Hi Folks,

The very well attended Poplar Island trip today was nothing less than 
superb, highlighted by 19 species of shorebird, including WILSON'S 
PHALAROPE, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, and 
OYSTERCATCHER.  The weather, company, and birds were all exceptional.  Kudos 
to Kevin Graff for organizing the trip and to Robin Armetta, our wonderful 
tour guide.  Kevin will likely post all the numbers later, but here is a 
rundown on the interesting stuff with approximate numbers:

N. Shoveler--4 or 5
Surf Scoter--8
Black Scoter--1
Ruddy Duck--5
Black-bellied Plover--8
Semi Plover--scores
Killdeer--some
Am. Oystercatcher--2
BN Stilt--4
Am. Avocet--7
Spotted Sandpiper--2 or 3
Willet--2 or 3
Lesser Legs--scores or more
R. Turnstone--4 or 5
Sanderling--4
Semi Sandpiper--many hundreds
Least Sandpiper--scores or more
White-rumped Sandpiper --2
Pectoral Sandpiper--1
Stilt Sandpiper --7 or more
SB Dowitcher--10 (Prairie)
Wilson's Phalarope--5
Red-necked Phalarope--1
Least Tern--70+
Caspian Tern--several
Royal Tern--1 or more
Black Tern--2
Bank Swallow--2 or 3

Other highlights away from the island included a COMMON LOON in basic 
plumage at Claiborne, 17 WILD TURKEYs in two flocks along Hwy 33 both north 
and south of Knapps Narrows, 14 CATTLE EGRETs where they can usually be 
found in the pasture along Hwy 579 just south of Bozman, and our only 
warblers of the day, two AM. REDSTARTs in the woods at Black Walnut Point.

An excellent day of birding.

Stan Arnold
Ferndale (AA Co.)