Cape Hatteras CBC highlights

[Harry LeGrand <Harry.LeGrand@ncmail.net>]

We had a good total of 139 species on the Cape Hatteras CBC on Dec. 27.
The wind was actually reasonable -- 5-12 mph. Here are the highlights:
Apparent Acadian Flycatcher -- studied in detail by Paul Sykes and
party, but the bird did not call. Geez, Paul, you mean you didn't have
your Empidonax tapes with you? Maybe someone can relocate it, with some
tapes to try to elicit some calls. New to the count.
Northern Goshawk -- an immature flew low over the Cape Pines Motel and
then soared overhead nearby for three lucky birders! I was a mile away,
not knowing about all this! I stil need it for NC. I suspect the bird is
long gone now, perhaps headed SW down the Outer Banks to try to get back
to the mainland. I am not aware of anyone successfully tracking down a
Goshawk seen earlier by someone else -- they are very secretive for such
a large bird.New to the count.
Eared Grebe
Green Heron
Little Gull - new to the count
California Gull - Cape Point
Razorbill - 3
Chuck-will's-widow - 1 picked up in the hand (alive but torpid?) by
Sykes and party in Buxton Woods! Second count record.
Northern Parula -- 3!!
Yellow-throated Warbler
Dickcissel - new to the count
Painted Bunting - 2 again at a feeder
Ruby-throated Hummingbird -- 11 (no big deal anymore). Some were already
banded, and others were banded on count day.
Ovenbird - 14. Three parties!

The number of gulls at Cape Point was shockingly low, considering the
ice and very cold temperatures. Even so, a tame Glaucous Gull,
California, Little (with Bonaparte's just offshore), and a weird hybrid
(possibly a Kelp x Herring) were found, along with the usual 12-15
Lesser BB Gulls.
--
Harry LeGrand
NC Natural Heritage Program
1615 MSC
Raleigh, NC 27699-1615
(919) 715-8687 (work)
FAX: 919-715-3085
e-mail: harry.legrand@ncmail.net