Date: 12/4/24 10:58 pm From: Doug Ward via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Gulls, Goldeneyes, & Redpolls Oh My - Higgins Pt, Lake CdA, ID
Quick run out to Higgins Point on the east arm of Lake Coeur d'Alene (Kootenai Co., ID) this afternoon (Weds., 4 Dec.'24) provided some varied and fun birding. While this area is well known for BALD EAGLE viewing this time of the year as they feed on dying kokanee salmon, the eagles were weirdly few and far between, but the other stuff made my short visit interesting. As usual I'll start with the gulls which are also here to feast, today numbering more than 500 milling about and resting on the water. The vast majority are CALIFORNIAs (300+) and AMERICAN HERRING GULLs (+/-200), but also had a few RING-BILLED, at least 3 "Thayer's" ICELANDs, and a nice adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. In addition to the large number of gulls, there were also some of the biggest numbers of COMMON GOLDENEYs (150+) that I can recall; only had a couple of BARROW'S GOLDENEYEs which I found surprising low given the numbers of Commons. To round out the fun there were also a few REDPOLLs in with a good sized mixed flock of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHs and PINE SISKINs feeding in the birches at the main parking lot.
If you plan to head out to Higgins for the eagle and gull show, be sure to pay attention along East Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive near Silver Beach as there is a large (~20) continuing flock of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERs just off shore. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like directions.
