I had a number of inquiries since last night's report of the CURLEW SANDPIPER
at Montezuma, and thought I would clarify a few points here that seem to be
common questions.
Regarding timing of the various shorebird sightings, we were at the visitor's
center and Benning Marsh between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. We were at Knox Marsellus
between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. In order to see all the species yesterday, we had
to scope from Towpath Road and East Road. Some birds are visible from one
side, but not the other.
Regarding the Curlew Sandpiper specifically, yesterday's bird was not the same
bird that was at Knox Marsellus in July. I unsuccessfully had attempted to see
the July Curlew Sandpiper four times, and apparently from descriptions and
photos, that bird was a molting adult. The Curlew Sandpiper yesterday was a
very crisp plumage juvenile bird with little to no feather wear. I am aware
that a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was reported from Knox Marsellus this past
Wednesday (8/22), and considering the magnitude of the rarity, would have to
presume yesterday's juvenile bird is the same as that one.
For those of you that may have enjoyed the Curlew Sandpiper at Jaeger Rocks
just across the Niagara River in Ontario in October 2008, then yesterday's bird
was quite similar to that bird with few exceptions. Yesterday's bird had a
warmer tan upper breast band, and the edges of the scapulars were a tanner
color making the scalloped appearance even more prominent. I have a attached a
link to a poor digiscoped photo I took of the Curlew Sandpiper in Ontario in
2008 for your reference. Again, this is not a photo of the bird yesterday.
Unfortunately I was unable to obtain any photos yesterday.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brad_carlson/5481335431/in/set-72157622878005016
Regards,
-Brad Carlson
Honeoye Falls, NY
bradcarls...@hotmail.com
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