Mike Smith asked me to make some plumage comments. First of all, this
was the first Sharp-tailed that I've seen (meaning: I have NO
experience with this species).

As I look at Hayman et al., the bird I saw looked like a cross
between 200b and 200c (plate 82). The buffy breast was evident, as
were the chestnut-fringed feathers on the back. I could not make out
a distinct white throat, though I tried. The broadening supercilium
did not seem as bright as in the juvenile pictures, but was
definitely present. I agree with Mike Smith that the flanks and
breast/belly were NOT heavily streaked, though a few marks were
evident on the flanks.

The bird seemed smaller and more petite than Pectorals, and the bill
was shorter and less decurved than Pecs.

I talked with Nigel Ball yesterday afternoon (even the British
celebrate the 4th of July; strange), and he also mentioned that the
bird went south as he watched. Next stop?


**********************************************
* Jim Nestler *
* Walla Walla College Marine Station *
* 174 Rosario Beach *
* Anacortes, WA 98221 *
* 360-293-2326 (phone and fax) *
* nestja at wwc.edu *
**********************************************