[mou] Purgatory Creek; 5 R-N Phalaropes!

[alyssa]

Several other birders were present to see the previously reported Red-necked Phalarope. But today, there were 5(!), including one in adult breeding plumage, seen fairly close from the blind. 7 other species seen, including:
-Solitary Sandpiper (one at drying-out pond on the way to blind)
-Least Sandpipers (abundant)
-Semipalmated Sandpiper (one with a flock of 2 Least's at drying-out pond)
-Lesser Yellowlegs (most abundant)
-Pectoral Sandpipers (abundant)
-Spotted Sandpiper (total of 2)
-Semipalmated Plover (at least 1; possibly two. One from bridge near parking; other 1 or 2 viewed from blind)

There was also a beautifully-marked peep that had the similar crisp plumage of a Least (and same size) except it had a buffy rust/rufous color on its chest. We never came to a consensus as to what the peep was, but I'm leaning towards a juve Least...?

Also a few other birds of note include Willow Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and a possible Rusty Blackbird viewed by Chet Meyers and Howard Towle from the blind. Feel free to e-mail me for any directions, and good birding!

Alyssa DeRubeis
Golden Valley
tiger150 at comcast.net 
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