Wilson's Plover

[susanschermer]

Getting on my belly in the sand with a 500 was a new experience for me. My neck feels the pain, but I like the results. Great weather and great light at Fort de Soto a few weeks ago. These little guys are everywhere.

[Mike Milicia]

Your efforts definitely paid off !
Lovely image and great job catching him in mid-stride.

I'm not a shorebird expert by any means but I'm fairly confident that this is not a Wilson's Plover.
Wilson's have a larger, all black bill and pinkish grey legs.
I'm pretty sure this a Piping Plover but I can't explain the plumage, an immature maybe?
I'm sure one our resident experts will give a more definitive answer.

[Dan Brown]

Very nice action shot Susan! Good sharpness, and comp and BG. According to my Nat. Geo field guide, this is a female or juv. Semipalmated Plover. Definately not a Wilson's though. Dan Brown

[susanschermer]

Thanks for the correction, Guys. I wasn't sure, but it looked similar to a shot of a Wilson's I took several years ago.

[Arthur Morris]

Dan got it right. It is a one year old Semipalmated Plover. Note that some of the coverts feather are worn down to the feather shafts. I do--of course--love the persepctive and the cool running pose. Hard to do when you are flat on the ground.