During this week's Shorebird survey at Chincoteague NWR, we were surprised to
see a number of what we would consider early species and large numbers of
others: One Semi-palmated Sandpiper was on the Hook among the Piping Plovers,
Least Sandpiper 23 along the Wildlife Loop (seen 2 weeks ago too), Pectoral
Sandpiper in Old Fields impoundment near the Maryland border, 6 Stilt
Sandpipers: 5 in the impoundments and 1 on the beach which is a first for us,
and 6 Common Terns in Toms Cove among the Forster Terns. We also counted 3,428
Dunlin which is a large increase over 2 weeks ago and 73 Lesser Black-backed
Gulls on Wild Beach which is a record high number for us but in a location
where they are regular.
All in all, a noteworthy survey at the Refuge.
Clyde Morris & Joelle Buffa
