A group of plovers rest on the sand near North Jetty in Cape Disappointment State Park, a prime area for observing birds.

Cape Disappointment seems to be a happy place for birds that have blown in on our stormy days. The burrowing owl is still hiding out in the rocks on the jetty. The latest avian to take advantage of Cape D is an American golden-plover. It has been seen for several days. It should stay for a while as long as it is finding enough food for survival.

The plover appears to be hanging out in the fields between Waikiki Beach and the ocean beach located next to the jetty. This is not unusual since some golden plovers frequent the prairies and plowed fields. The field where the bird is being observed is not plowed but it is the type of habitat often frequented by this plover. On the coast they may also be observed on ocean beaches and mudflats. Cape D likely provides a good-to-excellent food source. They eat insects for the most part, such as flies and beetles. They also forage for other small prey like snails, berries and seeds. They will also eat grass on occasion. Thus, it is easy to see why the American golden-plover can continue its stay at Cape D.

The American golden-plover is a medium-sized shorebird. It is smaller than the black-bellied plover that we see on our beaches year-round but larger than a killdeer. In breeding plumage, it is a dull golden-brown above and mainly black underneath including the undertail coverts. Cornell Ornithological Lab describes the American golden-plover as black and white, “set off by shimmering gold-flecked wings.” In the non-breeding season, it is more subdued in color. It has a more speckled appearance and wears a pale eyebrow.

During fall migration most American golden-plovers travel over the Atlantic Ocean down through the Canadian Maritimes to South America, but they breed in Alaska eastward to Baffin Island. Thus, it is not surprising to learn that some birds travel down the West Coast where they winter on islands in the Pacific, such as Maui. As a result, they can appear here, making it possible to see them if one is lucky!

The Cornell lab states that the American golden-plover in breeding plumage “can rival any shorebird for sheer beauty.”

According to the checklist of birds for the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, it is rare in all seasons except the fall when it is on migration. It is then that we are more likely to see it. This is in keeping with their fall migration pattern. The Pacific County checklist of birds indicates that the American golden-plover is harder to find but usually seen annually. Now is the time!

Visit Cape D — it has much to offer. Happy birding!