Birding Newfoundland by the Seasons - Winter

By: Alvan Buckley

Newfoundland is affectionately known as "the rock" to many; however, desolate, as it may seem the island offers some very diverse birding and scenery well worth a visit. With one of the highest concentrations of seabirds in the world you don't need to be an expert birder to appreciate the birds on the island. While, if you're a lister the island can offer several European migrants that are often easier to find than similar North American species. This article will detail the common and more unusual birds that are seen on the A view from Cape Spear it may be understandable why some people call island throughout the year. Perhaps this island the rock despite the apparent inhospitality the island is home for some impressive bird life, even in the winter it will help you plan a trip or hopefully at the least tempt you! Although this article was written with Ontario birders in mind, I think it will appeal to any birder considering a visit to Newfoundland or someone curious about the birding in Newfoundland! This article focuses largely on the Avalon Peninsula. This does not indicate that a visit to the west coast of the island would not be rewarding; it solely is an indicator that most of Newfoundlands birders live in St. John's and so that is where most records of birds are from. This series of articles will be broken into four parts by season. The first installment covers the birding in the winter season, from December 1st to February 28th. Supporting information including a map of the locations and a checklist with recent additions can be found at the end of the article.

Birding Insular Newfoundland the Winter Season:

Every year several European waterfowl that are otherwise rare throughout the rest of North America over-winter in the St. John's region. Numbers of Tufted Ducks seem to increase year after year with high counts in the mid-30 range in the last few years. They are usually guaranteed at Quidi Vidi and Burton's Pond on the University campus. Another European duck of interest is the Eurasian Wigeon. Usually they outnumber American Wigeons in the winter when they are oftentimes side-byside at the Health Sciences Centre pond allowing for an easy comparison of the two Tufted Duck has been over-wintering in the St. Johns region in increasing numbers sister species. The third waterfowl of interest is the Eurasian Green-winged Teal (Common Teal). Although this species is not considered a distinct species from the American Green-winged Teal many expect that the split will occur soon (it has already been split in Europe). In February of 2011 a record 35 male Common Teals were counted at Mundy Pond with 20 male Green-winged Teals. Assuming an equal number of females that means an amazing 70 Common Teal in St. Johns, which doesn't even count the other usual locations where they can be found (Kelly's Brook and Long Pond). Among the usual North American waterfowl, Greater and Lesser Scaups can often be found side-by-side allowing one to study the distinctions between the two species. Sea duck concentrations during the winter can amaze onlookers from rocky cliffs as they ride 8-meter swells on the open ocean. Occasionally flocks of eiders numbering over 5000 can be found in tight groups creating the illusion of a giant mat on the ocean. The uncommon King Eider can be found within flocks of Common Eider - hybrid King X Common

King Eider is an uncommon winter visitor usually found in large flocks of Common Eider

Eider has also been recorded. Harlequin Ducks are uncommon but increasing and can usually be found along the Southern Shore. In recent years up to 200 have been found around Cape St. Marys during the CBC (Christmas Bird Count). All three species of scoter can be found with some effort but overall numbers have decreased in the Atlantic Provinces region over the last few decades perhaps deflected by Zebra Mussels in the Great Lakes! However, winter scoter numbers have always been low with White-winged Scoter the most reliable. Every year Barrow's Goldeneyes can be found on the west coast of the island in low numbers as well as at Spaniard's Bay on the Avalon. In Ontario Willow Ptarmigans are found near Nuclear Plants, whereas in Newfoundland one can find them along the Cape Race road throughout the year. They are known to be notoriously difficult to find during any season and their pure white winter plumage can be perfect camouflage against the snow or an easy give away when the snow is late to arrive or undergoes an unexpected melt. Look for them anywhere on the barren land in SE Newfoundland. Among the many Common Loons wintering off the coast of NL, Red-throated Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe and the very rare Pacific Loon (only 2 records) can be found. The best place to see the Red-throated Loon and grebes is in Biscay Bay where they over-winter almost annually. By and large pelagic birds, such as petrels and shearwaters, are not seen during the winter. Northern Fulmars are also rare during the winter season in inshore waters but more common offshore. However, with a strong onshore wind they can be concentrated into bays. For example, on December 18th, 1999 one observer counted 1619 Northern Fulmars exiting Placentia Bay during the first 2 hours of daylight! In general any raptor sighting in Newfoundland is notable as there are so few. In

