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Post by Dave on Aug 24, 2006 19:32:25 GMT -8
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Post by Gord on Aug 24, 2006 20:31:10 GMT -8
Peep sandpipers are right up there with the ptarmigan but worse for good head scratchers.
The top bird looks like it could almost be a juv semiplamated sandpiper or a dull juv least sandpiper. What's sort of throwing me off the most is trying to decide if those legs are green or just stained that colour from the mud. If green, then least for sure but something's not right for least. That's a pretty strong 'cap' on its head as well as shorter bluntish beak which points towards semipalmated.
The bottom guy is a western Id say as well.
Any other thoughts anyone?
Good pics!! Always fun looking at them and sharing opinions.
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Post by Dave on Aug 24, 2006 20:49:13 GMT -8
I don't remember seeing anything but black legs. I think they are both western.
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Post by Gord on Aug 25, 2006 13:58:09 GMT -8
Dave, you may very well be right, but what I look for in westerns is the good rufous scapulars (feathers along the back/wings). I think many of the little sandpipers we see now are juveniles and they usually have that as the bottom picture shows. I guess it could be an adult going into winter plumage, but still have my doubts as its a bit bright brown for that as well as all the buffy colours on the throat and breast which I dont think westerns usually have.
A tough genus to ID, but a fun challenge!
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Post by Gord on Sept 6, 2006 9:39:48 GMT -8
Dave, I talked with a birder friend who knows these birds very well, and he agrees that it's a western too.  Nice work  A bright juvenile but still a western. |
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