Tweeters,

I had to get away from my computer for a while this morning so I visited
Ridgefield NWR, Clark County this morning. Unfortunately, I seemed to have
timed it perfectly so most of my drive around the auto tour loop was in the
heaviest of the morning's rain. However, when I got to Rest Lake, I
noticed a few shorebirds feeding on the abundant mud. I was surprised to
find one very bright immature SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER and an immature
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER among the Killdeeer, 7 Pectoral Sandpipers, and 2
Long-billed Dowitchers. This was the first time i had seen either of these
two species at the refuge this fall although a local birder had found a
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper several days ago on Rest Lake. It seemed pretty
late for the Baird's.

At home, I noticed that the birds were feeding all over the alder grove
near the back deck. I conservatively estimated 75 Pine Siskins, 40 Cedar
Waxwings, and 35 American Goldfinches with at least 6 Spotted Towhees.
When I'm not looking out the window, the birds are swarming the feeders.

Nice to have a little rain again!

Keeping my eyes and ears skyward.
Jim
--
Jim Danzenbaker
Battle Ground, WA
360-723-0345
jdanzenbaker at gmail.com
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