With the advent of global warming a Sooty Shearwater was recorded for the first time in December of 2010. Possibly the furthest North one has ever been seen after November.

contrast, to the record numbers of Red-tailed Hawks that winter in Ontario there have been less than 10 records for this species on the island in all seasons. In addition, Roughlegged Hawks are much less common on the island versus on the mainland. The only real raptor of interest to birders traveling to Newfoundland from Ontario in the winter is the Gyrfalcon. They are seen almost annually on the Avalon Peninsula but are usually only one-time sightings and can rarely reliably be re-found. A dark-morph Gyrfalcon did live around Quidi Vidi Lake during the winters of 2004 and 2005. The only location where they can somewhat reliably be found is L'Anse Aux Meadows at the tip of the Northern Peninsula - a 14hour drive from St. John's! Many birders in North America visit the island during the early winter in pursuit of Northern Lapwing. This species has A few Sanderlings regularly attempt to over-winter become almost annual in recent years. The usual places they are found are in Renews, Cape Race, Portugal Cove South and Trepassey. Other regular shorebirds include Purple Sandpipers, which have a habit of approaching dangerously close to monstrous waves on rocky shores - they are almost always found at Cape Spear during the winter months. Lingering Sanderlings have been increasing on the beaches throughout recent winters especially between Portugal Cove South and Trepassey. St. John's has often been called the gull capital of the world. And rightfully so! With several thousand over-wintering in the area every winter and often up to 12 species are seen in a single

Yellow-legged Gull can be found at Quidi Vidi lake annually

day (with a record of 14 in December 2010) there isn't any better place to study them in North America. Yellow-legged Gull, Slaty-backed Gull and the Eurasian subspecies of Mew Gull (Common Gull) are among the regular vagrant over-wintering species. No other place in North America can guarantee Yellow-legged Gull, and to see it next to a Common Gull from Europe and a Slaty-backed Gull from the Pacific is truly astonishing. Add to that the highest population of Black-headed Gulls in North America and the elusive Ivory Gull it is no wonder why people come from all over North America just to see these birds! Quidi Vidi Lake, The Harbour (Pier 17), and the Dump are the usual hotspots for gulls although with recent changes in garbage disposal policy the gulls are not seen at the Dump as often as in previous years. Ivory Gulls are much more difficult to find as they rarely settle down in one area. However, the best place to see them is along the Northern shores of Newfoundland, and especially at the tip of the Northern Peninsula near L'anse Aux Meadows (the Viking settlement worthy of a visit on its own) where sometimes hundreds can be seen at a time with the right weather conditions. The similarly elusive Ross's Gull has been recorded in all seasons in the Newfoundland The much sought after Ivory Gull is difficult to find but is seen most region; however, it will be very winters difficult to connect with one, as they are very rare and often don't remain in one location for long. Most Newfoundland birders dont have it on their provincial list. Ontario birders might be surprised to learn that Sabine's Gull are much rarer along Newfoundland coasts than along the Great Lakes of Ontario. And considering the abundant Bonaparte's Gull in Ontario it is surprising that only a few are seen every year in Newfoundland. Little Gull is also irregular. Black-tailed Gull has been recorded here twice before, with one appearing last year that stayed the winter and became so tame that one could feed it out of the hand; hopefully it will return! Other common gulls include Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull - both are very common year round residents. Lesser Black-backed Gull is a regular winter visitor with a handful seen daily at the hotspots. Other species of gull that are in abundance are the

