I went to Fort Stevens to look for shorebirds this week. The main push of spring migrants hadn’t arrived yet, but numbers were definitely on the increase. I was pleased that I timed the tide correctly at Parking Lot D. This little bay fills quickly when the tide comes in, so it was nice to have extensive mudflats on this visit.
Semipalmated Plovers enjoying the mud
This spot often hosts good numbers of Caspian Terns. Several birds were seen courting.
Of the six Black-bellied Plovers I saw that day, only one was in full breeding plumage. The others, including this bird, were still in molt.
The beach hosted good numbers of Whimbrels.
The most common shorebird on the beach that day was Sanderling. Most were still in winter plumage.
Shorebird migration should peak within the next week.
Happy Spring.
Ethical Birder 