Richard Larsen Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Trying to sort out non-breeding plumage in small sandpipers. I can't say that I have any experience doing this, so I may have embarrassed myself - they might not even be sandpipers. These all come from tidal mudflats at Bunche Beach / San Carlos Bay near Sanibel Island, FL, on Feb 6, 2022. Attached are three photos I am calling Western Sandpipers, and three that I call Least Sandpiper (these three are views of same bird). Confirmation or correction would be appreciated. Thanks. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avery Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Last three are definitely Leasts, and the first looks good for Western. Not sure how to rule out Semi-palmated for 2-3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Larsen Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Thanks, Avery. My 'Western' vs 'Semipalmated' was based strictly frequency, not any features of the birds. Ebird shows many dozens of Westerns on this beach every day, and the last Semipalmated was shown back in late October. And, the Cornell range maps show semipalmated in the US only for nesting and migration - all winter populations appear to be south of the US mainland. So, my designation is based on probability, not on any wisdom I have in identifying them. I'm not good enough to make an independent assessment. Rich 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackburnian Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Western and Least. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avery Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 2 hours ago, Richard Larsen said: Thanks, Avery. My 'Western' vs 'Semipalmated' was based strictly frequency, not any features of the birds. Ebird shows many dozens of Westerns on this beach every day, and the last Semipalmated was shown back in late October. And, the Cornell range maps show semipalmated in the US only for nesting and migration - all winter populations appear to be south of the US mainland. So, my designation is based on probability, not on any wisdom I have in identifying them. I'm not good enough to make an independent assessment. Rich Ah, I didn't realize Semi-palms weren't around. My apologies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 (edited) 10 hours ago, Richard Larsen said: My 'Western' vs 'Semipalmated' was based strictly frequency, not any features of the birds. Ebird shows many dozens of Westerns on this beach every day, and the last Semipalmated was shown back in late October. Range and seasonal frequency are certainly "good enough to make an independent assessment"! They're as acceptable as physical appearance when distinguishing species. Th Edited February 20 by Charlie Spencer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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