Phil Chu and I surveyed Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle County, and one site in Yellow Medicine County (Lanners WMA, NE of St. Leo) today for shorebirds. The grand total was a modest 661 for the three counties, but variety (16 species) was good for early October. Most noteworthy were an American Avocet at Salt Lake, a total of 6 White-rumped Sandpipers in 3 locations, and a juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher found by Phil along Big Stone CR 54, 1.2 mi W of CR 61. The latter tied the 2nd latest date for the state (exceeded only by one seen 12 October 2004 in Big Stone County). I also found a juvenile Plegadis ibis along Big Stone CR 64, 1.7 mi W of CR 67 (this location is just NE of Ortonville). -- Peder H. [email protected], MN
