I and several other birders saw both the Red-necked Phalarope and American Avocet at the North Beach marsh earlier this afternoon.  The phalarope was feeding at the far southern end of the marsh.  It was feeding in the water near the vegetation at the southern edge.  The Avocet was asleep at first and mostly obscured by vegetation.  I viewed both birds off and on from about 1:20 until a little after 2:00 pm.  Towards the end of my visit, the avocet had awakened and was feeding in plain view towards the rear of the marsh.  The phalarope remained at the southern end of the marsh.  Both birds were still in view when I left and being observed by others.  It was great being able to view the phalarope at close range and through a scope.  It was actively feeding, walking about and making rapid turns, although I saw none of the characteristic spinning.  

Fred Shaffer