Rare bird? Any Bird Watchers?

Floater · 11-17-2005, 10:08 PM

I heard a story today on OPB about a rare artic bird that was spotted in Washington. Apprently this bird "Never" comes that far south into North America (it's on the wrong continent).

Anyway, on my last trip to Tillamook, I noticed a strange 'piper' looking bird and that got me to searching the web tonight. Now, I'm no bird expert but....that darn thing that I saw sure looks like the one they're talking about. It's called the Temminck's Stint. It sure was a tiny little thing, it would fit in the palm of your hand.

Does anyone 'Bird Watch' or know someone who does? The bird was walking on the floating piling at the Oyster house private dock.

Salmo trutta · 11-18-2005, 03:24 PM

Boy it could be. I just looked up several plates and its close. If so the old boy is surely turned around and lost.

Dullhook · 11-18-2005, 04:03 PM

I'm no expert (plus have poor eyesight!) but it could be a "Least Sandpiper". They only grow to about 5" in length and they migrate to the tidal areas in the winter from their home in the tundra. They're sometimes called mud peeps because of their fondness for oozy tidal flats.

waterfowlin101 · 11-18-2005, 04:53 PM

is the bird in the pic the one you saw...or one off the internet

Jon

ampersat · 11-18-2005, 06:27 PM

...

Floater · 11-18-2005, 08:01 PM

Sorry for the confusion.

The picture shown is one off the web. I don't have any luck fishing when I take my camera so I usually leave it at home.

The bird I saw stood about 2in tall so it could be a juvenile. I called a local expert and explained that I didn't know what I was talking about and he said he would talk to some people to maybe go look this weekend.