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Post by zack on Dec 30, 2018 15:18:03 GMT -8
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Post by zack on Dec 30, 2018 15:22:05 GMT -8
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Post by paulos on Dec 30, 2018 21:11:11 GMT -8
It tends to to be Dunlin in the enormous winter flocks here—very similar to winter Westerns. It’s always amazing to see the thousands and tens of thousands of birds.
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Post by zack on Dec 30, 2018 23:12:37 GMT -8
Sorry Paulos but that is what i thought also except the birders on the Dyke all said Western Sandpiper because they have the white belly.
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Post by zack on Dec 30, 2018 23:21:56 GMT -8
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Post by paulos on Dec 31, 2018 9:29:29 GMT -8
Sorry Paulos but that is what i thought also except the birders on the Dyke all said Western Sandpiper because they have the white belly. I think your first inclination was right. Both have a white belly in winter. The Dunlin only get the dark mark as it gets closer to breeding —March or April or so. They are nearly identical but for the bill length, size and subtleties of plumage through the winter. The westerns winter mostly much further south. |
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Post by Chris on Dec 31, 2018 12:01:19 GMT -8
I agree with Paul and your initial reaction to the birds in question that they are Dunlin. High counts of Western Sandpipers around that area seem to be at most 100. However, there are thousands of Dunlin within that area this time of year which fit your photos.
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Post by oldfulica on Jan 1, 2019 7:50:24 GMT -8
Yes, mostly Dunlin. As already been stated, most of the Westerns have gone south this time of year. Here is a shot of a flock of Dunlins at Blackies Spit, end of November. Notice the lonely Western in the front slightly to the left of centre. It may be easier to see if you click on the picture.  |
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