ML109027491

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

9-10 near Red Hill, 23 January 2006. These were found on the north side of McKendry Road on way to Obsidian Butte in a shallow pond. Seen through the scope at 50 yards around 1:30 PM, (birds not backlit) and studied extensively, these were seen in a shallow pond feeding next to Dowitchers. When we compared the shape of these two species, the dowitchers were thicker bodied and taller. Also, while feeding with bills down in the water, the backs of the dows were more horizontal in the water than the STSAs , which held there backs more vertically tilted with their tails pointing higher in the air. The bills were thinner looking and about 2/3rds as long and obviously shorter with a droop at the tip. In the head they showed an obvious eyeline with a supercilium. They were also grayer than the more browner dows with the stilts having white in the shoulder. The gray of the stilt was smooth without any spotting whereas the dows showed somewhat bright and contrasting brown and black in the scapulars. The stilts had a pale gray wash across the breast and a white belly. Dark spotting was seen on the undertail coverts. The legs were a pale yellow, paler than the Lesser Yellowlegs nearby. Comparing the feeding style with the dows, it seemed the stilts fed a bit slower but the same sewing machine style. We see very few of this species so we learned a lot studying them and thinking that 9 was a high number. We found out later from Guy McCaskie that hundreds can be present.

Technical information

Model

CanoScan 9000F Mark II

Dimensions

565 pixels x 311 pixels

Original file size

78.52 KB