02
Nov
Pleasant Lake Migrant Birds
With the onset of colder temperatures we are seeing the tail end of migration on and around Pleasant Lake. We have had a few unusual visitors stopping by. A flock of seven Bufflehead. They are a tiny duck on their way to their wintering grounds on open bays, reservoirs and lakes in southern United States. A few Bufflehead flying past a Red-necked Grebe. We didn’t get close enough for a good photo of the Red-necked Grebe, but thought it worth including here because of its rarity on our lake. Red-necked Grebes breed on small lakes in mid to western Canada and Alaska. They winter along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Along with the Red-necked Grebe we had this gorgeous Horned Grebe last week. They also breed in mid to western Canada. Both of these Grebes are similar to our Loons in that their chicks ride upon the parents’ backs for a little while. Recent stormy weather has caused eerie effects of clouds and light on the lake and Mount Kearsarge. While Yellow-rumped Warblers aren’t unusual here, seeing dozens migrating together and snatching insects at the shore of the boat ramp was quite a sight. This female American Redstart was in our yard this weekend and made the NH rare bird list due to its late migration. As did this Red-eyed Vireo. Our next installment will be a goodbye to our Loons for this season. Jen and Jon
