Western Sandpiper

[Bill Dix]

Taken at Bunche Beach on March 21, shortly before sunset. I believe I am right about the species; but if someone believes this is a Semipalmated Sandpiper, please let me know (and why?). I'm basing my ID on the length of bill, amount of rufous on crown, auriculars and scapulars, thicker neck; but these attributes are variable in both species. eBird shows the Western as by far the more prevalent at this location in March.

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 600mm, ISO 800, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual.

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

Sharp, well exposed, like the green patch at his feet. The pano crop works for me here as I see him cruising along the shoreline looking for yummies.

Can't help with the ID unfortunately.

Cheers

Randy

[Arthur Morris]

Definitely Western: deep based bill with a kink at there end, a hit of rust in the head, and the chevrons on the sides of the breast. They will become more pronounced as the bird molts. I believe that the very worn coverts make this a first winter bird.

Nice ;low angle and you did a good job of separating the bird from the seaweed pile. A bit more of a head turn toward us would have lit up the eye.

with love, artie

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Artie. That puts my mind at rest. I agonized over the ID for some time, and consulted all of my shorebird books (including yours) before settling on Western. But since I am far more familiar with the SESA in the Northeast, I still wasn't sure. I believe many of the shorebirds on the beach that evening were 1st winter birds.

[Ivan Sjogren]

Nice one Bill!

I think the low angle, the background and the light is all very pleasing! Exposure and details looks good too. I would maybe try to bring out some more details and color in the seaweed.
As mentioned a slight headturn would have been nice.

[David Cowling]

Nice to see the bird busy in it's natural environment. The low angle separates the bird nicely from the background. Like the left leg moving forward to show that it is on the hunt. Head angle already mentioned but when these birds are intent on finding prey they are not interested in looking towards you.

[John Mack]

Nice and sharp with a good low angle. Like the seaweed at the bottom of the frame.