Baird’s sandpiper

[Brett H]

I saw this bird yesterday at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in coastal Massachusetts. The bird was bigger than a peep and smaller than nearby stilt sandpipers. 
 

I wish I was able to get a better photo, but this was the best I could do. The overall size, bill size and shape, markings on the neck and chest, and leg color has me thinking Baird’s sandpiper. However, I’m not sure the photo is good enough for me to make that call. Your thoughts are appreciated!

[Hasan]

It does indeed look like Baird's

[Brett H]

1 hour ago, Hasan said:

It does indeed look like Baird's

Cool, thank you!

[Seanbirds]

1 hour ago, Hasan said:

It does indeed look like Baird's

I’ll second.

 

[Quiscalus quiscula]

2 hours ago, Seanbirds said:

I’ll second.

 

And I'll third.

[Brett H]

Thanks everyone!

[AlexHenry]

Why not a White-rumped Sandpiper? (Which is much more common)

Edited September 15, 2021 by AlexHenry

[Brett H]

1 minute ago, AlexHenry said:

Why not a White-rumped Sandpiper? (Which is much more common)

Could be, but I initially ruled it out because I can’t see any streaks on the flanks.

[AlexHenry]

It’s certainly either a White-rumped or a Baird’s.

IMO it looks a lot like a White-rumped Sandpiper, compare to:

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/182669171
 

However I could certainly be wrong

[AlexHenry]

Hmm now I’m flip flopping back to Bairds. I guess it’s just really hard to tell 

[Brett H]

7 minutes ago, AlexHenry said:

Hmm now I’m flip flopping back to Bairds. I guess it’s just really hard to tell 

Yeahhhh, I wish I was able to get a better photo in better lighting before some people spooked it. Thanks for taking the time!

[Hasan]

Large eye, flat-backed appearance, and lack of eyebrow rule out White-rumped, IMO