Red-necked Stint in California

[AndyB]

Finally, got to see one of these in California today! A summer adult had been found on Weds in San Diego (for a 1st county record). Fortunately, it was still there this morning and I managed a few minutes with it before a Peregrine came in and spooked everything. Took a few more hours before finally got more views. It really blended in well with the Western Sandpipers and many birders had problems picking it out even when shown where it was. In good light, you could see a nice peachy wash around the breast and a generally plumper, darker backed bird.

Some watercolor sketches attached