Date: 4/26/26 11:05 am From: Cathy Bleier via groups.io <csbleier...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Dotson Marsh breeding plumage birds, BONAPARTE’s Gulls, and probably Snipes…
A walk yesterday at about a 3 foot tide at Dotson marsh revealed Black-bellied Plovers and Dunlins in full breeding plumage before they take off (which is soon). I was also surprised by a Western Kingbird. Best sighting was 6 Bonaparte’s Gulls, at least one With a full fully black head.
Pretty sure I saw a dozen Wilson’s Snipes, but eBird had already declared them a “rarity” for this time. I didn’t get a great look, so it might have been a group of Dowitchers, though I only saw three of those for the rest of the time I was there, or it might have been Dunlins but my impression was stockier and longer-billed. I deferred to the big red R, but I’m still thinking about it…. SEEMS LIKE A MIGRATORY SPECIES, WHOSE DEPARTURE MIGHT VARY BY A WEEK OR AND FROM PLACE TO PLACE, SHOULD HAVE A “P” for Probably Not, especially at sites where the bird is well known the rest of the year. I admit, I wanted another species for my birdathon fundraising tally…
Good birding!
Cathy Bleier
El Cerrito
https://ebird.org/checklist/S327408677
