Woodland Wastewater Treatment Plant has been on fire lately and today was
the best day yet. Bart Wickel and I arrived around 9:20am this morning and
immediately spotted a juvenile SABINE’S GULL on the south shore of the
North Regional Pond. It picked up quickly and was joined in flight over the
pond by a COMMON TERN. The Sabine’s broke off and flew south, where it was
briefly seen again on the southern WTP ponds by myself, Julian Johnson, and
Kirk Swenson. It then picked up and drifted south and out of sight.
Upon returning to the North Regional Pond, we joined a growing group of
birders watching the tern as well as the RUFF (continuing since 9/28), 2
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS (one continuing since 10/4 was joined by a second
bird yesterday), and at least 17 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. These birds all
remained present until our departure at 11:45am.
There was no sign of the long-continuing LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL today,
but it was reported yesterday. Others have reported late WHIMBRELS amongst
the masses of curlew, which were absent today and likely in the alfalfa
fields to the east.
This spot has thousands of birds right now and is definitely worth a visit!
Photos and specific locations of the mentioned rarities are on eBird.
