Marbled Godwit, 300+ White-faced Ibis north of Bishop

Observers: Chris and Rosie Howard and friends
Email: chris93514@gmail.com
Remote Name: 65.244.205.238
Date: 08/24/2006
Time: 11:40 AM -0400

Sighting

Yesterday evening, 23 Aug, we checked out the shallow flood basins north of Jean Blanc Rd, south of the Lower McNally Canal. We got amazing views of hundreds of White-faced Ibis foraging in the shallow water and mud. Occassionally, the whole flock would flush, circling around, directly over us, and landing in the same place they started. We also had OK views of a Marbled Godwit, larger than adjacent Greater Yellowlegs, thick, long, slightly upturned bill; in flight showed all brown tones, except tawny patches on the primaries. Also, at least a dozed Black-necked Stilts, a dowitcher sp., a Greater Yellowlegs, 20 mixed Wilson's and Red-necked Phalaropes, and 50+ Mallard. All this with at least 50 Common Nighthawks coursing overhead. (Bring mosquito repellant.) Also, on Tues AM, we had 5 Solitary Sandpipers (mixed juv and adult) at Farmer's Ponds.