Hi Folks,

I met with Lydia Schindler and Linda Friedland this morning for their first
visit to the Swan Creek wetlands, and Matt Grey happened to arrive about the
same time.  The two BLACK-NECKED STILTs were feeding in the north dredge
cell upon our arrival, and the SCAUP was also still present.  Matt Hafner
suggested to Ed Carlson that the scaup may be a greater.  It's head is
fairly smooth, but has a trace of a tuft at the back of the crown.  I really
don't know which species it is; may be an integrade.  Also, off the beach,
the male CANVASBACK continues.  Yesterday (Thurs., 6/30) while doing an
evening survey, Ed and I had 12 LEAST SANDPIPERs in the north cell.  We
studied every one of them, and they were all quite brown with pale to yellow
legs.  I don't think I've seen a Semipal. Sandpiper here since May.  Also,
during an evening survey last Monday (6/27) we had two SEMIPALMATED PLOVERs,
still easily distinguished among the 35 Killdeer of all sizes and ages.

Besides the interesting ducks at Swan Creek, on Tuesday morning (6/28) while
at Sandy Point State Park I had a male LONG-TAILED DUCK just loafing in the
lagoon where the boats launch.  I checked again an hour later, and the duck
was gone.  So, I sure can't complain about June birding this year; a lot of
very interesting birds have been around.

Stan Arnold
Ferndale
thrushhostATgmail.com

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