Hi all,

Once again, I feel the need to pipe-in and provide some background on a
species expected arrival time in Washington. Every fall we are fortunate
to have a few Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, a Siberian species, show in our
state. Most reports come from coastal spots or shorebirds spots in
Skagit and Snohomish counties. But, these few juvenile Sharp-tails that
make it to our area should not really be expected until early September
(see Bar Graph in A Birder's Guide To Washington). There may be one
documented late August report for Washington, but I would need Ryan
Merrill to verify even this record. So it would be great if one feels
he/she has a Sharp-tail in August to fully document the bird, if possible.

I think part of the identification challenge and perhaps the reason for
possible mid-August thoughts of Sharp-tails is the first arrivals of
juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers. Some of these juv.'s can be quite bright
including the cap, and when one compares them to the remaining dingy,
worn adults, it is no wonder a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is considered.

And on another note, and since I seem to be throwing cold water on
reports of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, I might caution birders about the
existence of Marbled Godwits doing Bar-tailed Godwit imitations at
Westport. There are a few Marbled Godwits that are basically all white
below and do look like they have strong supercilliums. Blair Bernson's
recalling his experience on the incoming Wesport Seabird trip is a fine
example. It is great that they were able to see this pale Marbled Godwit
lift its wings. Be patient on these pale godwits. Look for a smaller one
with all white undersides, but wait and watch for whitish barred tail,
white rump, and whitish underwing coloration to set it aside from these
pale Marbled's.

Cheers and good birding,
Brad Waggoner
Bainbridge Island, Washington
mailto:wagtail at sounddsl.com