I have been struck by how selective Solitary sandpipers have been in their
habitat selection. I have observed them (only one each visit- as befits their
name) in the spring 6 of the last 12 years for which I have records. In every
case they were found at the southeast (?cottonwood?) pond, even though the
main and Shoveler ponds are more used by other shorebird species. On the fall
migration they are usually found at the main pond, as the southeast pond is
dry by August. Several years a Solitary seemed to stay around as long as two
weeks in the spring, although of course I can?t be sure it was the same bird.
I also wonder if the same bird comes back in other years. The BNA chapter on
the Solitary Sandpiper says there is no information on longevity of this
species.
Bob Vandenbosch



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