[mou] Piping Plover, etc. at Lake Byllesby

[Drewbec@aol.com]

This afternoon the shorebirding at Lake Byllesby was excellent (19 species). 
The most notable bird was a single Piping Plover. This is the third year in a 
row that this species has been present at this location during Spring 
migration. Other shorebirds were:

>Semipalmated Plover
>Killdeer
>Greater Yellowlegs
>Lesser Yellowlegs
>Solitary Sandpiper (1)
>Willet (2)
>Spotted Sandpiper
>Ruddy Turnstone (5)
>Sanderling (2 or 3)
>Semipalmated Sandpiper
>Least Sandpiper
>White-rumped Sandpiper (2)
>Pectoral Sandpiper
>Dunlin
>Stilt Sandpiper (1)
> Dowitcher sp. (more than likely Short-billed)
>Wilson's Phalarope (10-12!)
>Red-necked Phalarope (2)

Also, there were 2 aberrant plumaged shorebirds, both calidrids: a 
Semipalmated Sandpiper with a white "cap" (a "White-crowned" Sandpiper?) and 
an apparent partial albino that was unidentified. Approximately the size of a 
SESA, with  mottled reddish tones on the back and head, and mostly whitish 
plumage. In the poor light, the leg color seemed fleshy. This is the first tim
e I have ever noticed an albinistic shorebird. Other species included:

>Franklin's Gull (10)
>Least Flycatcher

and additional normal birds.

Other observers included Jim Mattsson and Joe (sorry, forgot your lastname!)

Drew Smith
Eagan, Dakota County