Greetings

A couple notes on the Bar-tailed Godwits at Tokeland. First, the photos by
Christine Vidai are of a Marbled Godwit, not a Bar-tailed. Also, there have
been two Bar-tailed Godwits at Tokeland. The one most people are apparently
referring to is the adult female, which has been in worn alternate plumage.
This is probably the same adult female that visited Tokeland in 1998 and
1999. The second bird is an adult male and, unlike the female, is a deep
orange-red color, much like a LB Dowitcher. This bird was also present in
1999.

Birders heading out to look at Bar-taileds at Tokeland might want to
carefully note what plumage they are looking at. In summer/fall 1998,
everyone referred to "the Bar-tailed at Tokeland" but at some time, the adult
left and an immature replaced it.

Best Wishes and Good Cheer
Steve Mlodinow

Ryan Shaw
Lacey, WA
RTShaw80 at aol.com
http://hometown.aol.com/rtshaw80/index.html