..................Among all the Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlin, West.
Sandpipers, and Sanderlings on the ocean beach north of Oysterville
Rd--Long Beach Pen, Wash. Sat. aft. were 3 grayish(white underneath)
shorebirds, the same size as the Black-bellied Plovers, with slightly
longer bills than the Plovers. Feet darlish, and neck slightly more
slender. I first thought of Willets, but they lacked the longer legs,
and were not the bigger size. What I saw more closely fit the
descriptions of winter plumaged Red Knots. If indeed they were Red
Knots, would they be seen this late in migration season? When in fall do
they usually migrate?? Tried to relocate these same shorebirds after
they moved but was unsucessful.
................Also saw what appeared to be greyish-brown 2 Long-billed
Dowitchers with the flocks also. Long straight bills and smaller sizes
seem to eliminate Godwits. Clouds and the growing darkness, along with
the short viewing time I had before they departed made for more
questions than answers. If they were Long-bill's, this would seem to be
a highly unusual place to see them.
.................The more I bird, the more I discover how* little* I
actually *do* know about birds. This can humble one very quickly, but
also intrigue one and spark his curiosity even further to seek more
knowledge on a subject one can't possibly know everything.
......Sigh!!! (-: Many are the times I leave with "more questions than
answers"!!!

Gerald Hamilton
Brush Prairie, Wash.
gerald at e-z.net