[mou] Red-throated Loons et al. at Park Point

[Eckert K R]

In addition to the Arctic Tern(s) at Park Point today (see today's 
earlier postings), there were at least 7 Red-throated Loons, an Eared 
Grebe, 13 Whimbrels (probably the same individuals seen yesterday at 
Hearding Island), plus a good wave of 17 warbler species. 
Unfortunately, yesterday's Piping Plover was not relocated today, 
unless someone else found it after I left about 2:30.

The Red-throated Loons were spotted on L Superior from the 31st 
Street/Lafayette Square access around 10:30, with a minimum of 7 
individuals present, and at least one was still there at 2:30. It 
appeared that 6 of the 7 were in alternate/breeding plumage.

The alternate-plumaged Eared Grebe (only a casual species in NE Minn) 
was also seen on the lake near the loons.

The Whimbrels were first seen today from the 12th Street access as they 
flew south over L Superior St, and they eventually landed on the beach 
near 31st St, with some still there at 2:30.

And at the Recreation Area, a total of 17 warbler species was seen, 
with 15 of these in a small area of trees near the restroom building. 
They included Cape May, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, and Mourning, and a 
Red-headed Woodpecker and 2 Scarlet Tanagers were present in the same 
area.

The adult Arctic Tern I observed out from 12th Street was seen in the 
company of several Common Terns as it flew back and forth over the 
lake. Its ID was based on a combination of features which were 
especially visible with direct comparison with the Commons: more 
compact flight profile resulting from its shorter-necked appearance and 
somewhat "pot-bellied" shape; a whitish area consistently visible on 
the face between the black cap and the gray underparts; uniform medium 
gray upper wing surface with no hint of a dark gray/blackish wedge on 
the primaries; under wing pattern with narrower black line on trailing 
edge of primaries and no black line visible along the leading edge of 
the outermost primary; and the uniform pale translucence visible on the 
under surface of the primaries when the wings were back-lit by the sun.

- Kim Eckert







(Please note new e-mail address <eckertkr at gmail.com>)
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