At least three Semipalmated Sandpipers were present with a mixed flock of
Western and Least Sandpipers at Ellisport on Vashon Island today. Dan Willsie
found one just before high tide yesterday and Dan, Sue Trevathan and I observed
several others an hour before high tide today (tommorrow's high tide is at 6:15
pm). Two of the birds just about walked inbetween the legs of Sue's scope
tripod they came so close allowing great comparisons to the accompanying Leasts
and Westerns.

>From the Fauntleroy/Vashon Ferry, head south to 204th and turn left (east) at
the four way stop. Park in the dirt area to the left at the bottom of the
hill. The shoreline at hightide is about 10 feet out. The estuary at KVI
beach is about a half mile north of this point, turn right at the first four
way stop and park at the bottom of the hill and follow the trail out to the
beach, the estuary is to your left. This is generally the better and more
reliable spot for shorebirds. So far in the last month there have been Least
and Western Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs and Semipalmated Plover with a dozen
or more Killdeer. Pectoral Sandpipers are to be expected, as in previous
years, when they begin to pass through.

Fern Cove on the northwest corner of the island has had the above species,
minus the Semipalmated, but adding a single Long-billed Dowitcher and a family
of Spotted Sandpipers. Three Red-necked Phalerope were noted on the ferry from
the south end of the island to Pt. Defiance this last weekend.

Ed Swan
swanbarn at concentric.net
(206) 463-7976