ML32498151

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

While getting ready to take a passenger out in my canoe, I spotted this flock of birds about 3/4 mile north of Plat I Reservoir. When first spotted they were flying east, about 200 ft above ground. They continued about a half mile east, then turned south, and lowered their elevation to perhaps 100 ft above ground. They were too far for me to see any detail whatsoever in their plumage. The size and flight seemed right on for Black-bellied Plover, so I strained my ears to see if I could hear their call (or any call), which I could not. I was hoping and expecting them to at least make a pass over Plat I Reservoir; however, as they proceeded south (to the NE of me), they were low enough to be obscured by trees and I lost them. I later drove over to the area, where there were some fields, hoping to find the birds grounded in a field, but never saw them again (no flocks of plovers, pigeons, or crows). Unfortunately, my photos don't seem to reveal enough information to be 100% sure of the species observed. The pointed wing shape, difficult-to-see tail, and small head are consistent with Black-bellied Plover at that distance. Other candidates for the size and flocking behavior I can think of would be Rock Pigeon and American Crow. Rock Pigeon has a more rapid wingbeat (I think?), more noticeable tail, and a flock that size probably would have included at least a few birds with a lot of white, or even all white birds. The only flocks of Rock Pigeon of that number in our area are in Roseburg. American Crow has straighter longer more rounded wings (vs angled and tapered/pointed), and more floppy flight. Black-bellied Plover was my initial impression and best guess, but this size flock in the central Umpqua Valleys is unprecedented. If you see any clues as to the identity of these birds, or think of another species that should be considered, please contact me. I have photos of a large flock of American Crows in this checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S20674836 Many viewers suggested Black Tern. Others include Killdeer.

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

ISO

250

Focal length

215 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/1000 sec

Dimensions

3918 pixels x 854 pixels

Original file size

579.18 KB