MWS Shorebird Survey, Spring 2016

Each spring (and again each fall) since 2004, an International Shorebird Survey (ISS) has been conducted at the Muskegon Wastewater System. This is one of only a very few consistent, long-term surveys for shorebirds in Michigan (within which 34 species occur annually). Per protocol, one census is conducted roughly every ten days from early April to mid-June, so this equates to eight sessions, with each lasting 2-4 hours and covering all likely habitat north and south of Apple Avenue. As has been the case for the past five years, all eight spring surveys were conducted by myself.

During our long participation with the ISS, the spring seasons have averaged 627 birds of 16 species. As noted last year, the spring of 2015 set new records for both numbers (1,349 individual birds) and diversity (21 species). Spring 2016 proved to be another fantastic season. Our total count of 1,611 birds easily sets yet another new record, and the species count of 18 ranks third.

This success was reflected during all eight daily sessions. Every one exceeded past averages for individuals counted, and all but one exceeded mean species diversity. Moreover, five of the eight sessions established new high counts for individuals, and three of those days set records for both numbers and diversity:

early April (4th): 46 birds, 7 species

middle April (14th): 170 birds, 8 species

late April (24th): 168 birds

middle May (14th): 403 birds, 15 species

early June (4th): 252 birds

As further testament to this amazing spring, sixteen of the 18 species encountered this spring exceeded historical averages (noted in the final table). Only Black-bellied Plover and Dunlin were less numerous. Additionally, 11 species set or tied past record totals. Only three species that have been seen during four or more prior springs (Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone) were absent. Counts of Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, and Wilson's Snipe were especially high.

Plus, eleven species established or tied one-day records:

Semipalmated Plover - 30 on May 13; previous record 24

Lesser Yellowlegs - 47 on April 24; previous record 44

Upland Sandpiper - 11 on May 7; previous record 10

Stilt Sandpiper - 1 on May 13; ties previous record

Sanderling - 6 on June 4; previous record 3

Least Sandpiper - 244 on May 13; previous record 77

White-rumped Sandpiper - 46 on June 4; previous record 32

Pectoral Sandpiper - 81 on April 14; previous record 26

Wilson's Snipe - 8 on April 14; ties previous record

American Woodcock - 2 on four days; no previous records

Another one of these, a male Ruff seen on April 4, was new for the Shorebird Survey. The last report of this species from Muskegon County occurred in 1982!

Here are the full results, with this spring's grand totals and past historical averages:

Black-bellied Plover - 1; mean 2.2

Semipalmated Plover - 50; mean 9.7

Killdeer - 171; mean 130.1

Spotted Sandpiper - 186; mean 136.8

Greater Yellowlegs - 21; mean 8.9

Lesser Yellowlegs - 171; mean 39.5

Upland Sandpiper - 44; mean 17.8

Ruff - 1; first survey sighting

Stilt Sandpiper - 1; mean 0.3

Sanderling - 6; mean 1.1

Dunlin - 81; mean 89.8

Least Sandpiper - 268; mean 38.2

White-rumped Sandpiper - 54; mean 10.4

Pectoral Sandpiper - 165; mean 10.7

Semipalmated Sandpiper - 360; mean 112.3

Short-billed Dowitcher - 6; mean 3.2

Wilson's Snipe - 16; mean 1.4

American Woodcock - 9; first survey sighting

- Brian Johnson