Hi all,
This morning, I headed out looking for shorebirds. First, at Turnbull NWR, I found a bull moose just off the Pine Lake trail. Then, at Winslow Pool, I found a very vibrant colored peep foraging in the mud. This bird has black legs, shortish - fine pointed bill with no droop, well scalloped patterned back with dark red, black tips, and white lining on the scapulars, a rufous cap, a smudgy brown breast, white belly, and after looking at the photos a dark loral spot. It also had white lines in the patterned back. I never saw it in flight. I have lots of experience with Western Sandpipers and I don't think this bird is one, but I could be wrong. All thoughts are welcome.
I put up some photos on my flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/red_knot/
After some research - I am favoring Red-necked Stint, but not entirely convinced since I have never seen one before! Help!
Tim O'Brien
Cheney, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com