mfoster.vt Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 I got these pics today in Midcoast Maine. There were a bunch of Lesser Yellowlegs and Killdeer in this marsh, but this bird just doesn't seem to fit. Those orange feet have me stumped. The only thing I can come up with is a Ruff, but that would be a rare bird for here and I always question something like that. Thing is, the bill length, the orange legs and size (I think it was about the size of the yellowlegs) all seem to point to Ruff. My guess is that I'm missing something easy, but I just can't come up with it. These pics are highly cropped, and the focus was not dead sharp, so ID may be difficult. The 3rd picture may be a different bird (taken a bit later), but it seems to look the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiley Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 Not a Ruff. This is a typical Lesser Yellowlegs- the slightly unusual leg color must be some individual variation, or discoloration somehow (also looks like there's some mud on them too). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiley Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 In addition to various shape/structure clues that are hard for me to explain in words, Ruffs also have short, and slightly downcurved bills. Note the short but perfectly straight bill here, typical of LEYE. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfoster.vt Posted July 19, 2018 Author Share Posted July 19, 2018 Thanks Akiley. I have never seen a Ruff, so that was a bit of a stretch. I was pouring through my Sibley's trying to find a shorebird with orange legs that seemed to fit. Could be some mud on the legs gave them a orange hue. Lighting also plays tricks at times as well, I know. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcoot Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 I agree with Lesser Yellowlegs. Cool photos of it in flight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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