Wood Sandpiper in Delaware

Wood Sandpiper at Broadkill Beach impoundment, Delaware

Congratulations to Sharon Lynn on her amazing find of a Wood Sandpiper at Broadkill Beach Impoundment in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, east of Milton, Delaware.

A couple of details about this bird....

Finding & observing it:

It's hanging out on the near shore, quite close to the right (south) shoulder of Rt 16, about 0.3 miles beyond the "big bend" where the gated Island Farm Road continues straight.

It's the second pulloff on the right, as you head east towards the bay. The distance to the spot is about a hair more than 3.3 miles from the intersection of Rt 1 & Rt 16.

There is a small green and white "Important Bird Area" sign on the right that is just about a perfect marker for the spot, though it does range up and down the shore a few hundred feet, especially in the direction of the bay.

There are only a few shorebirds in the area--some Leasts, a Lesser Yellowlegs, and the Wood Sandpiper.

Here's a Google Map of the exact spot: snipurl.com/27rzk

Backstory:

It was found Monday, May 5 by Sharon Lynn, who knew it was odd, but couldn't quite decide what it was. Sharon forwarded me excellent photos which I received this morning, and which I admit I at first passed off as an odd yellowlegs, but on second viewing strongly suspected Wood Sandpiper. Liz & I immediately dashed out to Broadkill and were able to re-find and confirm the bird.

Observing it:

It is tolerant of people within limits. It will flush before you even leave the road if you pursue it, so please be very careful about your movements. I did not flush it, by the way, but several passing vehicles did at times, and it was obvious from the bird's behavior when I approached it that it would have flushed had I pressed it at all.

Be very careful of traffic, both blocking it and getting hit by it. We all want this to be a positive event for everyone in the local community, both birders and non-birders.

Things to watch for:

Dumpy shape compared to Lesser Yellowlegs, with wings less projecting at rear. Capped appearance, with dark crown and prominent eyestripe. Dull straw legs. Two tone bill with greenish-straw base, thicker than Lesser Yellowlegs. High thin call, somewhat like Lesser Yellowlegs, but more like Solitary Sandpiper. Moves like Solitary Sandpiper; bounces when alert and on landing. White rump with strong black bands near end of tail. Gray wing linings.

Documentation:

Obviously, the more the better. But be aware that the bird has already been photographed, videotaped, and sound recorded, so there is not a *pressing* need to get close to it for more. The main priority is to make sure it stays as long as it cares to and is enjoyed safely by all those who come to see it.

It would be an excellent subject for digiscoping, though, which can be done at longer distances. Light is best in the afternoon.

Good birding,

Jeff

8 photos | 3,142 views

items are from 07 May 2008.