On Sat, 7 May 1994, Ted Becker wrote:

> The subject line says it. On 5/7/94 we saw a sandpiper-like bird at the
> marshy pond near the office bldg at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge which we
> identified as a Solitary Sandpiper, has this bird been seen there before?
> We would not have disputed our identification of this bird if it had
> appeared on the published list and the field range maps gave a stronger
> indication that it should be here. Is there another possibility? How
> rare is this bird at this site?
>
When I saw this note, I ran out to Nisqually to check this out. I notice
that, on the list of bird observations at the office, a Solitary was
reported on 2 May by Greg Toffic [206-338-1746] at the same pond. I
don't think this is unusual for the area, and the description seems right.
The latest Oregon RBA listed several. But I've never seen one. And though I
checked the pond very carefully, I didn't see one today, either. I walked
over to the marshes to the west, just in case it had moved; nothing.
Damn. Would have been a lifer. After fattening up for a few days, it's
probably moved on, but if I have time I may check the pond out again
this evening.

Burt Guttman guttmanb at elwha.evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College Voice: 206-866-6000, x. 6755
Olympia, WA 98505 FAX: 206-866-6794