For the past few days, shorebird numbers have been conservatively estimated at about a 1,000 with the majority being Least Sandpipers (60 - 70%). Westerns were next (30 - 40%), and surprisingly, Semipalmated Sandpipers were fairly common at about 5 - 10% of the flock. Other birds included Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs (80% Lesser), Baird's Sandpipers (15), Stilt Sandpipers (12), Pectoral Sandpipers (1), Long-billed Dowitchers (5), Short-billed Dowitcher (1), and Semipalmated Plovers (5).
The bright rufous edges of the upper scapulars is a prominent feature of Western Sandpipers.
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER - Baird's are supposed to be fairly rare on the coast, but last year they appeared in fairly good numbers. This year might be the same with about 15 at Holden on Tuesaday. But, on Friday, there were none.
FUNNY FEATHERS - When I first saw this bird, I was quite confused as to its identity. But, size, leg colour, and behavior said it was a Baird's.
THE USUAL WARDROBE - This is the way I remember how the Baird's was dressed last year.
LESSER YELLOWLEG HABITAT - Last year the Lesser Yellowlegs definitely outnumbered the Greater's at Holden. The trend seems to be continuing as I saw about 40 Lesser's today and zero Greater's.
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS seem to be fairly scarce in most locations, but they have been quite abundant at Holden.
ON THE MOVE - Like most peeps, the Semipalmated is in constant motion when it is feeding.
LIKE A DOG, the Semipalmated has to stop and scratch occasionally. Do they get peep fleas?
SPARE FEATHER? - Every bird can use an extra feather now and then. I wonder what its used for?
BACK IN HIGH GEAR to chase an intruder. Okay, it wasn't really an intruder, but it was fun to chase anyway.
PEEP-NAP - All this foraging and chasing is very tiring. Time for a little shut-eye.
STILT SANDPIPERS are supposed to be rare on the west coast according to Sibley's guide. It was great to see 12 rare birds in one day!
A STILT SURPRISE - I was engrossed in taking pictures of Semipalmated's yesterday, but occasionally I'd click a picture of a Lesser yellowleg just as a diversion. When I got home and saw the down-curved bill, I almost fell out of my chair.
RETURN VISIT - I had to go back to Holden today for an honest picture of a Stilt. I had thoughts that it might be gone, but I was pleasantly surprised to find 12.
My only other experience with a Stilt was last year at Viaduct Flats with Chris Saunders and Ali. We couldn't get close enough for a decent photo. Today, I could almost reach out and touch a Stilt.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER
With Pectoral Sandpipers reported in Victoria yesterday (Aug. 11), it was no surprise to find one at Holden today (Aug. 12). The surprise was that there was only one.
The lone Short-billed Dowitcher might be the beginning of migration. Time will tell.
INSPIRATION BIRD - For those who haven't heard my story, it was my first sighting of Shovelers just over 2 years ago that got me started in birding. Not the most exquisite looking bird but certainly distinctive.
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