ML164437721

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

****Holy frijoles! Alternate adult found by Pat Lindsay, the rare shorebird magnet, at the location which doubles as the extra european shorebird magnet spot!! Literally in the exact same puddle as a Wood Sandpiper found last Spring which definitely bares remarking. This bird was foraging in the puddled golf course just off the main parking area. Overall most similar to GRYE, inc heavy upturned bill, etc. except for a few things as follows: noticeably longer and wider than GRYE and longer, more horizontal, and more attenuated when moving; much paler than GRYE or any shorebirds present; dull colored legs which were a sickly gray color (some called them green, some called them pink, some even called the putty colored!) Very fine subtle markings on upper parts including neck, back, etc. Very pale but subtly streaked neck and dark chevrons along flanks point against GRYE and also numerous dark scapular feathers are a good indicator for this species in alternate plumage. Also, the back of this bird had a "dowitcher-like" white spur which ran up to the top of the back. This was evident mostly when the bird took a few short flights but even could be seen while the bird was foraging. Anyway this was a spectacular bird for New York State (first record if confirmed by NYSARC) and an amazing bird for the all important Suffolk County. A great bird worthy of plenty of field-gin in celebration.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

1000

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

2213 pixels x 1264 pixels

Original file size

667.67 KB