of Fundy Report
Over the last six weeks I have carried out surveys of seabird colonies within the Quoddy Region. Areas covered include Passamaquoddy Bay, Head Harbour Passage, White Horse Island, The Wolves Archipelago and the Salkeld Islands (Maces Bay). Surveys of this type bring potential to document new colonies and/or rarities, so I was excited to have the opportunity to carry out this much needed work.
Unfortunately, counts of nesting gulls and eiders appear to suggest historic lows. Alcid numbers also appear low. No heron colonies were found (colonies once existed at several locations). Black-legged Kittiwake continue to nest at several sites, however the numbers of these birds and their nests recorded is much lower than earlier this century Of the species targeted, only Double-crested Cormorant appeared to be doing well. One positive result was documentation of several very small Bank Swallow colonies on low islands. These colonies, and others on offshore islands might be the only natural sites in Charlotte County (most, if not all other Bank Swallow colonies are at sand pits where they tend to be lost to mechanical extraction of the sand).
Documentation of seasonal seabird abundances was planned to begin earlier this month. Near daily fog hampered efforts for a couple weeks but in recent days, northwest to west winds cleared the air, allowing surveys to begin.
The first part of this work began on July 19. On that day, I traveled aboard a Saint Andrews based boat to the Wolf Banks. The trip out was very quiet with very few birds being observed. Harbour Porpoise were nearly absent. At Wolf Banks, things weren’t much better. Only 89 Great Shearwater were spotted despite very good viewing conditions. No alcids, phalaropes or tubenoses other than shearwaters were observed. Gulls were also nearly completely absent, as were gannets and cetaceans. Expected counts of shearwaters were in the range of 500 to 2000, so a count of fewer than 100 is quite low. At this point in the season, we can expect to see congregations of shearwaters growing to near peak numbers (based on data collected from 2019 to 2023).
Heading back across the Owen Basin, the seas and skies remained nearly birdless. Having observed a general lack of birds outside the islands, I decided to see how things looked in Head Harbour Passage. Motoring slowly through the passage, including the Old Sow produced sightings of 560 Bonaparte’s Gulls. These counts seem to be typical of the date. However, the overall number of gulls appeared low. Razorbill numbers also seemed a bit low. Common Murre were more abundant than expected (56 observed). Data from Head Harbour Passage is largely anecdotal, which is one of the issues I am attempting to address. Two Minke Whales were also spotted along with a few dozen porpoise.
Yesterday, I traveled aboard the Grand Manan Ferry cataloging all creatures observed. Effort was focused (not casual). Once again, things were very quiet. Only 21 shearwater and 1 gannet were observed while heading across the bay. Harbour Porpoise numbers were very low. Looking across Wolf Banks, it appeared about as quiet as it gets (hardly a bird in sight and only one whale). Alcids were almost completely absent during the entire crossing. The return trip from the island produced even fewer birds and no whales despite excellent viewing conditions and high water (birds and whales often move in with the tide).
The low numbers of birds recorded this season seem to be the result of a diminishing prey base. Storms could have held back or displaced the South Atlantic migrants (shearwater and Wilson’s Storm-Petrel). However, the general lack of many species, including those that do not arrive from the south suggests other causes. Some studies have suggested a 70% decline of seabirds since the 1950s. This information is shared here to help foster informed decision making.
26 July 2024—Quoddy Region Report
Last Friday, I rode the Grand Manan Ferry again to document seasonal congregations of shearwaters and other seabirds. Sea and weather conditions were quite good. Effort was very focused. Unfortunately, very few birds were observed. Heading out, only 5 shearwaters, 2 gannet, 21 large alcids (primarily murre) along with small numbers of gulls were observed. The return trip was similar. My expectation of shearwater numbers was in the range of 500 to 2000 per trip. These numbers are based on surveys carried out since 2019 and my recollection of observed abundances between 2012 and 2017, when I worked aboard a local whale watching boat.
It would be useful to know what is being seen beyond Grand Manan. If anyone is seeing significant numbers of shearwaters out there, please let me know.
Yesterday, I checked L’Etete Passage and the Old Sow for seasonal congregations of gulls. A count carried out at Greens Point produced 1195 Bonaparte’s Gulls. Significant numbers of terns were also observed (maybe as many as 100). My work is focused on abundances, so no attempts were made to search through the groups for Little, Black-headed or other rarities such as Sabine’s. Given the growing numbers, it might be a good time to begin searching for these birds.
