Migrating Red Knot; Batiquitos W. Basin 8JUL 2018

I made a quick stop this morning at the Western Basin of Batiquitos Lagoon at 10:40 AM. The tide was closer to low tide resulting in exposed sand bar and mudflat to the south. On the mudflat, a single alternate plumage RED KNOT was found in a migrating mixed flock of shorebirds that also included ~20 whimbrels and 3 short-billed dowitchers (all alternate plumage). I had a nice side by side comparison with the dowitchers. 12 July was the earliest arrival date during the SD Bird Atlas period.

I also observed the immature REDDISH EGRET reported yesterday from 10:45 to 11 am. So if Gjon observed the San Elijo bird (reported today) in that time frame there must be at least two individuals. The two locations are about 5 miles apart.

Tito