An uptick in shorebird numbers at Cupsogue, as well. Highlights included 3 fly by Whimbrels and a Western Sandpiper. The Western was not as bright as I was hoping to get an opportunity to photograph, but still separable from Semipalmated on plumage alone. I was hoping to share a picture, but am currently unable to upload to my FTP server. Knowing exactly what to look for may be helpful in tracking down this bird - it worked for someone who looked at the picture in my camera. I also had an opportunity to photograph a Western Willet side by side with Eastern, which would be worth a look if I can get that uploaded. Among the Semipalmated Sandpipers were two with green flag bands, one of which seemed to have its gait hobbled by the band. I managed to photograph it and will report the band number. Hopefully, it will provide some useful information - something worth it, given the possibility of the bird spending the rest of its life in discomfort.
Doug Futuyma, who was with me part of the time, took meticulous counts. I'm not sure if he's going to post, so here are my counts that I will be posting to z-bird. American Oystercatcher - some Piping Plover - 2 Semipalmated Plover - a few Black-bellied Plover - a scattering Whimbrel - 3 Lesser Yellowlegs - 2 Greater Yellowlegs - a bunch Eastern Willet - a whole bunch Western Willet - 1 Ruddy Turnstone - 2 Dunlin - 2 Western Sandpiper - 1 Least Sandpiper - lots Semipalmated Sandpiper - numerous Short-billed Dowitcher - many On the tern front, nothing more exciting than one Royal Tern. Juveniles are now out and about, including Forster's along with the many Commons. I got a sense of that before even seeing any, getting buzzed by adults on my way out. I was hoping something more interesting would appear on the rising tide, by hey, even the mythical person that does this rising tide magic didn't appear. Steve Walter Bayside, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
