" 25 Short-billed Dowitchers (8 *hendersoni
> Short-billed Dowitcher (Atlantic)     17
> Short-billed Dowitcher (Prairie)     8> Walter Ellison & Nancy Martin "

How many out there were somewhat taken aback that Walter and Nancy were
separating subspecies of Short-billed Dows? Sent me running for my Sibley.

Turns out there are actually 3 subspecies and they (ahem) only got 2 of
them. Tough luck guys. None the less, they do have rather distinct plumages,
but they apparently start getting harder to tell apart in August (which
ain't far away). The Prairie version practically looks like a Red Knot with
a long bill. There is also a Pacific version in addition to the Atlantic
they got.

I think an obvious question is - are these 3 anywhere close to being
separated into 3 different species? Just wondering if we can all look
forward to an extra tick on our lists any time soon. Anybody that wants to
comment feel free to jump in.

Doing my birding inside today and wondering what a Cardinal outside is
singing about. Doesn't he know it's kinda dumb to waste energy like that
today? I think our thermometer reads just over 200 so the lake across the
street ought to reach boiling point any time now.

Jerry Tarbell
Staying cool in Carroll County