[birdky] RPT: May 23-24, mostly shorebirds

My checking of some shorebird spots last week in the midst of some field work 
didn't yield anything near as exciting as the back-to-back Curlew Sandpiper and 
Red-necked Stint in Indiana, but the Red-necked Phalarope in western Henderson 
County was nice for sure. I figured that to be one last check for shorebirds 
this spring, but after that run in Indiana (not to mention the Snowy Plover at 
Lake Gibson recently) maybe we should keep looking!
 
Highlights from last week included ...
 
Red-necked Phalarope ... the bird was in between typical male and female 
plumages depicted in guides, but fed constantly in the midst of Semi Sands 
during the time of observation.
 
Black-necked Stilt ... one at the Camp #9 coal prep plant in Union County.
 
Dunlin and White-rumps ... many fewer in number, although the warm, clear 
weather may have been responsible for not many dropping out at this point in 
May (when there should be peaking numbers). Shorebird habitat, by the way, is 
going quickly with this summer-like weather.
 
Semi Sandpipers ... were by far most abundant with only a few Leasts actually 
already hard to find. One slough along West Franklin Road in western Henderson 
County (nr jct w/ Straightline Road --- likely now dry) was packed with at 
least 650 Semis ... I was reminded of the fact that there is not much noisier 
than a feeding frenzied flock of hungry, testy Semi Sands. With raised tails, 
spread wings, and chattering calls, all to intimidate neighboring feeders, the 
mass was quite a sight and sound!
 
Least Terns ... seemingly increasing in numbers daily at nesting sites.
 
Only passerine migrants I ran across were a singing Blackburnian and a couple 
of Swainson's Thrushes (in addition to the numerous flocks of Cedar Waxwings 
that are still around).
 
bpb, Frankfort

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