Subject: Red-necked Stint 8/12/04 probably not
Date: Aug 12 13:56:18 2004
From: Bill and Nancy LaFramboise - wlafra at owt.com


Sorry to be the bearer of possible bad news. A few brave and hearty souls
(foolish maybe) braved the sun and heat (95 at 1:45) looking for the
stint. The mud was low enough, but the number of birds is way down. Least
Sandpipers are increasing in number and several are red enough to cause a
second glance. Distant candidates did not show enough detail to say 100
percent it was here. Other days that it was seen, there was NO doubt.

All this being said, the bird could still be out there. A long trip to
stand in very hot sun may not be a wise choice. We will try to update.

If you make the decision to come anyway, be aware that Highway 240 may be
closed. If you are coming from Yakima and west, take Exit 3 (Queensgate)
off I-182. Turn right at the end of the ramp and then left on Columbia
Drive/Columbia Park Drive. Drive to the 4 way stop and if you cannot
access the ramp toward Richland, keep going as far as Bateman Island/Wye
Neighborhood Park and access the dike road from there (west end of Wye
Park). Coming from Spokane etc - exit at Columbia Center Blvd off Rt 240,
go north toward the river on Columbia Center Blvd to the end of the
road. Turn left and use the east entrance to the dike road described above.

Bill & Nancy LaFramboise
wlafra at owt.com
Richland, WA