ML641156846

Observation details

Three juvenile dowitchers were found among the other shorebirds along the waterline in the southwest side of pond 2. Birds recognized as juveniles by the bright feather edges on the back and wings; apricot wash to upper breast, and, critically, bright indentations in tertials. The latter mark is diagnostic for this species, as opposed to the unmarked tertials of Long-billed of a similar age. At one point the birds flushed a short distance, issuing the distinctive soft "tu-tu-tu" call notes--also diagnostic. A surprise find!