O.k. I know this is totally crazy but the short story is this: Hudsonian Godwit - One breeding plumage bird
Location: I parked about 1/2 mile east of Randolf on County Road 88. I then walked over the tracks and down to the shore. It was prime viewing of extensive mudflats. Hundreds yellowlegs and pecs. I observed the bird from 6:30 to 6:40 and then from 7:10 to 8:30. It was still there when I left. Here is the long story: I was traveling to a workshop in Farminton and decided to stop at the lake on the way. I got down to the shore and scanned the shorebirds and noticed the bird. I was dumbfounded. I was flabergasted. I was amazed. What can I say? I know that the chances are phenomenal, but I was looking at a Hudsonian Godwit. Only about 100 meters away in perfect sun with no wind. It couldn't have been any other bird. So I look for a while and then run back to the car to find a payphone so I can get some other birders there. So I stopped at a gas station in Randolph and was informed that there are no pay phones in Randolph as everyone uses cell phones ( except me!!). So I traveled about 5 miles up the road to the gas station next to little oscars and payed 4 bucks and made 4 calls. I then went back to the spot and arrived at about 7:10. I found the bird right away and watched it until 8:30 when I could still just barely make it out. Have you ever watched the same bird through a scope with one eye closed for an hour and 20 minutes. Its not as easy as you think. I didn't dare look away as I wanted to make sure I didn't lose the bird lest another birder show up and I have lost it. No other birders showed up! Dang! Well, anyways, I watched the bird feed and I memorized its plumage patterns and body proportions relative to the abundant Lesser Yellowlegs feeding next to it. I took notes in flurryed script. At 7:25 it took off in flight and I watched it circle and land on the other side. I could still make it out in the scope. While in flight I observed the white wing stripe and the white rump standing out plain as day. On the other side it wasn't much more than a silloette (sorry can't spell). At 7:45 it flew a little to the left and I got to see the wings and rump again. At 8:05 it flew back closer again (about 100 meters away) and there it stayed feeding in that area until dark. It should be there at dawn tomorrow morning. I also noticed that when it was agitated it would move its wings and show a little white patch from the rump. Anyways, I hope some of you will be there at dawn tomorrow. I am going to try to be there tomorrow morning. This bird really sticks out and I doubt it would be overlooked very easily. Even in the face of absurdity it is impossible to not recognize what is in front of you. Chad Aakre Winona County _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
