November 22, 2008

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 1.6 feet.

Number of people: 11. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 11. Sitting: 3. Other Activities: some people walked & sat. A few truly oblivious or uncaring people walked very close to the various birds, including at least 10 oystercatchers who were sitting on or near the rocks exposed by the low tide. One member of a couple walked climbed onto a rock, scaring a number of birds away. There were other rocks further up the beach to climb on.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

10 oystercatchers seen for sure, possible sighting of 3-4 more--the most I have ever seen in one place. They were on various rocks exposed by the low tide--apparently feeding on limpets or something else that grows attached to or on the rocks. May also have sighted a bald eagle. I may also have seen some black turnstones hanging out with one oystercatcher who was on the rocks off of Schooner Point. I'm not completely certain of the black turnstone ID.

I'm filing this report because of the sighting of an unusual number of black oystercatchers. I've seen some in this area before (earlier in the year) usually at low tide but I saw the most I've ever seen in one area (stretching from south of Schooner Point to somewhat north of Schooner Point), the large number plus the possible sighting of a bald eagle & around 5 black turnstones was unusual & exciting for me. I didn't pay much attention to the driftline, etc.