After leaving the point, I crossed the passage on the Deer Island Ferry. Gulls were very numerous with well over 500 Bonaparte’s sitting on the rocks near the wharf and at least another 400 further out. The number of birds needing to be counted and identified was a bit overwhelming for the rate of speed being traveled and my view of the water, so the actual number of Bonaparte’s present was almost certainly higher than recorded.
I then went to the Old Sow expecting similar or greater numbers of birds feeding on the incoming tide (it was mid-tide). To my surprise, fewer than 100 Bonaparte’s Gulls were observed.” Todd Watts. Bocabec, NB
END SA
Vultures through Dickcissel
Casual in summer for Nova Scotia, a Black Vulture lingered into the season along Dump Road, Cape North, Cape Breton Island through 20 Jun (ph. Logan Moore, ph. Steven McGrath). Subsequently, a Black Vulture—likely the same individual—was at Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island 21 Jun (ph. Minnie MacLeod). Continuing its presence within the Region, The Steller’s Sea-Eagle was seen through the season at Old Bonavista and area NL (ph. Dan Myer, m. ob.). Accidental in summer to Nova Scotia, a Swallow-tailed Kite was present in the Community of Dayton, Yarmouth Co 3–4 Jun (ph. Tony Millard, Angie Millard et al.), and provided the third summer record for the province. Another Swallow-tailed Kite at The Guzzle, Cape Sable Island, Shelburne Co NS 19 Jul (ph. Paul Gould) was believed to be a different individual and provided the province with its fourth summer record for the species.
Now casual to Nova Scotia, a Mississippi Kite at the Western Light, Brier Island, Digby Co 29 Jun (ph. Jason Dain) was the 14th summer record to the province. A Burrowing Owl was an exceptional find on Blanche Peninsula, Shelburne Co NS 8 Jul+ (ph. Pierre Martel, ph. Mike MacDonald, ph. Mark Dennis, m. ob.). This was the third overall record of the species for Nova Scotia, and the second summer record for the province. A Red-bellied Woodpecker, now casual to Prince Edward Island, was at feeders in Hope River, Queens Co 10 Jun (John and JoAnn Girard). The Crested Caracara, present since last fall on Prince Edward Island continued its sojourn in the East Point area, Kings Co through 5 Jul (Roberta Palmer, Logan Moore, Mark and Sandra Dennis, m. ob.) and provided the province with its first summer record. Accidental to Prince Edward Island, a Western Kingbird found in a backyard along Long River Road, Queens Co 27 Jun (ph. Katrina Clow) was the fifth record for that province. Casual in summer to Nova Scotia, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was present in the Nappan area, Cumberland Co 5 Jun (ph. Shawn Chapman et al.). In New Brunswick, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Bayview, St. John Co 28 Jun (ph. Jim Carroll, ph. Paul Langelaan, ph. Rhonda Langelaan) provided the province with its fifth summer record.
A Carolina Wren discovered along the Bubbling Spring Trail, Dalvay, Prince Edward Island National Park PE 19 Jul (ph. Vanessa Bonnyman) provided the province with its fifth summer record and 12th overall record. A House Wren at Forteau, Labrador-Happy Valley-Goose Bay NL 18 Jun through 10 Jul (au. ph. Vernon Buckle) provided Labrador with its first record of the species, and 12th overall record for the province. Casual to New Brunswick over the year, a Sedge Wren was at the Bell Street Marsh, Moncton, Westmorland Co 8 Jun though 17 Jul. (au. Gillian Mastromatteo, au. ph. Rhonda and Paul Langelaan, m. ob.). This was only the second summer record for the species to that province. Casual to Prince Edward Island in summer, eight Northern Mockingbirds were reported, including that of an adult observed feeding a fledgling. The Yellow-headed Blackbird along Chebogue road, Yarmouth Co NS 22 and 23 Jul (fide Ronnie d’Entremont, ph. Rick Brown) was only the sixth documented summer record to that province. A Prairie Warbler at Ketch Harbour, Halifax Co NS 25 July (ph. Diane LeBlanc et al.) was an unexpected surprise that provided the province with its seventh summer record.
Addendum
No doubt an exhilarating discovery, a Western Flycatcher photographed at Étang Freckner, St. Pierre Island SPM 17 Oct 2023 (ph. Joël Detcheverry, David Sibley) provided the French Isles with their first record, and the fourth regional record for that species.
Report processed by Andrew Keaveney, 18 Sep 2024.
Photos–Atlantic: Summer 2024
