Birds : Lazy days of summer
The summer solstice has occurred, the breeding season is already winding down for single brooded species, and the rhythms of summer are becoming established. The heat and long days of summer create a relaxed pace for all. For birds, after breeding it is time to eat prodigiously, grow new feathers with a complete molt, and store food in the form of fat reserves to be used either to migrate or to survive the rigors of the coming winter. It is a time to rest and prepare for the upcoming fall migration, a journey that may take them many thousands of miles.
This male Northern Harrier took a little time off from catching prey for hungry nestlings to rest and preen his feathers in the rain last week. This raptor is doing well on Martha's Vineyard, one of the species' only strongholds in Massachusetts. Photo by E. Vernon Laux
Living in New England, especially on Martha's Vineyard, one is treated to the spectacle of bird migration during the spring and fall. In fact, during the fall migration, especially in the months of September and October, the Island is one of the best places on the continent to watch birds. The place is rocking with migrant birds zooming by and concentrating in impressive numbers.
The western end of the Island, especially the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, acts as a funnel concentrating migrant birds in impressive numbers. It is a world-class destination. The scale of the bird migration that occurs here can be so impressive that it must be seen to be appreciated.
Which makes this time of year, the end of the breeding season, seem positively dull in comparison to what is coming in a couple of months for birders. The heat, the crowds, the hassle of getting into places that are easy in the off season but now require a sticker, and the nature of the nesting season all combine to make birding at this season less than optimal.
In fact, it is enough to drive a birder to look at bugs. This is an excellent idea and one that more and more people are turning to and enjoying. Butterflies, dragonflies, and a myriad of other bizarre and fascinating insects are active in the warm summer months. At night, the Vineyard teems with the most impressive number and diversity of moths anywhere in this part of the world.
Due to its rural nature, relatively undisturbed center, and the lack of chemical spraying that occurred on the mainland decades ago, the Island has many species of large moths that are the envy of lepidopterists elsewhere. This is a very good thing.
Seabird flight
A huge movement of seabirds occurred on June 19. Occurring from Long Island, N.Y., to Nantucket, thousands of seabirds were reported. The south shore of the Vineyard had lots of birds passing from dawn until dusk, all heading in an easterly direction. Bob Shriber was in Aquinnah and reported seeing a large flight of birds comprised of greater, sooty, Cory's and Manx shearwaters, involving many hundreds of birds. Also in the mix were large numbers of Wilson's storm-petrels, northern gannets, and a smattering of jaegers and alcids. Dick Veit on neighboring Tuckernuck Island reported six south polar Skuas with four flying close by over the beach near him, two Atlantic puffins, and thousands of other birds. It was a historic flight.
Southbound already
Even during this summer lull there are birds migrating. Every time the wind direction comes from the northwest, it will deliver southbound shorebirds to Island shores. While we bemoan how bad the weather has been here of late, further north in the Canadian Arctic, it has been much worse. It appears that in many parts of this vast area no breeding will take place this year. This is not good news for waterfowl, loons, grebes, and shorebirds that utilize the tundra for breeding.
The annual return of southbound shorebird adults will occur earlier than usual. Not far away, as the bird flies, located at the elbow of Cape Cod in Chatham, there are some spectacular sand and tidal flats that are utilized by tens of thousands of migrant shorebirds. These birds have an uncanny ability to find the same location annually during migration and will concentrate at the same spots, at the same date, year after year.
Joining them on these incredibly rich sandy flats will be tens of thousands of terns and gulls. They are there because of the abundant fish populations that are present because of the rich tidal flats that provide food for the small fish. In fact, the entire elbow area of Cape Cod is unparalleled for seeing vast numbers of birds. In a few hours on North Monomoy one will see more shorebirds and terns than in an entire year on the Vineyard.
So, despite the summertime doldrums that are just starting to occur in the woods and fields on the Island, the shore is getting increasingly busy. It also has the most pleasant temperatures with the added benefit of being able to walk barefoot in the sand, a gift for the feet. The place to bird during the heat of the day is near the cool water.
Enjoy this fabulous time of year and perhaps get yourself a butterfly guide. One could do much worse than chasing butterflies around lovely flowers in a garden on a gorgeous July day. Try it; you might like it.
Until next time - keep your eyes to the sky.
