Red-necked Stint, Brigantine NWR, 15 August 1999 - Summary

The bright-plumaged adult Red-necked Stint was found by Fred Lesser at about 8:45 yesterday, 15 August 1999, and was present into the afternoon. It was seen from a spot about halfway between the crossdike and the barn-owl nest box, on the north dike, west pool (Grid B6). High tide was (at a guess) around noon. The only update I have is a message indicating it was not seen on Sunday evening. The tide and lighting were adverse by then. If anyone has additional information or updates for this morning's high tide please let me know.

Here are two messages posted yesterday to Pennsylvania lists. I tried to echo Frank's message to NJBIRDS yesterday evening but it bounced.

This species is not presently on the NJ state list, and if accepted this will represent the first record for the state. If you saw it please don't assume that "someone else" will write it up; all details are valuable.

I was one of the people Fred rounded up to help confirm the bird, and I'd like to thank him, as well as John Scavetto for letting me and others use his cell phone. Thanks also to the many who helped to get the word out. Other species present yesterday included Ruff, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwit, Avocet, Red-necked and Wilson's Phalaropes, at least 7 Black Terns, King Rail, 3 Bald Eagles and excellent overall numbers of shorebirds.

As of 12:30 PM, the Red-necked Stint continues to be seen at Brigantine.

It was first found by Fred Lesser early this morning. The bird can be found in the west impoundment, visible from the north dike, along with thousands of other peeps.

It is not as difficult to find as you might think, since 1) it is in FULL ALTERNATE PLUMAGE and 2) it hangs around right at the water's edge.

Since you are facing west when viewing the bird, the light will be best early in the morning.

Also present at Brig. were Hudwit & Red-necked Phal.

Before the recent rains, the south dike of the west pool was the place to be, and there was no water along the north dike. However, there is plenty of water there now.

The Red-necked stint was seen at Brigantine up until 1:45 PM Sunday, 8/15/99. It was among 1000+ shorebirds. It is still in breeding plummage; and instinctively stands out by virtue of the rufous color on its breast, throat, and head; plus its black legs. It was consistently seen foraging on the mudflats within a foot or so of the waterline. The location of the bird at Brigantine is easy: look for the crowds at the third section of the U-shaped drive around Brigantine.