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Posted by Rock Jetty on 12:16:21 08/30/06
In Reply to: Re: Pre-"Storm" Birding - Black Point / Dump Marsh posted by Trey
Okay, here's two more cents (four already) on this bird:
You brought up some pretty good points Trey, but after closer examination of the photo, I'm going to have to agree to disagree. But let's see first where we can agree.
Not taking time of the year into consideration (for now), this bird looks like it's in basic plumage, not molting and not juvenile, at least from what the photo shows. If it were a juvenile, it would have visible rufous on its scapulars (this goes for Least, Western, and even some in Semipalmated). Also, the scapulars of juvenile birds show a sharp contrast between the center color and the outer edge...not present in your bird. So, that said, if some individuals of Semipalmated do exhibit pale, yellowish legs in their juvenile stage, then this bird is not a Semi.
Now here's the disagreement:
If the bird's leg color was indeed yellowish, I'm also going to have to go with Least. I initially thought Western, given bill length and the uniform grayish look on its dorsal side, but the legs needed to be black. I have to admit, the bill is a little too thin for Western and certainly for Semipalmated. I have never seen a Semi with a bill ending in such a fine point. I do understand there is bill variation, but some degree of bulbousness in the point is a surefire fieldmark for Semipalmated. The head shape is also wrong for either Western or Semipalmated. There is not enough white in the face and neck to contrast the black, straight bill of a basic plumage Semipalmated.
And now, for the time of year factor. It is just too early to have basic plumage Semipalmated Sandpiper. At most, you'll start seeing molting individuals.
All this said Trey, you were the one looking at it so you decide for yourself. Debating this just makes it all more interesting.
Okay I'm getting tired of this now, let's go bird and we'll talk more about it over beers, as we celebrate a Baird's Sandpiper.
Cheers,
RJ
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