Nick Flanders and I headed out to Back Bay NWR this morning, arriving a little
past 8am, to look for the Northern Lapwing that had been seen yesterday morning
by Dr. Eric Walters (ODU) and his ornithology class. I had heard from Bob Ake
that the lapwing was not seen in the afternoon, but Nick and I wanted to try
for the bird. Long story short, the lapwing was not seen by us and on one else
out there (a few folks were out there already) reported seeing the lapwing this
morning. Lots of Bald Eagles and ducks were seen. Sedge Wrens were heard
chipping in the marsh. A Ross's Goose was seen in the company of Canada Geese.
One gentleman (Paul, I think...sorry about getting names wrong) saw an American
Bittern cross a section of boardwalk too. No American Coot were seen, but
American Black Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal,
Northern Pintail (a few), Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead (a few small flocks),
Canvasback (2), Tundra Swan, and Pied-billed Grebe were seen. Probably forgot
some birds. Sorry! Lots of exposed mud next to the visitor's center (where the
lapwing was seen yesterday). Apparently, the north winds have pushed water out
of the bay.
Elisa Enders
Portsmouth, VA