[MDOsprey] Re: Bombay Hook List
Robert Ringler (ringler@cct.infi.net)
Sat, 24 Jul 1999 15:10:21 -0700
Charlie,
Thank you for your quick reply. I appreciate your taking the
time to do so.
The reason I questioned the three species named was that all of
them are rarer than Ruff here at this time of year and all three are
difficult to identify for different reasons.
White-rumped Sandpiper has occurred very rarely in July in
Maryland. Making assumptions is always dangerous, but we assume Delaware
is not a whole lot different from Maryland. Therefore I alwys encourage
everyone to be sure of their field marks when looking at something that
might be common another time of the year. Many peeps appear to have
white rumps in flight but you need a good look at the rump from the rear
to be sure. I don't always trust myself when I think I see a white rump
in flight. How would you describe the plumage of your birds when they
were standing?
The hendersoni race of Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage
can easily be mistaken for a Long-billed Dowitcher. They look so much
different from the griseus race at this time of year and they come
through regularly in smaller numbers than griseus. I have questioned
everybody's reports of Long-bills at this time of year. No one has been
able to show me one before the middle of August. Perhaps I should put a
reward on them if somebody does.
As for the Least Flycatcher I cannot help much without a
recording. Acadians make some chebek-like sounds, but if you are
familiar with Leasts it may be an extraordinarily early migrant. I did
hear one sing in fall migration once but that was in late August. There
are a few Piedmont records of summering Leasts but I do not know of any
from the Eastern Shore.
I hope I can get down to Jug Bay and look at a few birds with you
some time. Tomorrow I will be heading for Easton with a lot of other
people I suppose.
Bob Ringler