A surprising variety of shorebirds can still be found in western Minnesota. Surveys in Lac Qui Parle and Yellow Medicine counties yesterday (11 October) and in Big Stone County today, found about 14 species each day. Most noteworthy were 225 American Golden-Plovers at Salt Lake yesterday and a late Short-billed Dowitcher in Big Stone County today. The Short-billed was a juvenile identified by the internal markings on its tertials, with juvenile and adult Long-billeds in the same wetland for direct comparison. A total of 96 Long-billeds was found today. The best locations for shorebirds continue to be the wetland 2 miles east and 2 miles north of St. Leo in Yellow Medicine County, and Salt Lake in Lac Qui Parle County. There are no specific locations in Big Stone County that currently hold significant numbers. Peder Svingen -- [email protected] -- Duluth, MN
