Machias Seal Island - Birds and Seals

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:27:56 -0300
From: Ralph Eldridge
Subject: MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND REPORT

After random appearances in 1s and 2s over the past week, a half dozen ROBINS arrived yesterday. Today they are up to approximately 20.

Also this week: 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS passed by flying together as a pair. In addition, at least 3 different single Peregrines stopped to hunt for a day or two.

Our "resident" winter RAVENS have been displaying and a second pair were here briefly.

2 adult BALD EAGLES squabbled over a HARLEQUIN DUCK which one of them had captured. They were close enough to watch well but just beyond camera range.

Our RED BREASTED NUTHATCH continues to feed around the house. He's quite vocal whenever he's approached.

HARLEQUINS continue at about 40. That's more than double the average number here in past years.

RAZORBILLS rafts are slowly increasing. Their expected landing date is still a month away.

SONG SPARROWS are getting aggressive and singing some in the mornings when the weather is decent.

HARBOUR & GRAY SEALS are increasing and there are quite a few G. SEAL pups in evidence. On Wednesday there were over 50 basking on the visible portion of Gull Rock.

NatureNB