Long-billed Dowitcher in Hanover Township ~ July 24-August 4, 2008

Brett Schick reported a Long-billed Dowitcher at the Hanoverville Road retention ponds on July 24th. Since the identification of dowitchers is tricky and Short-billed is the 'expected' species in the area, there was concern that the bird could have been misidentified. After seeing the July 25th photos that were taken of the bird by Dustin Welch, I was surprised at the length of the bill, which seemed pretty long to be a Short-billed. On the 26th, Billy Weber called me to tell me that the bird was still there and that he thought I should really check it out. I met him there and we both agreed that this bird almost had to be a Long-billed Dowitcher! After many photos, opinions from many observers, and three hours of waiting, the bird finally called with several of us present, confirming the identification.

Long-billed Dowitcher at the Hanoverville Road retention ponds, Northampton County on July 26th. Here, the tail with its dark bands wider than the light ones is visible under the primaries. Directly underneath are the undertail coverts with their thinner, dark barring that can easily be confused as the tail itself. Also note the dark appearance to the back created by the very thin white feather edges. This bird represents the 2nd record for Northampton County.

Long-billed Dowitcher at the Hanoverville Road retention ponds, Northampton County on July 27th. The bird is in worn breeding plumage. Note the chevron markings on the sides and the barring on the flanks with no markings in between. Short-billeds tend to have spotted markings that continue all the way down the side of the body. Also note the dark appearance to the back created by the very thin white feather edges. This bird represents the 2nd record for Northampton County.

Long-billed Dowitcher at the Hanoverville Road retention ponds, Northampton County on July 28th. Note the light area of the forewing contrasting with the rest of the underwing. Also note the dark tail containing narrow white bands. This bird represents the 2nd record for Northampton County.


It was a new county bird for me and one of a very few that I've seen in the state.

---