Posted by Robin Diaz on December 10, 2003 at 13:24:20:
In Reply to: Robin: What is your position? posted by Paul on December 09, 2003 at 22:22:01:
LAT 25* 42'23"
LONG 80* 08'39"
Just kidding, sort of.......
If you are asking my *personal* opinion, using the one photo provided, I never considered this bird to be anything other than Black-bellied Plover. My reasons: 1) bill shape and size; 2) potbellied look, although this can be due to angle of photo, weather, posture, etc.
If you are asking my *expert* opinion, I have none -- I'm not an expert.
Mickey Wheeler's wonderful advice is: always look at the rigid characteristics of bird if other diagnostic features are not discernable. In this photo, the primaries Vs. tail length and axillaries are not available to viewers. Color and plumage variations are just that: variables.
My comments on color were to emphasize that AMGP usually stands out from BBPL. Perhaps this little guy deserves a break.