Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Least Sandpiper?

  1. #1
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Lehi, Utah
    Posts
    433
    Threads
    34
    Thank You Posts

    Default Least Sandpiper?

    Still working my way through all the shorebirds I shot in Florida (mostly at Fort De Soto Park) in mid-April. I'm thinking based on the yellow legs alone that this has to be a Least in breeding plumage, but would like some expert confirmation. Thanks in advance for the help. I blew out the whites a bit on this, unfortunately, and it's a severe crop.

    Nikon D7000, 500mm f/4 @500mm
    f/4, 1/800, ISO 280, distance 9.4 m

    Name:  _R002068-Least-Sandpiper-breeding-colors.jpg
Views: 84
Size:  198.5 KB

  2. #2
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    6,588
    Threads
    643
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I think so Ron. The yellow legs are characteristic of this species, and although there are other Calidris sandpipers that have yellow legs, they are quite a bit larger than the Least (North American ones at least). This little guy is showing very worn feathers and looks like he/she needs to moult.
    Last edited by John Chardine; 08-30-2011 at 04:15 PM. Reason: added detail

  3. #3
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Lehi, Utah
    Posts
    433
    Threads
    34
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks John, I appreciate the help.

  4. #4
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Green Lane, PA
    Posts
    744
    Threads
    42
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Bill shape (gentle curve, fine tip), overall brown color, and yellow legs all look good for Least to me.

  5. #5
    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Indian Lake Estates, FL
    Posts
    32,506
    Threads
    1,433
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    It is an adult Least but it has a long way to go to finish the molt to breeding plumage.
    BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.

    BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.

    Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,

    E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.










  6. #6
    Dave Irons
    Guest

    Default

    Artie is spot on with this bird. It is an adult Least Sandpiper that has barely started its prealternate molt. Note differences in feather edges. Winter feathers (basic plumage) show very ragged/frayed margins and they are generally paler and concolor. The newer alternate feathers ("breeding plumage") show very little wear or fading and they have broad dark centers with buff and/or rusty margins. Note the somewhat disorganized look in terms of pattern and the sizes of feathers on the upperparts.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics