Shorebird Identification
3RBC Meeting — Wednesday, July 17, 2002

Walt Shaffer, accomplished photographer and popular speaker, shows us how to solve difficult problems in shorebird identification at the membership Meeting, Wednesday, July 17, at the Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, in Squirrel Hill.

As usual, the doors open at 7:00 PM for socializing, and the meeting begins at 7:30 PM.

The show will focus on shorebirds that can be seen, typically during their migration, in Western Pennsylvania. Walt's approach to Shorebirding is based on the fact that, it is different from other birding in that it combines all the following factors:

• reliance on small differences in size and shape to distinguish species
• done often at long range, with a scope
• reliance on subtle differences in plumage (adult, juvenile, basic, alternate, worn, fresh).

Honed by personal study, followed by attendance at Ed Kwater's famous shorebird workshop, Walt's skills and slides are the result of careful study. You'll see how to distinguish Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Red Knots, Stilt Sandpipers, Willets, and the always challenging peeps, among others.

A biology major at Juniata, and medical school at Temple, followed by earning a living and raising a family, meant Walt had to leave his field guide on the shelf for a decade or more. But lately, especially since his retirement, his ventures outdoors with camera and binoculars have yielded a harvest that we will reap. His interest in birds and butterflies have made him a popular outing leader and speaker for ASWP, the Todd Bird Club, the Frick Environmental Center, and now, us.

Thank you to David Jett, Lydia Konecky, Phil Costanzo and the rest of the Frick Park Environmental Learning Center staff who offers the Frick Park Nature Center to the club for meetings.