ID help please?

[Tom Lusk]

I took this photo yesterday near Kingston. I apologize for the poor quality- it is a severe crop -I couldn't get within 100' of this Robin-sized bird.

The only similar bird I could find is a Redwing, but they're not supposed to be in this region.

Other ideas?

[Brian Bailey]

It looks like an American Pipit to me.  (Older field guides will show it as "Water Pipit".)  They should be coming through about now.

They're actually about sparrow size, but their shape is more like a robin.  They walk, not hop and are longer legged than a sparrow.

I'm guessing those rocks are on a shoreline?

BB

[Tom Lusk]

Thanks for the ID, Brian.

When I checked my Birds of Canada, the mention of the tail movement sealed the deal.

You are correct. The rocks are on a shoreline.

I guess I can add this to my life list.

Tom