American Avocets are starting to turn up in the Northeast already. One was seen in Rhode Island today. Five were in eastern Long Island last week (directly south of Hammonasset). Several were seen along the New Jersey coast last week and one was observed in western Mass. a few weeks ago (a real rarity inland). It's early in the season, so all of them were still in full breeding plumage. Real beauties! We didn't have any here in CT last year, so we're due. Congratulations to whoever is the first birder to find one in our state this year! Good birding, Chris Loscalzo, Woodbridge