Lehigh Valley bird sightings for July 25

Stilt Sandpiper, photographed in Kansas

Here are the Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the period ended July 24. The list was compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. With many birders away on vacation, this week's list is short.

Green Pond, Northampton County
Stilt Sandpiper, 1 from July 20 through at least July 22.
Also seen: Semipalmated Plover and Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Note: The Stilt Sandpiper is not commonly seen in the Lehigh Valley area. When does appear in the area, it is seen primarily during July and August. The bird is a long-distance migrant, breeding in the open arctic tundra of North America and wintering in northern and central South America. The main migration route passes through the middle of the North American continent, west of the Mississippi River. An insect eater, the Stilt Sandpiper can be found in mudflats, flooded fields, shallow ponds and pools, and marshes.

Trexlertown, Lehigh County
Sandhill Crane, 1 on July 19.

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Church Road area)
Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 on July 20.

To report bird sightings to Dave DeReamus, send an e-mail to becard@rcn.com with the word "Birdline" in the subject heading.