After three hours of a stintless search in Yakima
River Delta this morning (8/10/04), we were growing
increasingly discouraged at the prospect of finding
this Asian rarity. As I was conversing with Nancy
LaFramboise and was preparing to leave, Harold Cottet
observed a rusty headed peep land in the closest
mudflat. As luck would have it, the peep turned out to
be the fabled RUFOUS-NECKED STINT.

We enjoyed incredible views at close range. Other
birds of interest included, Great Egret, Black-crowned
Night Heron, Caspian Tern, Baird's Sandpiper, and
Virginia Rail. Some of the remaining observers that
saw the stint, included Nancy LaFramboise (the Delta
Queen), Denny Granstrand, Ted from Seattle (sorry that
I missed the last name), Harold & Karen Cottet, and
Garrett MacDonald.

Afterwards, we headed down to the second delta (Walla
Walla River Delta) and turned up a few other goodies.
The second thrill of the day was our rediscovery of
the pair of WHITE-FACED IBIS on the Dodd-Iowa Ponds.
The pond was loaded with LB Dowitchers, Western
Sandpipers, Wilson's Phalaropes, Black-necked Stilts,
American Avocets, Cinnamon Teal, Redhead, Shovelers,
and Mallards.

Finally, we saw two first summer FRANKLIN'S GULLs the
Walla Walla Delta proper. Plenty of White
Pelicans,Caspian Terns, LB Dowitchers, peeps (Western,
Baird's, & Least) were scattered over this vast
expanse of mudflats.

Aside from the outstanding birds that we tallied up,
our group really enjoyed meeting Denny, Ted, Nancy,
and Bev. Special thanks to Nancy for acting as delta
hostess and stint tour guide.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA





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