Hi, Tweeters, Many of you know about Atkins Lake in Douglas Co., but this
year it does not exist. A big disappointment, as we find many shorebirds
there. However, there is a smaller vernal pond northwest of Mansfield, at
the corner of Rd. C and 18 that has been quite good.

On May 11th I found a Whimbrel there, plus Red-necked Phalarope. On May
14th I saw Black Tern, Eared Grebe and Long-billed Dowitchers there.
Today I was told about an American Golden Plover, and saw it at 7:20 p.m.
It was NOT at the big pond, but a smaller one on Rd. 18, going west, on
the left side of the road. My first sighting in Wash. state! There are a
couple more small ponds in the area, so if you are birding these area,
check out all of them.

It is exciting to see all these more unusual sightings popping up in
Eastern Washington. Good birding to you all. Meredith Spencer,
Bridgeport