From 3:30-7:00 at Brilyea Access, I and Bruce MacPherson watched a good collection of shorebirds on the mudflats: AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER - 1 Semipalmated Plover - a few Killdeer - X RED-NECKED PHALAROPE - 3 DUNLIN - 5 Greater Yellowlegs - X Lesser Yellowlegs - X Semipalmated Sandpiper - X Least Sandpiper - X PECTORAL SANDPIPER - 3+ WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER - 2 Also, Blue-winged Teal - about 15 Belted Kingfisher - 1 The golden-plover, Dunlin, and White-rumped Sandpipers each appeared twice on those mudflats which are viewed from a grass-infringed path off the track leading from the first parking lot. The phalaropes seemed mainly swimming in the pool farthest from the parking lots, though one appeared several times on the mudflats with the golden-plover, etc.. An adult Bald Eagle had a short conflict with an Osprey, the smaller bird diving down and harassing the eagle, eventually driving it away. My mother and I both saw Merlins/a Merlin. Tree Swallows (and Barn Swallows) were gathered in impressive numbers, even landing on the road between the two parking lots. About 30 Great Blue Herons were visible from the walkway bridge at dusk. The water and sky and now fading goldenrod are peaceful and quite beautiful. Davie Rolnick Rupert, VT ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour