Churchill II Jun 14—26, 2005
Posted by Jeri Langham
Jeri Langham
Jeri M. Langham has a Ph.D. in plant ecology from Washington State University, and after 38 years as a professor of biological sciences at California State University ...Related Trips
In late afternoon of our first day, we arrived at Riding Mountain National Park and checked into McTavish’s. Dinner at the Wasagaming golf course restaurant was both ?fast? and delicious. The optional after-dinner trip produced two Ruffed Grouse, one male Spruce Grouse, and an incredible American Woodcock—the first ever for this tour. We had 98 species for the day—what a beginning!
One of our best days at Churchill began with rain. After breakfast it was still raining, but we headed out in two vehicles for the dock area. Euphoria filled the bus as we watched TWO Ross?s Gulls for about an hour, both standing and flying with Bonaparte?s Gulls and Arctic Terns. Because of the rain, I decided to visit the Museum prior to lunch. On our way, we saw Bonnie Chartier?s bus at the Polar Motel and I found her group working on their lists. I let them know about the Ross?s Gulls and they tore out for the dock area. As we were enjoying our lunch at Gypsy?s Bakery, they came in smiling from ear to ear. They had seen four individuals, and even saw some mating take place. In spite of terrible weather, we had all enjoyed great looks at the main prize that brings birders to Churchill. This was particularly encouraging because the last few years only one or two Ross?s Gulls have been seen by some, and missed by other birders visiting Churchill.
After lunch, the sun came out and we headed for Akudlik to try to catch others up with the Little Gull seen last night on the after-dinner outing. David suggested walking out closer in an area that had always been off limits. It was now open to the public, so out we went 100 yards closer for superb looks at as many as SIX birds and at least three nests. On the walk out, a few saw a skittish Hoary Redpoll. Later, just before the Bilenduk?s home, we located the Northern Shrike nest Bonnie had told us about. We could see the head just above the rim of the nest, and saw an adult perched nearby. The feeders had the usual array of birds with Pine Grosbeak the main attraction. On Kennedy Park Road, we had great looks at Palm and Blackpoll warblers, but not all saw the Gray-cheeked Thrush. Nodwell Trail produced no new birds. We ate dinner at the restaurant across the street from our Tundra Inn. After the doing our list, we enjoyed superb scenery and sunset views, and Tom?s wonderful Pacific Loon sitting on her nest.
The following morning, we gathered at 5 a.m. for a before-breakfast visit to Cape Merry. Boy was it cold. However, we found an Iceland Gull, male King Eider, and male Harlequin Duck. At breakfast, Shawn had rhubarb pie, and that set off a chain reaction leading to eight of our group having it for dessert after lunch. After breakfast, I decided to return to Cape Merry to see if any of the great birds were still there. The Iceland Gull was gone, but a Glaucous Gull gave us great looks, Shawn found a Thayer?s Gull, and we got to see the Black Guillemot again. Terry refound the male King Eider for those who did not come out earlier.
Our last night at Churchill was a great success with a pair of Harris?s Sparrows and a Rusty Blackbird at Nodwell Trail, Solitary Sandpiper and calling Yellow Rail on Goose Creek Road, and a Merlin in the scope on our way back to the Tundra Inn. What a great way to end our last full day at Churchill.