Hello all birders,

The Temminck's Stint was well observed all day at the southwest pond at the Ocean Shores Sewage Treatment Plant at Ocean Shores,Grays Harbor Co.(Washington State)and viewed by 26+ birders until we left the locating at 2:30pm with birders mostly from Washington with 2 birders that arrived when we left from Idaho The bird was most cooperative today and allowed the best of views for everyone at one time or another. A few of us braved severe southerly winds during the early morning with heavy rain at times until skies finally began to partially clear during the mid afternoon. The bird allowed very close examination on several occasions and clearly showed ALL distinguishing field marks for the species such as the overall plain plumage with very worn scapular on the mantle,distinct white outer tail feathers with a dark centered tail,white eye ring and white supraloral area(the area between the eye and the base of the bill),which the latter two field marks not clearly seen at farther distances,but clearly observed at the closest ranges. The bird strongly appeared long-winged,but it's stance appeared both long and short legged depending on how the bird stood. The pure white outer tail feathers were the most distinct when the bird flew eventhough it didn't fly as much today than our observation yesterday. The call was also very distinctive and far much different than any Least Sandpiper or any other bird for that matter,which the bird gave several times during flight only. During the day there was no doubt by any individual that we were aware of to the bird's identity and we accept full criticism or doubts by anyone. Our latest photos speak for themselves and show most of all the main field marks for a Temminck's Stint away from any new flight photographs. We also noticed today a darker area of feathering on the mantle in the form a "V",which can be visible in a few of our latest photos,which was not viewed yesterday. We also noticed that the bill was not entirely black,as mentioned yesterday in our posting and it's true color can be visible very nicely in one of our latest photos. In this photo a paler area on the upper mandible is visible and we also noticed that the bill length and structure varied depending on the angle,but in many of our photos there is a definite droop at the tip.The bird showed a somewhat darker brown cap contrasting to paler areas of gray-brown on the head with a pale brown wash on the upper breast,which in some lighting appeared more warm brown to buffy. We understand that our photos of the bird were NOT of the best quality at all and were only for "proof" as mentioned several times,as we really hope you all will enjoy our latest photos that are far better in quality. We're sure this is so much more to add on specific details of the bird,but we are tired and had a very long day,so let our photos be the judge! We personally have no doubt of the bird to be a pure 100% Temminck's Stint! Our latest photos of the bird can be viewed at the following link: http://www.pbase.com/godwit/temmincks_stint

During the entire day the bird remained extremely active by foraging along the entire perimeter of the southwest pond by pecking at substrates in he water,foraging on the immediate shoreline,as well as foraging further away from the water's edge in rockier areas. The bird was essentially a healthy looking bird and preened quite often too. On at least 3 occasions during the day the bird would tower fairly high in the air,where it was heard calling,but flew around then so returned within a 2-3 minute period. On at least one of these occasions a nearby Northern Harrier was the cause of the sudden flight. We wanted to mention that tomorrow would be maybe the last best chance to view the bird before the weekend given it is still there. The treatment facility will be open tomorrow during regular hours between 8am-around 4:30pm for those of you that have the chance to look for this grand rarity. We advise birders to park outside of the entrance gate if at all possible since there may be large crowds of birders since there is a limited parking area at the main office of the facility for 2-3 parked cars. The treatment facility is close on the weekends and even if the bird is on the southwest pond it could be more difficult to see it since viewing from outside of the fence is most limited. When viewing the southwest pond from outside the fence you are able to stand and walk along a very rocky area encompassing the fenceline and the pond is quite visible from outside if you walk along the west and south perimeter of the fence. We expect many birders will look for the bird over the weekend even if viewing won't be nearly as good as being inside the complex! The bird from outside the fenceline could be hindered due to the distance if anything,but a careful scanning of the edges should produce the bird ,if it is there!

Other noteworthy species obseved while patiently watching the Temminck's Stint were the following species:

280+ "Black"Brant observed flying southward off the Ocean Shores Jetty
3-4 Northern Harriers
1 Peregrine Falcon
1 Merlin
10 Black Turnstones
17 Dunlin
7-8 Long-billed Dowitchers
1 1st winter plumaged Glaucous Gull(observed flying east to west along the Ocean Shores Jetty from the Oyhut Wildlife Area)at 2:30pm and most likely the same individual previously reported and observed earlier in the day by Bruce LaBar and Bill Shelmerdine. A very crisp individual along with several fly-by Herring Gulls.
2 Lapland Longspurs(observed immediately south of the main treatment facility in a sandy wash dune area)
3-4 Western Meadowlarks

In addition we observed a single Am.Kestrel and a Merlin near the Hoquiam STP along S.R.109.



Good birding,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit at worldnet.att.net