Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: takkatakka on May 30, 2015, 05:40:52 PM

Title: Sandpiper
Post by: takkatakka on May 30, 2015, 05:40:52 PM

A flock of 30 small sandpipers arrived at our storm ponds.  We believe they are Semipalmated Sandpipers (or Least Sandpipers).

We have three pictures (one of which has a Killdeer for size comparison).

You assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: thouc on May 30, 2015, 08:50:28 PM

The first picture looks like a White-rumped Sandpiper with longish black legs, relatively long curved bill and long wings. They are relatively uncommon, but a late migrant that passes by around this time of year.

Second might be a White-rumped or Semipalmated, I'm not sure.

/Thomas

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: Canoncan on May 31, 2015, 11:05:28 AM

Bills in both photos appear longer than Semi-palmated Sandpiper. First photo has the markings of a White-rumped. Black legs rule out Least and wings seem to short for a Baird's.

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: takkatakka on May 31, 2015, 11:09:02 AM

Here is another picture if it helps.

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: Canoncan on May 31, 2015, 11:21:07 AM

Bird in the foreground looks good for Semi-palmated. You may have a mixed flock or a couple of one in a large flock of the other.

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: Reuven_M on May 31, 2015, 01:34:09 PM

All semipalmated. White-rumped would have ridiculously long wings, a bit of pink at the base of the bill and streaking extending down the flanks.
edit: long wings, not legs

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: Canoncan on May 31, 2015, 03:47:10 PM

Interesting as the bill in the last pic is quite significantly shorter with no distinct curve opposed to the first two images

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: takkatakka on June 01, 2015, 10:14:35 PM

Thanks everyone.

I still have a lot to learn about Sandpipers.

Title: Re: Sandpiper
Post by: Reuven_M on June 01, 2015, 10:30:05 PM

There was a mistake in my previous post, white-rumped has very long wings, not very long legs