Isn't migration wonderful?
Comparing notes from last year will be difficult. I didn't move to Guntersville until December, and only got to the causeway a couple of times a week.
However, last year, I didn't have my first Loon sighting until October 23rd. This year, it would come three days sooner.
I also didn't have my first double digit count last year (12) until November 8th. This year, it would come on October 28th (11). Numbers would fluctuate between 0-13 from the 20th through the 31st, but the 31st would have the most birds with 13.
November has held steady, with 9-12 birds each day. Fly-ins aren't commonly seen, but I usually have at least one each day, with three being my highest fly-in numbers so far. But, if I go by last year's records, I have a good week before I'll start seeing numbers above 20, and two more weeks before they're in the dozens.
So far, it seems that they are coming in larger numbers than last year; that or I'm just paying closer attention this year. Either way, it's shaping out to be a productive winter for research and wintering populations. Time will tell.
I'll try to blog periodically about my findings. I must admit, though, it's hard to find the time.
-A
However, last year, I didn't have my first Loon sighting until October 23rd. This year, it would come three days sooner.
I also didn't have my first double digit count last year (12) until November 8th. This year, it would come on October 28th (11). Numbers would fluctuate between 0-13 from the 20th through the 31st, but the 31st would have the most birds with 13.
November has held steady, with 9-12 birds each day. Fly-ins aren't commonly seen, but I usually have at least one each day, with three being my highest fly-in numbers so far. But, if I go by last year's records, I have a good week before I'll start seeing numbers above 20, and two more weeks before they're in the dozens.
So far, it seems that they are coming in larger numbers than last year; that or I'm just paying closer attention this year. Either way, it's shaping out to be a productive winter for research and wintering populations. Time will tell.
I'll try to blog periodically about my findings. I must admit, though, it's hard to find the time.
-A
