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Arthur Morris
04-08-2014, 05:33 PM
Can you ID this bird? Can you age it? What month?

Do let us know what features guided you.
P-A. Fortin
04-09-2014, 04:11 PM
I really did not want to go first but since no one gave it a try yet after 24h...

I would say Western sandpiper, mostly due to the reddish crown and scapulars. As of age/month, the white end of the feathers look barely worn. So I would go with adult, and may/june for the month.
Arthur Morris
04-10-2014, 05:36 AM
Well done on all counts. The inverted chevrons on the sides of the breast are the clincher for adult Western. Early May in Cordova, AK.
P-A. Fortin
04-10-2014, 08:07 AM
Had to dig through 4 books to come up with an answer... Tough one!

Love these quiz questions. Now I have learned to ID a bird I have never seen! (and will likely never encouter where I live)
Sandy Witvoet
04-10-2014, 04:25 PM
Wouldn't have gotten that ID in a million years! Thanks, Artie!
Arthur Morris
04-10-2014, 05:30 PM
You are both very welcome. An experienced shorebirder would ID that bird from the photo in 0.0000001 seconds... :).
Sandy Witvoet
04-10-2014, 05:45 PM
You are both very welcome. An experienced shorebirder would ID that bird from the photo in 0.0000001 seconds... :).
Absolutely! Wish I was one of them! Have not had many ops with shorebirds here (TOTALLY dif than the E. side of the State.) Regardless, really appreciate the education!
P-A. Fortin
04-10-2014, 08:43 PM
You are both very welcome. An experienced shorebirder would ID that bird from the photo in 0.0000001 seconds... :).

If only shorebirds would stick around here for a while, especially during spring...

Since it took me over 30 minutes and required looking up in 4 books, I guess I rank just above the "lost cause" category in the rankings :bg3:

So let's get to work on #2!