I visited Jeffreys Ledge today with Eastmans and was pleasantly surprised by the action. Normally mid-July to mid-September is peak on the ledge, but this summer the birds didn’t materialize, perhaps related to food distribution in the Gulf of Maine (itself related to ocean warming?). The numbers today were actually quite impressive given the time of year, in contrast to earlier in the season. Alcids were absent (razorbills excepted), but a good show of Great Shearwater, Northern Fulmar , and Pomarine Jaeger, and one apiece of Iceland and Glaucous. Contrast this with my high count of Great Shearwater from this summer of 2 (two) birds! The following highlights are minimum counts.

Northern Fulmar – 70 (roughly 50/50 light/dark morph)

Great Shearwater – 200

Northern Gannet – 25

Black-legged Kittiwake – 8

Iceland Gull – 1

Glaucous Gull – 1

Pomarine Jaeger – 4

Razorbill – 15

American Robin – 1 (followed the boat home)

Pomarine Jaeger #1 Jeffreys Ledge Nov 22 2013

Pomarine Jaeger #2 Jeffreys Ledge Nov 22 2013