Spoonbill back on 9/28/18, Milford Point. A raw, cold day after a big night storm. Roseate Spoonbill was on main sandbar when I went there this afternoon. Later he flew to the marsh and forage under the Osprey platform until flying north up the river.
one of the Laughing Gulls resting near the Roseate Spoonbill
Continuing bird found by Charla S on the main sandbar at Milford Point on 9/27/18. This Roseate Spoonbill had been in Maine before it moved down to Milford-Stratford in CT. Notice hole in bill.
Return of the mystery gull, 9/22/18. This evening, on Trumbull Avenue Beach in Milford, I found a gull that seems to be the same as the one I found at Napatree Point in R I. on 9/9/18. After about 5 minutes it flew in the direction of Gulf Beach. Probably a leucistic Herring Gull, esp. because its head is not as rounded as an Iceland should be, and because Iceland Gulls are rare at time time of year here. A video and photos below:
Roseate Spoonbill, Milford Point, 9/19/18. First found at Raven Pond Park in Stratford on the 15th, this bird, the first recorded in Connecticut, was relocated roosting with egrets at Milford Point yesterday, and found this morning at the main sandbar at Milford Point. Seems to be a juvenile. A few record photos and videos below.
At Milford Point, Black Skimmer (juv, banded), 9/12/18; Western Sandpiper, SESA, 9/11/18. First, video of Western Sandpiper with SESAs. All seem to be juveniles.
Western Sandpiper (left) with SESAs, 9/11/18 Milford Pt
Western Sandpiper (center-left) with SESAs, 9/11/18 Milford Pt
DC Cormorant, Milford Pt, 9/11/18
Black Skimmer, Milford Pt, 9/12/18 banded (from NY)
Black Skimmer, Milford Pt, 9/12/18 banded (from NY)
White-rumped Sandpipers (3) at Milford Point on 9/15/18 (there were 4 on 9/14/1). Note wings extending beyond the tail; this molting adult retains some adult flank streaking.
