We arrived at the SR225 Bridge Area north of Alliance at about 6:10PM. We were walking and checking out the numerous pool areas, and grassy flat areas, east of the bridge. At 6:35PM, Denise found 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers in the short green vegetation, looking directly east toward the high and dry island. After getting great, closeup looks, the birds took off. We lost sight of them. We continued checking out the numerous pool areas. There were lots of shorebirds; numerous peeps, several Bairds and White-rumped Sandpipers, 50+ Lesser Yellowlegs, 20+ Stilt Sandpipers, 15+ Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 4 Spotted Sandpipers, and 20+ Semipalmated Plovers. At 7:05PM, Denise refound the 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, at a different location, again in the short green stuff, between the island and the western pool. Minutes later, nearly all the birds flushed, including the Buff-breasted Sandpipers. Hello to a terrorizing Peregrine Falcon. Shortly after the disruption, Ben Morrison arrived. The shorebirds began slowly returning. Our next birding companions to arrive, were James E. and David Yoder. They are doing a "Big Year" on their bicycles. A long ride from Amish country to showup a little late for the Buff-breasted Sandpipers. Fear not! We directed the three late arrivals in the direction the birds flew, and lo and behold at about 7:45PM, the Yoder Boys, in the company of Ben Morrison, refound the 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers for third time this evening. The Yoder Boys total for their "Big Year by Bicycle" should now be at 241 species, pretty remarkable! Ben, James E., and David, being able to also find and see the Buff-breasted Sandpipers, made this a very rewarding day. There is no better feeling than being able to share great birds with other birders. The suggested access to this area is to go north from the SR225 Bridge to the first road, German Church Road, turn right (east), drive down the road till you come to a gravel parking lot on the left. Park here. Walk a short distance back down the road from where you just came, to a steep path down the hill to the left. Carefully go down the hill. Time to search and explore. Check out the area between the island (straight ahead), and the SR225 Bridge, to the right. Do not stop on or near the SR225 Bridge. This is a high volume, high speed, dangerous traffic highway!!!
 
Bob and Denise Lane


                                          
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