It’s not very often that I do a post without a photo, but I was excited tonight to finally track down a pair of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. I got out of work a couple hours early, so I was able to cover the more active spots in the black dirt. It wasn’t until my final stop – at Skinner Lane – that I had any shorebirds other than Killdeer.
Shortly after my arrival at Skinner, Ken McDermott joined me. We enjoyed some decent views of a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER in a grassy field amongst some Killdeer and a handful of Least Sandpipers. Clay Spencer arrived and we got him on the Baird’s. I’d been focusing my efforts mostly on the side of the road where we’ve had the most birds this year. I decided to quickly scan the other side and I noticed a good number of birds in the distance. I went through them with my scope, and sure enough there were a pair of Buff-breasted Sandpipers with them. Clay and Ken both got looks through my scope and then Clay got them in his scope as well. Kathy Ashman arrived right after a helicopter had lifted all the shorebirds up, but thankfully Clay was able to relocate the BBSAs and we got Kathy on them. Unfortunately, the birds were just too far out for photos; maybe there will be photo ops in the coming days if they stick around. More excellent OC shore birding – it’s really been some August for shorebirds in the area!
Thank you again for putting out the word on the Buff-breasted Sandpipers, a bird I always enjoy seeing. The Horned Larks and the Baird’s were an added bonus. As always it was great seeing you, Matt.
It was an excellent night Kathy. Always good to see you. Matt
As I told you earlier, when I heard that Plovers had been seen on Skinner today I KNEW that you would be there! Coming from the dog show that I had judged in NJ just over the border I HAD to stop and see what you were finding. I’m VERY glad that I did!
The spotting of the Baird’s Sandpiper was a wonderful treat especially since I did not have my scope with me today. Your spotting that pair of Buff-breasted was a thick layer of icing on an already delicious dessert. Thanks so much and thanks for lowering your scope so that I could enjoy the avian treats!
Lol, I believe the way you put it was: plovers were to me like chum was to a shark, ha ha. I’m so glad you came out tonight Ken, I really enjoyed. Good birds and good people. Matt