ML617787429

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Counted each flock only as they passed by us headed north along river, there is a lot of mud on river here and there were shorebirds moving galore. We started two hour count at 0856 and there were 10,700 after first hour. At end of second hour we had a total of 26,600. Right after we finished our two hour count the mudflats to the south, which were covered with shorebirds, all moved out at once and we added 15,500. So our 42,100 total is a 2hr and 15 min total- we were hoping that huge last bunch would arrive during our two hour count! I have awesome video but cannot add to checklist without special permissions (which is probably good!). First two photos show mudflats to south where many birds would stop and forage/rest. The next two photos show a stream of mostly Westerns going by us- we were sitting on huge redwood log here with awesome views of birds as they passed headed north. We did not count flocks until they passed us. The last two photos show a group resting right in front of us- none of these birds rested/foraged long before continuing north. The river acts as a huge funnel and has always been awesome this time of year especially when their is a lot of mud (due to breach near Floras Lake). Some years the breach is already closed and no birds stop- this year is perfect conditions! Sunny weather and strong winds ideal for migrating birds- on rainy days or days with lotsa fog and low winds- much slower. Best time from mid-April through first week of May. There will be shorebirds on river through May though, just not big numbers. Curlews and godwits prefer beach/offshore and rarely seen here.

Technical information

Model

iPhone 13 mini

Lens

iPhone 13 mini back dual wide camera 5.1mm f/1.6

ISO

50

Focal length

5.1 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.6

Shutter speed

1/2967 sec

Dimensions

4032 pixels x 3024 pixels

Original file size

2.18 MB