[wisb] Re: Western Sandpiper photos
- From: "Tom Schultz" <trschultz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 08:19:27 -0500
This is quite an interesting bird, since it doesn't seem to fit any species
perfectly.
I find the comments of Tom Wood, Mark Korducki and Steve Lubahn all
intriguing. Like Tom, I also wondered about the possibility of a small
Dunlin with an incomplete molt into breeding plumage. In many respects the
bird is very similar to the Dunlins next to it, but the bill does seem
somewhat small (shortish) for that species.
I agree that although White-rumped should be considered, the bird does seem
a little large for that species, and then there is the problem with the
wingtips not extending prominently beyond the tail, and it lacks the reddish
patch at the base of the lower mandible. The bill also seems a bit longer
than is typical for White-rumped.
As Steve suggested, hybridism might be considered -- and although still
pretty rare, it does occur from time to time. "Cox's Sandpiper", for
example, is an occasionally-seen hybrid between Pectoral and Curlew
Sandpipers.
Take a look at the interesting bird at the link below, which I think does
bear some resemblance to Ryan's bird:
http://www.oceanwanderers.com/WayneRichardson.Sandpiper.html
Whatever is determined, I don't think Ryan should be too hard on himself
about his original ID -- in this case it is far from straightforward, and
the resemblance to Western is understandable. Like Mark, however, my
suspicions were also raised when I saw the photos that showed Dunlins in
close comparison -- with this bird close to that size. Westerns are a
fairly small peep -- closer to Semipalmated in overall size.
Tom Schultz
Green Lake Co.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ryan Brady
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2012 7:31 AM
To: wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [wisb] Re: Western Sandpiper photos
Here are the initial comments from Cameron Cox, who authored this
http://www.surfbirds.com/Features/coxpeeps1006/coxpeeps1006.html among other
credentials. I'll add some more photos to the gallery and provide some
field comments shortly. I will also post to ID-Frontiers at some point.
"Not to be a wet blanket but this is clearly a White-rumped Sandpiper not a
Western. While Westerns are bigger that Semipalmed, they aren't much bigger.
Mostly Westerns are taller and bulkier. This bird is closer to the DUNL than
to to the Semi P Sandpiper in size. The very linear streaking on the chest,
the heavily streaked lower portion of the face, the very pale reddish
scapulars and cheek patch are all classic White-rumped Sandpiper. The
absolutely clinching mark can be seen in the last photo in Ryan gallery,
6295. The sides of the broad white rump patch are visible with a row of
subterminal arrowhead shaped marks, followed by dark outer tail feathers.
Both those arrowhead dots and the dark outer tail feather are not found on
any of the smaller peeps. The wings do seem short for a White-rumped but can
be seen projecting beyond the tail in a few of Ryan excellent photo. The
plus side being that these are some killer photos of White-rumped Sandpiper.
Should have been more clear about my statement on the outer tail feathers.
Westerns also have dark outer tail feathers, but those of White-rumped are
darker, almost blackish. When they flush White-rumped Sandpiper appears to
have an all dark tail, while in Western Sandpiper the dark central tail
feathers contrast sharply with the pale medium gray outer tail feathers."
Ryan Brady
Washburn, Bayfield County, WI
http://www.pbase.com/rbrady
----------------------------------------
> Subject: [wisb] Re: Western Sandpiper photos
> From: stevenlubahn@xxxxxxxxx
> Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 07:26:22 -0500
> CC: ashlandbirders@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: ryanbrady10@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
> Ryan, I can easily see why you would have called this a Western. I agree
> with Tom and Mark's comments. I felt the same thing last night when
> looking over the photos. The even rufous tones to the upper back, heavy
> streaking on the head and size are problematic. But, what about the lower
> mandible, primary extension? Something is off about this bird.
>
> Take a closer look at this photo...
>
> http://www.pbase.com/rbrady/image/143555359
>
> Is there a white rump peaking out?
>
> A quick google image did not produce a Western that looked like this bird
> yet White-rumped seems to be a closer fit despite the irregularities.
>
> Dare I suggest this is not a pure bird?
>
> Good luck, I'm off to go birding.
>
> Steven Lubahn
> Cudahy
> Milw Co.
> On May 24, 2012, at 8:41 PM, Ryan Brady wrote:
>
> >
> > Here's a gallery of 8 photos of the Western Sandpiper in Ashland this
> > morning. Awesome bird to study.
> >
> >
> > http://www.pbase.com/rbrady/wesa2012
> >
> >
> >
> > If you have time for only a few, try these:
> >
> >
> >
> > http://www.pbase.com/rbrady/image/143555364
> >
> > http://www.pbase.com/rbrady/image/143555359
> >
> > http://www.pbase.com/rbrady/image/143555366
> >
> >
> >
> > It was a very shorebirdy day in Ashland. Good numbers of individuals,
> > lots of diversity. Birds were moving all the place amidst heavy rain
> > throughout much of day.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Ryan Brady
> > Washburn, Bayfield County, WI
> > http://www.pbase.com/rbrady ####################
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