Tweeters,



If anyone is interested in seeing SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER, 1 or 2 birds have
been present each of the last 4 days at the Reifel Bird Sanctuary near
Vancouver. A single bird was seen on September 21 and 22, and two were seen
together by some observers on both the 23rd and 24th. The sightings have
usually been near the south end of the "West Field", a shallow impoundment
which is much favoured by shorebirds. (If you're not familiar with the
sanctuary, the staff can tell you where the West Field is when you visit the
entrance station. The sanctuary is open from 9 to 5 daily, but entry is not
allowed after 4 PM.



When I saw the two birds today, they were with many Long-billed Dowitchers,
one Pectoral Sandpiper, and 5 Western Sandpipers. High tide is probably the
best time to see them, but on some days they were present even when the tide
was low.



With any luck, these birds will stay around for a few days. Historically,
the first week of October is the best week to find Sharp-tailed Sandpipers,
and they are seen regularly until the end of October.



Good luck to anyone looking for the Sharp-tails. I guarantee that you will
see lots of other interesting birds while you're there!



Wayne C. Weber

Delta, BC

contopus at telus.net