>> Greetings all, Dave Lauten is spot on in this case. By the date of the report in question (19 April), we are at the front end of the prime window for not only Semipalmated Plover, but all of the Arctic and sub-Arctic breeding shorebirds that pass through Oregon as northbound migrants. I had a few Semi Plovers in Clatsop Co. last Friday and was surprised to not find more than I did. Surely some will disagree with this opinion, but if your phenology for migrant shorebirds is calibrated based on what you see inside Yaquina Bay, it's not going to be very good. For all of its outward attractiveness for shorebirds (good-looking mudflats), the shorebirding there is pathetic. I have no explanation for why this is the case, but in recent years this estuary is often devoid of waders even right in the middle of spring or fall migration. If I'm looking for shorebirds along the northern Oregon coast, I will drive Clatsop Beach, go to Youngs Bay or Tillamook Bay. Even the tiny little Necanicum estuary is better than Yaquina Bay most of the time. Sadly, if you compare the 'best' Oregon estuaries to Humboldt Bay to the south or Willapa and Grays Harbor in Washington, you will discover that these out of state estuaries offer far better shorebirding and present a better picture of the phenologies for migrant waders. I am currently watching a Virginia Rail while taking a work break next to a little wetland in NW. McMinnville. Dave Irons Portland, OR >> >> >>> >> >> >