[CT Birds] Southport

[Dennis Varza]

HI Folks

Here are some observations from Southport Shore

Dennis Varza
Fairfield

Off shore the water started out rough but by the end it was rather  
calm.  A few loons were scattered about and Oldsquaw flitted about in  
small groups. This appears to the peak period of movement before they  
settle in for the winter. Last year it looked like they were more  
common in the Norwalk Island than is this area. There were still a  
couple of large groups of Red-breasted Mergansers about, and that one  
Surf Scoter.

The gull situation was interesing. The increase in Ring-billed gulls  
was due to a second flock sitting on the Golf Course. And, there was  
only one immature seen anywhere. The Laughing Gull was a surprise. It  
was with 5 Ring-bills flying up Southport Harbor. Normally I expect  
to see them off shore. Last Year the last Laughing Gull record was 16  
November.

In the harbor the two Double-creasted Cormornats remain. New birds  
included a Snow Goose in with the Canada Geese and a Ruddy Duck north  
of the harbor bridge. In past years there were several Mute Swans  
about, this year none. This is similar to what I see in Nells Island,  
very few swans. Great Blue Herons have also been less frequent.

 From past records it looks like that Common Loons will finish their  
migration in another couple of weeks and then become irregular. Dec 7  
is the last date for Double-creasted Cormorants I have for the harbor.

Dennis Varza
Fairfield

Fairfield, Sunken Island, South Pine Creak Beach, Sasco Beach,  
Southport Harbor and Southport Beach

Nov/Dec            	11	25	3	
Tide	                	H	L	H
Snow  Goose      	0	0	1
Canada Goose    	80	220	220
American Black Duck	14	10	4
Mallard              	0	14	0
Surf Scoter        	2	1	1
Long-tailed Duck	0	4	20
Bufflehead         	2	15	22
Hooded Merganser	12	12	0
Red-breasted Merganser	8	32	34
Ruddy Duck        	0	0	1
Red-throated Loon	0	3	2
Common Loon     	8	2	5	
Horned Grebe     	0	0	2
Double-creasted Cormorant	17	2	2	
Great Cormorant	6	5	4
Great Blue Heron	2	0	0
Great Egret        	0	1	0
Greater Yellowlegs	2	0	0
Ruddy Tunstone 	0	1	0
Laughing Gull     	14	0	1	
Bonaparte’s Gull		0	3	0
Ring-billed Gull		56	48	110
Herring Gull        	48	41	54
Great Black-backed Gull	5	4	7
Forster’s Tern     	15	0	0