Well, we got a stint today! Unfortunately, it was a Red-necked, not a Long-toed.
We birded most of the “usual” spots, seeing the expected species. Lots of young Lapland Longspurs, Aleutian Song Sparrows, Aleutian Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Common Teal, Mallards, etc.
The Bald Eagles, gulls, and ravens were feeding on the salmon runs which are just about over.
In mid-afternoon, Frank walked out the peninsula on Clam Lagoon and found four shorebirds; three Western Sandpipers and a dark-legged juvenile Stint. Having absolutely no experience with juvenile stints, he took a lot of photos in hopes of pinning it down later. Since it was possibly a Little Stint (a lifer), Barb trudged out to see it as well. Although we hoped it was a Little, we both felt it was probably a Red-necked. Later that afternoon, Isaac pointed out to us the salient features that confirmed our suspicions (but not desires) that it was a Red-necked.
Western Sandpiper (left) and Red-necked Stint (right), Clam Lagoon, 9/12/2011.
Note the fairly pale coverts (Little has much darker) and the lack of streaking on the breast (it is more of a wash).
Our bodies are still adjusting to the time zone difference (5 hours), so we are exhausted at 6 in the evening! We will be well-adjusted just in time to return home…
Note: the date that I put on the Three-toed Woodpecker photo should have been 9/11, not 9/10.