Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit Buff-breasteds still there at 6:30 PM, Sept. 15
Date: Sep 16 10:47:24 2007
From: Wayne Weber - contopus at telus.net


Tweeters,

The BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS near the intersection of Maupin and Rawlins
Roads in Skagit County, which were found by Ryan Merrill on September 11,
were still there at about 6:30 PM, although a scope was necessary for good
views. (They were feeding in the grass about 500 yards E of Maupin Road.)
However, there were only 4 birds present (along with about 30 KILLDEER) in
the fields. Unfortunately, at about 6:50 PM, a PEREGRINE FALCON came by,
landed in the field, and all the shorebirds departed.

I'm glad to hear that quite a few people got to see the Buff-breasteds.
By the way Barry, the 3 ladies from Bellingham-- Joan Bird, Andrea Warner,
and Joan Halldorson-- eventually did get close looks at the birds.

Thanks to all the Tweeters who have reported their sightings!

This was my second try for the Buff-breasteds. I looked unsuccessfully for 2
hours around noon on September 13, but there were no Buff-breasts and only
one Killdeer in the field then. Maybe it depends on how recently a falcon
has visited the area? (There are one or two NORTHERN HARRIERS in the area as
well.)

This was only my second sighting of Buff-breasted Sandpiper in WA-- the
first was many years ago at a WOS meeting in Ocean Shores.

It seems like there has been a near-record number of Buff-breasteds
seen in WA this year, although nearly all the sightings have been on the
south coast. The Oregon coast has also had high numbers, with up to 15 being
seen in a day around Coos Bay by Tim Rodenkirk and others.

However, this trend is not universal. The Vancouver, BC area has had fewer
Buff-breasteds than usual this year-- only 4 or 5 sightings of single birds.
It would be interesting to have on overview of the migration, and to see how
numbers compare to normal in other areas.

Good luck and good birding,

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net