This evening I took
a walk out to Wetland Unit #2 in the McBaine bottoms. Last
spring/summer it was inundated with flood waters, and it now appears that most
of the cattail growth is gone. However, there are extensive mudflats
and shallow water. I watched a flock of Least Sandpipers (about 25) whirl
in their tight formation for about 3 solid minutes before decided to settle
in. Lots of GW Teal, and a few woodies, mallards,
shovelers.
If the conditions
remain unchanged, this could be good shorebird habitat - Columbia birders might
want to add it to their list of places to check this spring.