Hi Tweeters,

Steve Nord and I found a highly probable BAR-TAILED GODWIT in Tokeland at the Public Fishing Dock on Saturday, 8/15. It was tough to scan the large flock of 600-700 Marbled Godwits since most were roosting at the farther end of the long rock breakwater beyond the marina and some had their backs facing us. Also, there were some marbled godwits that were variable in paleness but this one was extremely pale almost whitish.

We didn't get to see all of the diagnostic features but when a small flock flush and separated, the extremely pale bird visibility stuck out. The smaller size and overall structure was very evident then as it flew close to the flock of Marbleds.

So keep your eyes peel. I will submit a more detailed report later.

We also ran into the fashionably dressed, and the spunky Ruth Sullivan at Bottle Beach. She was full of energy and excited to bird as usual. It made for a great day as numbers and diversity was excellent for shorebirds and others. Bottle Beach looks great with it's transformation.

Good birding,

Khanh Tran and Steve Nord (Oregon birders)