< Previous10 Black Oystercatcher LISTEN FOR: a piercing, whis- tled “wheeee- whee-whee” THESE BIRDS ... …use their strong bill to dislodge food and pry open shells. …form pairs that sometimes last for years. …are highly territorial during nesting season. …have chicks that are capable of leaving the nest after one day but will stay in the territory a long time after fledging. This stocky, black bird is one of the more entertaining species to observe and study as it prowls the shorelines, constantly turning over rocks and searching for hidden marine worms. left: An adult oystercatcher delivers fresh clam to chicks. opposite: An adult oystercatcher sports a tracking band on right leg (banded in Canadian Gulf Islands in May of 2007). Watch for a bright, reddish-orange bill on a black, crow-sized body for easy field identification. Oystercatchers nest on rocky outcroppings and usually lay two to three eggs in a shallow, protected scrape. When there are young to be fed, adults make nonstop trips to mud flats at low tide to search for a variety of marine creatures including oysters, clams, and limpets. At high tide, they specialize in prying food off rocks just below the wa- terline. Chicks are usually independent and capable of feeding themselves after five weeks. Oystercatchers defend their feeding territories year-round and pair bonds are often long-term. LOOK FOR: a black head and body, a large red bill, and dull pink legs12 Brant left: A lone Brant rests on the Drayton Harbor side of Semiahmoo Spit. opposite: Brant flock forages on eelgrass beds at Birch Bay State Park. This unique sea goose is about the size of the common Mallard. Brant nest and raise their young in the high Arctic and stage one of the more remarkable avian migrations when they fly non-stop for almost fifty hours to their primary wintering habitat along the west coast of Baja, Mexico. As winter progresses, flocks move north along the Pacific Flyway and join other birds to rest and forage in areas such as Birch Bay and the Semiahmoo Spit. In early spring, several thousand individ- uals congregate along local shorelines to fuel their reserves for the return flight to their breeding grounds. Arctic breeders and winter visitors to the eelgrass-rich beaches of Birch Bay State Park and Semiahmoo, Pacific Black Brant gather in noisy flocks to feed as the tide begins to ebb. LISTEN FOR: a throaty “c-r-r- ruk” or “krr-onk, krr-onk” THESE BIRDS ... …have down that is valued for its high insulating qualities. …fly close to the water in ragged formations. …spend the night on open water and fly to the shore in the morning. …feed and preen almost constantly during daylight hours. …are always on alert for Bald Eagles. LOOK FOR: black head, neck, and chest, white, partly broken collar14 Common Loon LISTEN FOR: a tremulous “ha-oo- oo” and a variety of yodels and wails LOOK FOR: black heads and bills, checkered backs and a broken white necklace THESE BIRDS ... …have large feet. …pursue and swallow fish underwater. …are found in northern latitudes around the world. …make a nest of aquatic vegetation. …constantly rebuild their nests during incubation. …are less suited for land and generally only go to shore to nest. Spectacular in breeding plumage, this loon is an icon of the northern lakes. Their plaintive calls are etched in the memory of anyone who has ever heard them. right: Common Loon in winter plumage. opposite: Common Loon in full breeding plumage Common Loons nest inland on freshwater lakes and ponds and fly over mountain ranges like the Cascades to reach their wintering grounds. They arrive in local saltwater habitats as early as mid-September, often with their offspring in tow. The loon is the epitome of a diving bird and they are perfectly designed for their aquatic life. They are heavy birds with legs and feet positioned far back on their bodies, making them very pro- ficient at pursuing and capturing prey under- water. This loon is known to many European birders as the Great Northern Diver, primarily for its superb diving ability.16 Dunlin LISTEN FOR: a raspy "kree" LOOK FOR: large flocks turning and twisting in undulating flight THESE BIRDS ... …have noticeable black belly patches in breeding plumage. …lay their eggs in a small scrape on the ground, lined with grass. …have long down -curved bills. …probe soft mud for aquatic insects and small crustaceans. …winter as far south as Baja. The most numerous winter shorebirds on local beaches, Dunlin are characterized by their dynamic aerial displays as they move from one feeding site to another. left: Lone Dunlin rests on the rocky shoreline. opposite: Dunlin in breeding plumage. Members of the greater family of sandpipers, Dunlin can be found on both coasts in winter. Like most species in this family, they breed in the far north on the Arctic tundra. Large concentra- tions of Dunlin feed on the soft-mud tideflats of Birch Bay and Blaine. Their foraging flocks often number between 5-10,000 individuals. Pairs might bond in successive years and show site loyalty on nesting territory, where the fe- males incubate the eggs at night and the male takes over during the day. Dunlin add excite- ment to any birdwatcher’s day when they lift as one and weave and swirl on the wing as they attempt to confuse predators like Pere- grine Falcons and Merlins.18 Large, beautiful, and stealthy, Great Blues are year-round residents of Whatcom County. Gathering in marine habi- tats by the hundreds, they stalk anything that fits into their omnivorous diet, including fish, frogs, reptiles, large insects, and even small birds. Less- er numbers of these magnificent birds gather in lakes, wetlands, and pastures where rodents become the prey of choice. Great Blues have established a large nesting colony just north of Birch Bay, where seemingly endless streams of adult birds utilize the rich waters there and at Drayton Harbor to feed hungry chicks. New birdwatchers will learn to identify Great Blues by their size and slow, graceful flight. They are the essence of a patient hunter, often allowing their prey to come to them. Patient and persistent, the iconic Great Blue is a common sighting on the Birch Bay and Semiahmoo shorelines. They spend hours in one location waiting for their next meal. THESE BIRDS ... …are mostly solitary during the winter months. …gather in large rookeries during the nesting season. …usually fly away with an annoyed squawking sound when disturbed. …are opportunistic hunters. …feed fish to their nestlings until they fledge. LISTEN FOR: A deep, harsh “frahnk, frahnk, frank” LOOK FOR: long legs, a sinuous neck, and thick dagger-like bill Great Blue Heronright: A Great Blue Heron snatches a surf perch for dinner. opposite: A Great Blue Heron in flight, displays its intricate feather patterns and long, skinny legs. 19Next >