Birders, We were surprised to see an adult CHIPPING SPARROW
today, July 13, on the Umatilla NWR in Benton County WA.
We think definitely an early migrant.
Where is the nearest nesting population? 150 miles away?

Otherwise Dowitcher numbers have increased to about 20.
Most appeared to be Long-billed, but 2 were probably Short-billed.
They were amazingly silent during the hour & a half we were there.
Over ten juvenile WILSON'S PHALAROPE were new arrivals to that pond.
One BONAPARTE'S GULL landed briefly.

Good Birding,
Craig

Craig Corder & Judy Stevens
Hermiston, Oregon, USA
Umatilla County in north/central/eastern Oregon
ccorder at eoni.com