July 9, 2005 Ensley Bottoms, Mississippi River, Eagle Lake Shelby Co. TN The shorebirds at the pits in Ensley were in a thither as Kites and Kestrels spun overhead. I had only 83 Least Sandpipers, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, no Western or Semipalmated but the Solitary Sandpipers are up to 3 as were the Lesser Yellowlegs. In a couple of weeks there should be thousands to google through. There were 6 Least Sandpipers strolling the sandbar at the River which is now down and looks like it will behave for some time to come. You can hear a pump running at Eagle Lake (as usual the gates are locked) but unfortunately no prep has been done for shorebird habitat in the pool nearest the platform and from there it does not look like much done anywhere else. The mud puddle blocking the entrance to the platform luckily is just dust but if it rains it may be the only shorebird habitat there. If you like Mississippi Kites this is a great place to watch their slow dance. I had 35 here with some performing just above my head. In the Ensley Area I counted 3 wide spread groups totaling 86 birds with 34 over one place at Riverport Road. Coming across town I counted 11 over different residential areas. Many were 1st and 2nd year birds, some in real ratty looking plumage but still air worthy. Now off to points north to look at more dusty habitat........ Good Birding!!! Jeff R. Wilson OL'COOT / TLBA Bartlett, TN