Posted by David LaPuma on December 10, 2003 at 10:44:23:
In Reply to: What Say You? Part 2 posted by Paul on December 07, 2003 at 16:09:44:
Okay, I'm putting my two cents in.
Having looked at this photo, and comparing it to several others I've taken, as well as the ones Larry posted a few weeks back (http://www.tropicalaudubon.org/tasboard/messages/3801.html)
I'm convinced that this is a Black-bellied Plover. I'm basing my decision on the following field marks:
1. The bird lacks a prominent supercillium, which would be evident in an AGPL. Note that if it had the prominent supercillium, it would be more distinct directly above the eye, whereas this bird shows very little above the eye, but some lighter color behind the eye (typical of BBPL).
2. Lighting is playing a serious role in several of this bird’s features. First of all, the overall coloration appears more golden due to the low sun angle, second the cap appears a bit darker because of the shadow at the front of the bird. That said, even with the lighting issues it still appears to exhibit less overall contrast than an AGPL.
I've seen several younger BBPL's that appear to have earspots (yet lighter than AGPL). This bird has a softer tone, more like what I've seen in first-year birds. Younger birds also appear slightly buffy, which could be contributing to the overall golden look. I saw an AGPL in the Hole-in-the-doughnut two weeks ago and the bird stood out like a sore thumb- bright supercillium, finer bill, more streamlined look overall.... and the final clincher, no black in the armpits. If only your bird did some stretching while you watched it...
Cheers
David