Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Ontario Birds => Topic started by: bernie2112 on May 27, 2009, 11:09:54 PM

Title: Dunlin and two sandpipers...Reesor Pond and Whitby...
Post by: bernie2112 on May 27, 2009, 11:09:54 PM

Greetings!

It has been an exciting spring. We were able to sit and have these fellows walk right up to us.

Duniln (http://www.flickr.com/photos/berniemonette/3571439187)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3571439187_88878fb614_o.jpg)

Least Sandpiper (http://www.flickr.com/photos/berniemonette/3572244040)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3572244040_f7c6a830cf_o.jpg)

White-rumped Sandpiper (http://www.flickr.com/photos/berniemonette/3572244942)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3572244942_965c39cd0a_o.jpg)

Comments and critique always welcomed.

Cheers,

Bernie

My flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/berniemonette)

Title:
Post by: Brian Bailey on May 27, 2009, 11:22:52 PM

Very nice shot of the Dunlin.  I think the last one looks more like a Semipalmated Sandpiper though.

BB

Title:
Post by: Hilander on May 27, 2009, 11:37:49 PM

Very nice!

Here's how much of a novice I am ... the 2nd and 3rd photos look like the same bird to me!  Looks like I've got a bit of seasoning to do to note all the nuances between species!!

Cheers, Rory

Title: Sandpiper...
Post by: bernie2112 on May 27, 2009, 11:43:03 PM

Quote from: "Brian Bailey"

Very nice shot of the Dunlin.  I think the last one looks more like a Semipalmated Sandpiper though.

BB

You could be right! I have agonized over this. Can you say why you think it is semi-palmated?

Cheers,

Bernie

Title:
Post by: Brian Bailey on May 28, 2009, 12:46:01 PM

I'm not a shorebird expert, but the size, shape and colouring of Semipalmateds is virtually identical to that of Leasts.  They key field marks, which this bird appears to have, are dark legs and a stouter bill which is not down-curved.  You can also separate them by their call, but that's a bit tough in a photo.  :wink:

White-rumped are slightly larger: noticeable if they're with Least & semi-palms, but not so obvious if they're by themselves.  The best field mark for them (if they don't spread their wings and show you their white rump) is the black spots on the flanks:  subtle but distinctive.

BB

Title: Many thanks...
Post by: bernie2112 on June 02, 2009, 09:43:35 AM

Thank you all for your comments and the id help. You are probably right about it being a SP Sandpiper.

Cheers,

Bernie

Title:
Post by: Photoman on June 02, 2009, 08:51:00 PM

Great pics, like the first photo, nice colors.
Good work.

Clemens 8)