Date: 11/15/24 12:35 pm From: Ken Hartman via groups.io <kenhartman28...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] La Jolla seawatch: Franklin's Gull, 31 Common Murres, 5+ Fulmars
I had much lower numbers from the overlook at Carlsbad, but similar species. Mostly Surf Scoters with at least one possible Black (no white on belly or head). One puzzling bird that I would have called a jaeger but for the white patch halfway out on the wing.
“Single bird flying north. Continuous flapping similar to jaeger or gull. Pale underparts. Dark cap. Dark upperparts with pale outer primaries and distinct white patch on upperwing about halfway out near "wrist" or bend.”
Will people be seawatching tomorrow?
Ken Hartman
From: <SanDiegoRegionBirding...> <SanDiegoRegionBirding...> On Behalf Of <lehman.paul...> via groups.io
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 11:59 AM
To: <sandiegoregionbirding...>
Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] La Jolla seawatch: Franklin's Gull, 31 Common Murres, 5+ Fulmars
Today's (Friday) AM seawatch at La Jolla in the west winds was attended by about a dozen observers. The highlight was a basic adult Franklin's Gull which flew by southbound at very close range fairly early in the morning. Also surprising was the high total of 31 Common Murres southbound, as of 11 AM when I departed. The final tally should be higher. Northern Fulmars were seen off and on all morning, but were difficult to count due to likely repeat fly-bys, but probably at least 5 different birds. A Blue-winged Teal in a flock of scoters was unusual. Two "Thayer's" Iceland and about a dozen Herring Gulls southbound. Loon and scoter numbers are picking up, as expected, with, for example, 1400+ Pacifics and ca. 700 scoters. A total of 8 Black Oystercatchers and 1 hybrid.
Also a highlight was watching a fellow propose marriage to his girlfriend in front of us--a great entry for our seawatch bingo card.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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