Long-billed Dowitchers along Cockshutt Rd, Brant

[Bill Lamond]

Hi,

Late this afternoon (28 April) there were two Long-billed Dowitchers feeding in a farm field along Cockshutt Rd, S of Burtch Rd, Brant County. This species is very rare in the County and in the spring generally in the Hamilton area. This area always looks like it should be great for shorebirds in the spring but it is usually mediocre. Birds that are there usually do not stay long but there is a chance the dowitchers will be there tomorrow. For example there were 26 Pectoral Sandpipers there in the early afternoon (no LBDO then) and only one sandpiper there at 5:30 when the dowitchers were found.

Be aware that it is a very busy two lane road and the birds, if present, are often not close to the road. The birds were at marker number 432.

The birds were associating with 17 Lesser Yellowlegs and three Greaters. I find the size difference between the two birds interesting and unexpected (see below). When they were in flight the distinctive keek-keek call was heard several times.

Photos by Sarah Lamond.

Bill