Help with bird ID?
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helen...@gmail.com
Aug 16, 2021, 7:47:46 AM8/16/21
to Maine birds
I saw a wader / sandpiper yesterday on the Sheepscot River in Alna.
It looked bigger than a semi-palmated, it did bob its head a bit, but not repeatedly. Shorter black bill, black legs, soft mottled breast that seemed to have a subtle divide at center, and did not carry down too far, then a very clean break to a white belly and under tail. It looked like the wings extended beyond the tail. A slight eye ring, also a bit of a white smudge at the lore. Seemed to me to look more grey than brown, but the sunlight was quite harsh on it.
I'm thinking it was a Baird's Sandpiper?
It hung out on a rock for a good while, it wasn't trying to feed, just resting. The river is quite low there, about 2 feet.
I posted a few not great photos I got using my iPhone through my binoculars.
chr...@myfairpoint.net
Aug 16, 2021, 11:38:58 AM8/16/21
to maine...@googlegroups.com
At the risk of making a fool out of myself, I'm going to say Solitary Sandpiper. Size is always tricky on a lone bird, but eye ring looks like Solitary, as do the other markings.
Someone will tell me if I'm wrong.
Wally S.
Someone will tell me if I'm wrong.
Wally S.
helen...@gmail.com
Aug 16, 2021, 1:08:08 PM8/16/21
to Maine birds
Thank you. Yes, I got the same ID from Louis Bevier.
I thought Solitary at first because the eye ring looked so clear, but the beak and legs were so dark. Also it seemed a little shorter, hunkered down on the rock.
I thought Solitary at first because the eye ring looked so clear, but the beak and legs were so dark. Also it seemed a little shorter, hunkered down on the rock.
All of which shows the difficulty looking at birds in such bright sunlight, and I agree no nearby birds for comparison!
Helen
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