Hi Tweeters,



Just a couple of more notes on the Port Townsend Black Turnstone flock.? The two times that I saw the flock over the past three weeks it was high tide.? I am curious as to where they disperse to feed during the period of lower tide.? Also, if anyone is planning to view the flock, it might be worth timing that portion of your trip with high tide.? At this time of year, the Rock Sandpipers blend right in with the turnstone flock as they tend to keep their conspicuous bills tucked under their wings to stay warm.? The two that we spotted were in the middle of the scrum and could not be seen from all viewing angles.? Eyeball each bird with a scope.? The three obvious distinguishing characteristics that I noticed were the Rock Sandpipers' smaller body, slightly lighter color, and greater number of spots running down their flanks.? I probably stared at the two birds through the scope for a combined 10 or 15 minutes and only saw them expose their bills for a few seconds three times as they were jostled by the larger turnstones.



Good birding,



Lonnie Somer

Olympia, WA

wheelermombi at comcast.net