White-rumped jealousy....oh for some better shorebird habitat.

If you are following, even remotely, the goings on in Michigan Birding you know that White-rumped Sandpipers are showing up in some huge numbers throughout the state.  Kinderhook Sewage in Branch, and Olivet Sewage in Eaton both had groups of them show up.  Unfortunately probably the best habitat dried up 4 or 5 weeks ago.  I decided to make a run around the county to see if any landed here.  I stopped at Woodland in the morning to try to see if the Orange-crowned might show up.  It was okay along the Juniper trail again, but much quieter than it had been.  

So off to do the WTP loop I headed.  Tekonsha offered my one moment of excitement, when I see a small shorebird that wasn't a Killdeer.  Alas, just a late season Spotted Sandpiper bobbing his away between the two ponds.  No Phalaropes, or other shorebirds in sight.  

Down M-60 I go to Homer, hoping the shoreline has improved.  Alas, no such luck.  Still very weedy with very open area near the water.  Plenty of Canada Geese there this time, and a high count of Killdeer, with some Ruddy Ducks and the first American Coot reported there.  All by its lonesome.  One more bird closer to getting Homer to 100 species.  

Last desperation, Duck Lake WTP with much hope in my mind.  Let down again:-(  Redheads showing up, and a lone Ring-necked Duck male show that Waterfowl migration is starting to move in.  No White-rumped Sandpipers though.  

Sometimes you get something like 23 Mile Road that can help to spoil you and make you think Birding can be easier than it really is sometimes.  It wouldn't be any fun if it wasn't a challenge though.  Maybe someday I will loosen up, and actually follow the birds instead of hoping they come to me.