All,
We would like to hear everyone’s thoughts as well. Least should be the smallest
sandpiper, but sizes do vary some. Semipalmated SP is the most variable
sandpiper according to some authors. No droop in the beak to us rules out
Western and Least. Our vote is Semipalmated Sandpiper. If we were reporting
this one, we would probably report it as peep sp.
The behavior of not associating with the others could be anything or nothing.
Sometimes we don’t like being around others of our kind too!
We got there about 1 pm and only had 4 Least, 3 Semipalmated Plovers, and 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper that was not the bird in the photos you sent.
Good luck,
Ron Hoff & Dollyann Myers
Clinton, TN
From: rick houlk
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2015 7:52 PM
To: David Chaffin ; birder1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ; aves7000@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ;
tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ; terrywitt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Help with shorebird ID
David Chaffin and I birded the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bradley County
this morning. We had Semipalmated, Pectoral and 70+ Least Sandpipers.
Semipalmated Plover and Killdeer. There was one shorebird we could not
positively ID. The bird is most likely a least but neither of us have seen this
plumage.
All gray undersides with coarse black markings under chin.
Back all gray with little brown.
Black legs (not mud)
Black bill (no droop)
We saw the bird next to a Least appeared to be 2/3 the size of a least. Not as
plump. It stayed on the gravel and concrete above the wastewater ponds. Never
entered the pond area or associated with other species. Moving constantly.
Never flushed or flew the entire 2+ hours we were trying to get photos.
Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.
Photos attached.
Rick Houlk
Polk County
