This morning at Craney Island in Portsmouth, Va., there was a distinctive
small sandpiper in with a mixed group on the east side of the middle
impoundment. The bird had extensive rufous on the sides of the neck and
sides of its face. In size, it appeared slightly larger than a Least
Sandpiper and considerably smaller than a Sanderling, both of which were
conveniently located within 10 ft. of the bird in question. I only had
binoculars so I was unable to observe as much detail as I would have liked.
After viewing it for about 20 seconds, it took off with a group of about 40
other birds. Half of them flew off towards the west side of Craney while
the other half landed about 50 yards away behind some vegetation where they
were not visible. While I would not advise anyone to drive a long distance
specifically to track down this bird, I would encourage anyone in the area
who has the time, a scope, and the expertise to give it a shot. While I am
far from certain, there is the distinct possibility that this was a repeat
of the appearance of a Red-necked Stint of a few years ago - a bird I
searched for and missed. This kind of sighting drives me crazy, but (having
learned my lesson in '99) I figured I should report it anyway.
Other birds in the group included: Pectoral Sandpiper, Short-billed
Dowitcher, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, American Avocet (only 2
seen today), Least Sandpiper, Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, lots of Great
Black-backed and Laughing Gulls, Gull-billed Tern, and Royal Tern. The spot
where the group of birds was located is mid-way along the east dike of the
middle impoundment, in a wet area near the dike. If you head south along
the outer road from the north crossdike, you will reach a "road" (ramp) that
goes up to the dike itself. The wet area with the birds is just to the
south (left) of where this ramp reaches the dike. Note: At the time I was
there this morning, there was a bulldozer working on the side of the dike
between the ramp and the north crossdike. If work continues toward the
south (which I suspect will happen soon), access to this area may be
restricted.
David Clark
Norfolk, Va.
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