This afternoon the shorebirding at Lake Byllesby was excellent (19 species). The most notable bird was a single Piping Plover. This is the third year in a row that this species has been present at this location during Spring migration. Other shorebirds were:
>Semipalmated Plover >Killdeer >Greater Yellowlegs >Lesser Yellowlegs >Solitary Sandpiper (1) >Willet (2) >Spotted Sandpiper >Ruddy Turnstone (5) >Sanderling (2 or 3) >Semipalmated Sandpiper >Least Sandpiper >White-rumped Sandpiper (2) >Pectoral Sandpiper >Dunlin >Stilt Sandpiper (1) > Dowitcher sp. (more than likely Short-billed) >Wilson's Phalarope (10-12!) >Red-necked Phalarope (2) Also, there were 2 aberrant plumaged shorebirds, both calidrids: a Semipalmated Sandpiper with a white "cap" (a "White-crowned" Sandpiper?) and an apparent partial albino that was unidentified. Approximately the size of a SESA, with mottled reddish tones on the back and head, and mostly whitish plumage. In the poor light, the leg color seemed fleshy. This is the first tim e I have ever noticed an albinistic shorebird. Other species included: >Franklin's Gull (10) >Least Flycatcher and additional normal birds. Other observers included Jim Mattsson and Joe (sorry, forgot your lastname!) Drew Smith Eagan, Dakota County
