When the Cottets and I checked Sprague Lake yesterday
(10/15/05), we were hoping to find the Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper that had been reported. Although we saw five
Pectoral Sandpipers, several dozen LB Dowitchers, and
one Dunlin on the north end of the lake, there was not
a definitive Sharpie in the mix. One bird had a great
looking head pattern (bright cap, eyering, and broad
supercilium) but the breast was streaked throughout
the middle (albeit finely) and it did not show
streaked undertail coverts.

On the Adams County side of the lake, there was one
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, COMMON LOON, PACIFIC LOON, a
dozen BONAPARTE'S GULLs, and the previously reported
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. We heard a LAPLAND LONGSPUR
fly overhead too. We did not see the White-fronted
Goose.

On our final check, Sheep Lake held only a measly
three LB Dowitchers.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane,WA




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