Goodbye, October, and welcome to the last month of meteorological autumn. As the fall foliage finally fades into the background we welcome the waterfowl returning to our region. Common Loons (Gavia immer) are losing their brilliant breeding plumage and you will soon be able to find them at many locations along the coast, at inland lakes and reservoirs, swimming, preening and diving for food. Watch for them on Chautauqua Lake, a place that I have seen plenty. These are sizable and stout birds with dagger-like bills – ones you would not want to mess around with! November is a time to expect the unexpected as rare birds from across the hemisphere can show up far out of their typical range, something we will discuss in coming days. When you head to the shores keep an eye out for rare and special species from a vagrant Fork-tailed Flycatcher all the way to the annually irrupting Snowy Owls who are already on the way south. Have your Peterson Field Guides ready, you may be using pages you do not often turn to…
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
