Bowdoin NWR - Peeps and Shorebirds

[okaugust]

May 29th, Bowdoin NWR in north Montana (If you have never been there and can, GO!) I'm trying to get better at sandpiper ID, but I still get it wrong half the time anyway. Any tips for what you are using to ID is hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

1. There are some medium sized and a couple of smaller, in addition to the Wilson's Phalarope

 

 

2. Wilson's Phalarope and.....

 

 

3. This one is really intriguing me. I thought a singular Long-billed Dowitcher at the distance I was seeing it from, based on size - bigger than Phalaropes, smaller than the Godwits - they do get Short-billed here too, which would be a lifer for me, but the orange coloring on the face is a puzzler for me.

Suggested: Stilt Sandpiper

 

4.

5. I've had a suggestion of Sanderling

 

6

7

 

Edited May 31, 2021 by okaugust

[Hasan]

1. White-rumped

2. White-rumped

3. Stilt

4. White-rumped

5. Sanderling

6. Baird's

7. Sanderling

[blackburnian]

4 hours ago, Hasan said:

1. White-rumped

2. White-rumped

3. Stilt

4. White-rumped

5. Sanderling

6. Baird's

7. Sanderling

I think I agree on all accounts. 

[Tony Leukering]

9 hours ago, Hasan said:

1. White-rumped

For peep, both Baird's and White-rumped have very long wings, with the tips extending beyond the tail tip, very unlike the smaller peep. White-rumped is a late spring migrant that, even in Colorado, is still going through in the second week of June. Baird's is a browner bird that lacks White-rumped's streaking. These are features noted by good field guides.

9 hours ago, Hasan said:

7. Sanderling

Sanderling is the only sandpiper in the world with only three toes/foot, lacking the hind toe of all others. If unsure, simply count the toes.

[okaugust]

Thanks everyone!

This is only the second time I've seen White-rumped, so pretty exciting! The help and field marks are much appreciated!