Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus), Wilcox Twin Lakes, Cochise County

Stilt Sandpiper is very rare in Arizona in spring migration and uncommon in the fall.  It was therefore very unusual to have two flocks present at the same time in the state during spring migration as occurred on 17 May 2008.  One flock of 21 was found in Gilbert and the photos of those are here.  Another flock of four was found at Willcox Big Pond by Ken Kertell the same day.  This is one of those birds photographed by Ken Kertell on 17 May 2008.

17 May 2008, photo by Ken Kertell