Iceland and Glaucous Gull - another record high concentration of the Kumliens subspecies of Iceland Gull can be found in the capital city. Thayer's Gull is much more rare - with none being confirmed some years. In January of 2000 another Quidi Vidi legend took place. An injured Great Skua appeared on the ice - it survived for some time off of gulls (even killing a Great Blackbacked Gull!) and donated beef liver and chicken. Eventually it was caught and nurtured back to health at the Salmonier Nature Reserve. Skuas are very difficult to find during their peak season (Autumn) making this an astonishing record let alone the fact that it was 'in land'! This was the second record for a Skua in the winter. In the winter months alcids usually move further away from shore than during the breeding season. Thus they are much more difficult to see. Nevertheless, Common Murres, Thick-billed Murres and Razorbill can be found with some effort - usually Cape Spear and PCS to Cape Race are the best places of finding them. Black Guillemots are common in the winter and Black Guillemot is a common breeding resident should be found in every bay. Atlantic Puffin is rare in the winter and usually goes undetected during the season. Dovekie (aka Little Auk) draws many North American birders to Newfoundland. Some winters only few can be found; while in other winters they can be in abundance (for example, in 1994 a mythical flight of >100'000 per hour was recorded from Cape Spear) - the best place to see them is between PCS and Cape Race - but they can be found in almost any cove or rocky shore. They return to their breeding grounds further North by early March. As in every other city in North America Rock Dove can be found in the downtown core year round. Mourning Dove on the other hand is much less common than in Ontario usually some can be found loyal to feeders on the Avalon Peninsula with effort. Whitewinged Dove is much more rare but some have over-wintered around St. John's. Considering Newfoundlands extensive Boreal forest it is surprising that so few owls are seen or heard. Great Horned Owl, Northern Hawk Owl and Boreal Owl should be

present every winter but are usually not seen or heard. In some years Snowy Owls irrupt into the region. Cape Race road is the usual place to see them where they are recorded every year. However, some years there are only a handful of sightings while in others one can see up to 20 in a few hours. Hummingbirds are generally rare in Newfoundland and were never recorded during the winter until 2011. Newfoundlands first record of Anna's Hummingbird came in early February where it had apparently been loyal to a feeder for several months. The news got around just in time, as the bird was never seen again the next week. The five breeding species of Woodpeckers can be found during the winter months (Downy, Hairy, Three-toed, Black-backed and Northern Flicker). Black-backed Woodpecker is sometimes seen around Long Pond in St. John's. Your best chance at finding this species is asking a local where the latest sightings have been. Northern Shrike is an uncommon visitor to Newfoundland. It has been recorded in all seasons but during winter is the best time to see them - although they are never in high abundance. From the Corvid family one Northern Shrike is an uncommon winter visitor can find American Crow, Common Raven and Blue Jay regularly. Gray Jays are widespread over the island but they shun populated areas so unless you go into the woods it will be difficult to find them. They are generally more common on the west coast of the island where they can usually be very tame in Gros Morne National Park. A Eurasian Jackdaw (presumably the same individual) sporadically wintered in the St. John's region between 1994 through to 1999. Both species of chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatch can be located relatively easily during the winter months. Boreal Chickadees are often seen in the White Hills area of St. John's and in Pippy Park, although they can be found in almost any area of boreal forest. Brown Creeper is much less regular but is usually seen around Long Pond.

White-breasted Nuthatch has only been recorded once on the island (November, 2011)! European thrushes are found almost annually in Newfoundland. The best places to find them are anywhere along the coastline of the Avalon Peninsula. Most sightings are from the St. John's region or between Portugal Cove South and Trepassey. If you come across a flock of American Black-capped Chickadees are common residents on the island Robins in the winter it is worth checking them for Redwing and Fieldfare both of which are almost annual to the island. Newfoundlands only record of Eurasian Blackbird (another species of thrush from Europe) was found deceased on a doorstep in Bonavista. Just as in Ontario, most records of Varied Thrush in Newfoundland are from birds visiting feeders. However, this species is much more irregular than in Ontario and most years go undetected. Bohemian Waxwings often irrupt into the cities and towns of Newfoundland during the winter when there is a good berry crop. As in Ontario, some years they can be hard to come by while other years flocks of hundreds can be found feeding on Mountain Ash berries (aka dog berries) - in 1996, for example, an amazing >20'000 were seen in less than a 20km radius in St. John's on one day! Every year at least 1 or 2 warblers attempt to over-winter in the region. Yellow-throated Warblers, which are seen almost every winter, often rely on feeders whereas the few winter records of Yellow-rumped Warblers are usually in city parks without any feeders. Amazingly, Townsend's Warbler has been recorded on more than one occasion during the winter. They are usually found in the late autumn near the Waterford Bridge Road near downtown St. John's and attempt to over-winter - 12 out of 14 records of this species are from this location! Other wintering warblers (or at least attempting to) include Orange-crowned, Cape May, Black-throated Green, Pine, Prairie, Palm, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-breasted Chat. Usually after the first big storm of the season most warblers either move on or

