Date: 9/12/26 2:48 pm From: Toby Burke via groups.io <kenaibirder...> Subject: [AKBirding] Kasilof River 9/11: Curlew Sandpiper
Yesterday afternoon at the mouth of the Kasilof River a CURLEW SANDPIPER was observed. It was only found after the outer mudflats were completely inundated and the shorebirds had dispersed up river and inland. It appeared to be an adult in basic plumage (without any residual breeding colors). It was first sighted foraging on the river banks among WESAs and PESAs. It eventually flew away within a PESA flock only to fly by minutes later. Most birders would have considered our encounters less than satisfying but photographs were secured. We later tried to refind the bird on an evening falling tide to get better shots, but we only saw the bird late when it was at a great distance.
Currently, the tidal range is huge so the tides are moving very fast, meaning the windows for optimal observation are pretty brief. The birds do not remain long and feeding is a frenzy and then the birds quickly disperse. Also, there were approximately 400 shorebirds to search through on the Flats while the tide was ripping in. Because of these environmental conditions and numbers of remaining shorebirds finding and observing the bird is a challenge to say the least. Recall that last year when a Curlew Sandpiper appeared at the Kasilof River it was initially discovered when the tides were moderate and it was easy to observe but as the tides increased significantly in size the bird became increasingly difficult to find and observe.
Of note: last week we did observe at least one Dunlin a few times at the Kasilof River mouth (they are regular but we do not get many in the Fall) so be careful to distinguish any Fall Dunlin from a Curlew Sandpiper. The GARGANEY after being seen for four consecutive days was not refound yesterday, in the afternoon nor evening.
Good Birding, Toby and Laura Burke Kalifornsky, AK
