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shorebird id

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Michele Williams on March 20, 2011 at 3:34 PM
shorebird id
Is this a least sandpiper? If it helps, he bobs his body a lot when feeding on the seawall. I took this in February in coastal central Florida. I have a lot of trouble with ID'ing small shorebirds. Thanks!
Posted by Brian Gatlin on March 20, 2011 at 5:01 PM
Looks like a Spotted Sandpiper to me. The bobbing is a great behavioral clue. Least would have a smaller, slightly curved bill and is a smaller bird.
Posted by Mia McPherson on March 20, 2011 at 5:39 PM
I agree with Brian, Spotted Sandpiper.
Posted by Michele Williams on March 21, 2011 at 6:20 AM
Thanks! I went back and looked at other photos of him and did see a few spots on his chest.
Posted by RL Potts on March 21, 2011 at 11:23 PM
This species seasonally loses the spots. Looks like a winter bird to me.