Pectorals galore at Jordan Lake

["Steven Shultz" <sshultz@nc.rr.com>]

I apologize if this double posts.  I think I sent it in HTML originally.
Anyway...

Spurred by Ricky's note, I enjoyed watching shorebirds this afternoon at
Jordan Lake.  The most common species was Pectoral Sandpiper with 68 noted.
Several of the Stilt Sandpipers Ricky noted were also present, the majority
still in breeding plumage.  Other shorebird species: Western SP, Solitary,
Spotted, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least SP, peep sp., and
plenty of Killdeer with many chicks.  Non shorebirds included Bald Eagle and
White Ibis (all immatures).  Did not see the storks, but there were plenty
of "white birds" farther upstream.  Several other birders were in the area
when I left, so the storks may be relocated.

A few hints for those interested in seeing the shorebirds.  There are two
ways to get to the flats, park at the little gravel lot on the west side of
the road north of the 751 bridge and walk west to the main body of the lake,
then north along the exposed shoreline, or park at the end of Old New Hope
Valley Road and walk east to the lake and south along the shoreline.
Today's birds were better seen from the 751 side.  The walk is about a mile
each way to the nearest birds.  The largest flock of shorebirds (100+) was
located at the point where the lake is almost bisected by a peninsular bar
extending from the eastern shore across to the west. A scope is needed.

I'm considering heading out to Pea Island this weekend to look for
shorebirds (and maybe get lucky with a Curlew SP??)  If anyone from the
triangle area is interested in going along, maybe we can split expenses and
share a ride?  I'll be glad to drive.

Have a great week!
Steve Shultz
Apex, NC