[Mnbird] Lake Byllesby, Dakota Cty, shorebirds

[Laura Coble]

Since last Tuesday, there has been an increase in the number of shorebirds on the west side of Lake Byllesby, although the species count is very low. Many shorebirds were a long distance away.
Yesterday and today the number of Long-billed Dowitchers increased from 5 to 15, and there were larger flocks of Pectoral Sandpipers and both yellowlegs today. The number of mud flats and sandbars are increasing, as well.  

Late this afternoon, I found one American Golden Plover, still in breeding plumage.  It had a very dark cap and bright white plumage on its flanks up to its dark crown. 

Also yesterday, in late afternoon:  Two other birders pointed out an enormous flock of gulls much farther out on the lake, plus some waterfowl, including an American Widgeon and a good number of N. Shovelers, “shoveling” up and down the narrow waterways between the mud flats or sandbars. 

Laura Coble
Cannon Falls