Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 17, included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
The winter finch irruption continued this week with a shift in the species being seen.
Red Crossbills of at least four different regional subspecies were identified across the Cape with highest numbers including over 300 at High Head in Truro and dozens more near Race Point in Provincetown. Evening Grosbeaks also continue to pour in, with up to 54 around the Wellfleet ponds and 17 in Provincetown. The rarest of the winter finches on Cape Cod, a Pine Grosbeak, was photographed at High Head in Truro on the 15th. There was also a single White-winged Crossbill in Truro.
Sightings at Race Point in Provincetown this week included 14 Thick-billed Murres, 2 Little Gulls, and a Black-headed Gull.
A late Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and House Wren were reported in Wellfleet.
Late lingering warblers seen at Fort Hill in Eastham this week included a Wilson’s, a Blue-winged, and an Ovenbird.
If you have questions about these sightings, or want to report a sighting, call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
