Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Drpepper on September 20, 2016, 11:27:32 PM

Title: Shore Bird
Post by: Drpepper on September 20, 2016, 11:27:32 PM

I find shore birds hard to distinguish because there are so many options! Is this a solitary sandpiper? Sorry about the blurriness.
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8424/29198164834_22a35a01cc.jpg)

Title: Re: Shore Bird
Post by: Paul O'Toole on September 21, 2016, 06:12:58 AM

Looks like you got it, white eye ring and bill colour match a solitary.

Title: Re: Shore Bird
Post by: Kris Ito on September 21, 2016, 08:06:42 AM

I think this might be a juvenile Spotted Sandpiper. Do you recall if it was bobbing its tail? A Solitary should have a more prominent eye ring and lacks the white line above the eye that we see in your pic. It should also show some streaking on the breast. Juvenile Spotties are tricky because they don't have any spots!

Kris

Title: Re: Shore Bird
Post by: Paul O'Toole on September 21, 2016, 09:05:18 AM

I think your right on the Juv Spotted, good eye.

Title: Re: Shore Bird
Post by: thouc on September 21, 2016, 02:03:37 PM

The white wedge at the front of the wing is diagnostic for Spotted Sandpiper (and Common Sandpiper, which is the Eurasian relative that lacks spots in all plumages). Spotted Sandpipers only show spots in adult breeding plumage.

/Thomas

Title: Re: Shore Bird
Post by: Drpepper on September 23, 2016, 12:35:57 PM

Thanks for all the input. If it was bobbing it's tail that would be a behaviour indicator of a spotted sandpiper?

Title: Re: Shore Bird
Post by: Kris Ito on September 24, 2016, 09:02:30 AM

Yes the "tail bobbing" or "tail pumping" is a reliable behaviour in this species. I think the only time they don't do it is if they're standing really still or flying! Tail bobbing can also be a helpful observation for other birds such as Phoebes, Palm Warblers and American Pipits.   -Kris