Sandpiper

[takkatakka]

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,

[thouc]

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

[Canoncan]

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.

[takkatakka]

Here is another picture if it helps.

[Canoncan]

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.

[Reuven_M]

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

[Canoncan]

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

[takkatakka]

Thanks everyone.

I still have a lot to learn about Sandpipers.

[Reuven_M]

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