To any one who saw the bird this mourning are there any thoughts on the age
and subspecies of this individual. I observed the bird at around 8:30 for
approximately 10 min. and the bird appeared to be in non-breeding plumage
and was very light gray overall suggesting Western Willet. If any one has
photos it would be great to post them.

 -Nik Kotovich






On Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 9:02 AM, Jim Mead <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Dwight Cargill, Jim Osborn & I met in the parking lot at 5:55 a.m. We then
> headed out to the mouth of the Winooski to scan for shorebirds. I noticed a
> rather large shorebird on the sandbar that is closest to the north side of
> the
> mouth. I got it in my bins and thought Willet. However, knowing how rare
> it is
> to see a Willet in VT I waited to announce it aloud until I saw it in my
> scope. I
> took one look at it through my scope and said (excitedly) "Willet"!!! It
> was
> about 40' from us at that time and then it decided to come to the shoreline
> where we were standing and ended up no more than 15' from all 3 of us. As
> it
> turns out it was a new State of VT bird for all of us. I was particularly
> happy
> for Dwight because he has not been able to get out & bird since May. He
> certainly picked a great day to go birding and he got his # 326th species
> for
> the State of VT. He's not one to brag so I thought I would brag about him
> myself. I personally do not know anyone else who has more than 326
> legitimate species in VT. He's been birding in VT for at least 35 years
> and he is
> certainly considered one of the best. I know that I have learned a lot
> about
> birds from him. Congratulations to Dwight and Jim for getting this quite
> rare
> species in VT this morning.
> When I left, the Willet was walking along the east shoreline beyond the
> north
> end of Delta Park. It was near many Canada Geese and Great Egrets. Several
> people have seen it as well since we found it. Congrats to all and good
> luck to
> any that get a chance to try and see it. I spotted this beauty at 6:14
> a.m. I
> left there at 7:55 a.m.
>
> Enjoy Birds,
>
> Jim Mead
>