ML223223681

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Found previous day by Adrian & Chris Hinkle in pond at extreme southern end of auto tour route. Drive Tour Route south from Hwy 161 past information kiosk to Intersection C. Turn Right and drive SW almost to next (unmarked) intersection. Just past a small yellow sign on right side of road reading "Pheasant Hunting Only" is best viewing access for shorebirds. Look for large flock of dowitchers in distance on north edge of pond. A telescope is necessary to make out this bird. Fairly large shorebird with bill only as long as width of its head. In some views bill looked two-toned, mostly pale orange with black tip. We never saw legs or feet because it was standing in water. Never saw it in flight. Larger-bodied than nearby dowitchers, a bit smaller than black-necked stilts. Underparts pale buff to white with numerous dark black blotches across breast and down into flanks. Back and scapular feathers had black centers and warm buffy margins. Tertials extended out over tail somewhat and were distinctly barred. Head and nape were warm buffy brown. Bird fed by dipping or pecking into water with slower separate dips, then raising head out of water. It meandered back and forth. It did not feed with head constantly down the way dowitchers feed. Thanks to Debby's sharp eyes for spotting this.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS REBEL T3i

Lens

EF300mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x

ISO

100

Focal length

420 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/7.1

Shutter speed

1/800 sec

Dimensions

260 pixels x 189 pixels

Original file size

65.11 KB