NORTH !

There have been way too many south winds so far this fall (not that it is bad for some locations).  Looks like this weekend we may finally get some northerly winds. We need some of these to bring birds from the north.  And, I am anxious to get a look on Lake Huron at Point Edward.
Point Edward is our local hotspot for jaegers, good gulls, and other waterbirds.  Last year was a banner season with many jaegers, etc.  On the first day of October 2011 there were several including all three jaegermeisters. Plus a Sabine's Gull.

Long-tailed Jaeger (submitted photo)

Although I hate being in one spot for hours on end, sometimes it is exciting when lots of birds are coming in.  Maybe even a kittiwake or two.  Where are they this fall?

Also a good spot for loons flying over.  I have not seen many of those either this fall.  I had one on the St. Clair River at Port Lambton last week.

We have had Red Phalaropes there as well.  November 11, 2006 there were three in mid river.  It is still a review species in Michigan.  I wrote them up, but was rejected.  They seem to have a different agenda in Michigan than our OBRC.
King Eider is also on their list, which we get there on occasion.  A number of years ago Lance Allin and I saw a female type first.  It was on the US side and Michigan birders saw it shortly afterwards.  Although I wrote up a detailed report (was accepted), they got credit for first finder!
Hopefully the weather forecast will be true.  It constantly changes and has changed completely in the last 24h.

(need one of these for this year!)

Just before dark this evening I rushed out to Mitchell's Bay to get a look.  (It gets dark way too quickly now!).  Lots of mud but no shorebirds or ibises.  Only a few Killdeer.





The highlight species was American Coot.  I estimated about 6000!  Very few other ducks.

Of course, usual for the location, many Mute Swans.  About 215 in view tonight.