Red Phalarope, Tower Road, Adams Co.

[Glenn and Laurie]

I photographed the Red Phalarope along Tower Rd this morning.  Unfortunately, it was foggy and the light was not great.  However you can see the thick, pale-based bill easily which by itself should eliminate Red-necked Phalarope.  The bird appears to be a juvenile molting into basic plumage.  The tertial and covert edges are very buffy and there is still remnant buff in the face and throat.  A juvi RNPH should not have buff in the face and throat and an adult RNPH should not have buffy edges to the tertials and greater coverts.  In addition to the Red Phalarope, the puddle contained a plegadis ibis, 8 Long-billed Dowitchers, a Least Sandpiper and a Pectoral Sandpiper that I spent much time studying.

 

http://upload.pbase.com/gwalbek/image/153052052

 

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO