The puddles on Hulbert Rd received a much-needed shot of rain yesterday and today, probably over an inch. They are now nearly as full as I have seen them this summer. This morning there was a big increase in the shorebirds as well, since my last check on Wednesday afternoon. The highlights were one UPLAND SANDPIPER, two adult AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS partially molted toward winter plumage, and one lovely juvenile STILT SANDPIPER. As with the first Upland Sandpiper here a few weeks ago, this bird was detected by its call as it flew overhead, and also like that first bird, it landed in a field (across the street) but not near the puddles. It will likely be difficult to find again. The Golden-Plovers flew off toward the south but may return as there is probably other habitat in the area. Here is the list with approximate numbers:
Killdeer - many Semi. Plover - 7 Amer. Golden-Plover - 2 Upland Sandpiper - 1 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 Lesser Yellowlegs - 7 Pectoral Sandpiper - 2 Stilt Sandpiper - 1 Semi. Sandpiper - 2 Least Sandpiper - 10 There were also several dozen PURPLE MARTINS along Hulbert Road, as well as Barn and Bank Swallows. Good birding! Willie ---------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Wilson, NY dannapotterATroadrunner.com http://www.betsypottersart.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Temporary archive: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