succumb to the weather. Many sparrows over-winter in Newfoundland every year - the regulars include Swamp, White-throated, Song, Savannah and Fox Sparrows. However, it is worthwhile to double-check any sparrow you find for notables including Clay-coloured Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow and Eastern Towhee. As in Ontario Snow Buntings are relatively common during the winter months - the Portugal Cove South area is a good location for this species - and Lapland Longspur Snow Buntings often visit feeders in Portugal Cove South where these hardy can be found as well with some individuals were photographed effort. Other interesting winter rarities include Dickcissel, which is almost annual, one record of Bullock's Oriole in downtown St. John's, two records of Chaffinch and Northern Cardinal (believe it or not there are only a handful of records for this species on the island!) Similar to Ontario finch populations are difficult to predict. In some winters they can be nearly absent on the Avalon Peninsula whereas in other years they irrupt into the region. Newfoundland has many of the same finch species as Ontario - however, House Finch is not recorded on the island! If you come across a flock of Redpolls check for Hoary Redpolls, especially the Hornemann's subspecies! Hoary Redpolls are more frequently seen at feeders on the west coast of the island than on the Avalon Peninsula.
Hoary Redpoll is rarely seen in Newfoundland

General Information: Maps: All of the locations mentioned in this article can be seen on a map made using the Google Maps website. It is open to the public at this link: <http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msid=203197700672017465067.0004b1dfa156866546 9c0&msa=0> If you click on a flag you will see a short comment about the area and what you might expect there. There are additional hotspots that havent been mentioned in the article. It will continue to be improved, if you have any suggestions please let me know. Checklist: A checklist of the birds in Newfoundland can be found at this link [http://play.psych.mun.ca/~mont/pdfs/bird_checklist.pdf]. It was last updated in 2003 since then the following additional species have been seen; however, a few of them were seen by one observer and photos were not taken so they are unlikely to be accepted: Graylag Goose, Rosss Goose, Common Shelduck (origin debatable), Arctic Loon (one observer, no photos), Black-browed Albatross, Western Reef-Heron, Eurasian Hobby (one observer + one observed offshore), Pacific Golden-Plover, Black-necked Stilt, Long-billed Dowitcher, Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, Slaty-backed Gull, Glaucouswinged Gull, Roseate Tern, Sooty Tern (found deceased), Violet-Green Swallow, Annas Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cave Swallow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Wren, Blue-headed Grosbeak, Painted Bunting and Bullocks Oriole. These additions bring the list to a maximum of 403, although the Shelduck, Arctic Loon and Eurasian Hobby may not be accepted when the list is officially updated. Acknowledgements: Although I have not seen the majority of the species on the Newfoundland bird checklist I feel as though I am familiar enough with their movements throughout the year to write this article as I have been obsessively following the bird sightings forum [https://groups.google.com/group/nf.birds/topics?hl=en] for a few years and have spent considerable time researching records that occurred prior to when I became interested in birds. Nevertheless, the quality of this article was largely enhanced with the help of the following individuals. I thank them for providing me with information or proof reading the article for me: Dave Brown (www.birdingnewfoundland.blogspot.com) Jared Clarke Mark Field Mira Furgoch Bruce MacTavish