Hi Everyone,

This afternoon at about 1 pm, Mike Walsh and I observed the Whimbrel reported yesterday by Matt Hafner et al.  Mike had seen the bird yesterday and took me to the location today--thanks, Mike!  And thanks to the rarity crew for finding this bird--recent experience suggests that following you guys around is a pretty productive birding strategy!  A Long-tailed Duck was also present here, in Tangier Sound just south of the gravel parking area mentioned below.  Directions from Matt Hafner's post follow:

"There was a Whimbrel on the small grassy area on the north end of Deal Island.  Cross the large bridge south of Chance and take the first right and head a gravel parking area to view the bay.  The small grassy area on the left is where the bird was for 5+ hours today.  Found by Hubbell, Lutmerding, Brighton, Stasz, Boyd, and Hafner.  Seen later by other observers."

Be sure to scan all of the grass in this area, as the bird was in a slightly different location today (to the right of the entrance road when driving in toward the parking lot).

Today Mike and I also observed over 70 yellowlegs at Deal Island WMA--most were Greater, but at least 2 were Lesser.  One Pectoral Sandpiper was also present.

Have fun,

Ron Gutberlet
Salisbury, MD