After Hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas it swept up the coastal waters of the U.S. and as it did so, it made landfall in North Carolina before churning northwards to our coastline. As the storm’s eye passed over the coastline of South and North Carolina birds that had taken shelter from the storm flew from their sheltered places into the clear sky to catch up on their feeding. Sadly, as the trailing wall of the storm closed in on the airborne birds, many were unable to make it to cover. To avoid the deathly winds they were forced to remain in the eye and fly northward with the storm.
For two full days, day and night these birds were trapped in the eye, forced to keep flying or perish. When the eye finally made landfall in the Halifax and Eastern Shore area of Nova Scotia, these flocks of exhausted birds took shelter on our beaches, grasslands, even parking lots. As the eye passed over some residents witnessed flocks of birds descending out of the clear sky seeking shelter. After the storm passed people throughout the area were surprised to find flocks of birds that were not native to our province resting and feeding on many beaches and marshes.
Right: Black Skimmer landing after a flight around the bay feeding.
ABOVE: Black Skimmers with their bright orange beaks resting on a nearby beach.
LEFT : Mature and immature Black Skimmers challenging each other.
Black Skimmers come by their name honestly, for they feed by flying low over the water and dropping their long, lower bill into the water to scoop up their next meal. It is a sight that is truly impressive to watch as they maneuver over the water and skillfully slice their bill through the ocean.
Another southern visitor brought to our shores is the Black Necked Stilt. We were fortunate to come across a marsh pond where two of the delicate birds had taken up residence. I was happy to get some pictures of these beautiful creatures from the other side of the pond. After taking quite few, I decided to setlle down in the grasses on the shore and wait to see if I could get pictures of them feeding after they had rested. My wait was rewarded, not with incredible shots of them going about their normal activities but to have them come wading right over within a few feet of me. They seemed unconcerned with me and my camera and wandered back and forth in front of me for a couple hours before climbing the bank and moving off to explore the next pond.
Black Necked Stilt passing by me as he dabbles in the pond feeding. Completely unconcerned with my presence there.
Watching these little guys navigate the pond, one soon realizes the need for those long stilt like legs to avoid being submerged and obstacles.
As they contently fed on the tiny creatures in the pond, I observed them wading, calling to each other resting in the sun and of course the necessary stretch now and then to keep those wings limber.
In one of the marshes not too far from my home I came across this small group of Glossy Ibis. They looked to be a family with the others following the lead of the more mature bird. The guidance of this older bird most likely saved the younger ones as they fled the fury of Hurricane Dorian as it pursued them as the eye swept northward. I haven’t seen them for a few days now, so my hope is that after resting up and refueling their reserves they’ve headed south to their home before the colder weather sets in.
Glossy Ibis enjoy the sun and preening when they are not fishing.
Glossy Ibis fly ever so gracefully, though never very far, especially with all the ponds full of fish.
Though we see these visitors at beaches and marshes near our homes, there must be many many more taking refuge on marshes and beaches not so accessible. May they all regain their strength and make the long journey home safely.
A marbled Godwit fishes in the shallow waters of a nearby beach. He too was brought in by Hurricane Dorian and is recharging his energy and fat reserves before taking to the air and heading south.
By far the most numerous of the species caught up by the hurricane was the Laughing Gull. Small flocks of them were seen everywhere along the Eastern Shore. They were given their name because of their call that sounds so much like laughing. This medium sized gull has a grayish smudge on their heads that turns to a full black cap in breeding season.
