ML242266761

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

While moving through flat water West of the island approximately 2 miles I saw a small fluttery bird about 50-70 yards away. First thought Wilson's storm-petrel. Stopped the boat to make sure. The bird flew closer parallel to the boat about 30 yards away and I noticed that it had a lot of white on the belly and a large white wing stripe. It was a shorebird and fluttering just over the water 2-8 feet. It now reminded me of a Ruddy Turnstone in plumage pattern. Large amount of pattering on the back of wings, body, and tail. Watching more trying to figure this bird out I decided it was not a RUTU and phalarope popped into my head. I must be honest I was not expecting a phalarope this time of year so that image was not registering at first. The bird was in close proximity for 2-3 minutes and even landed briefly. I was hoping it would stay on the water but did not. It moved off to the North along the "river" I did snap two poor photos in the ealry morning light but one does show the bird at least and patterning on chest and wing from the rear. Small head with thin medium length bill, long neck visible in length (like a peep type sandpiper). Very visible and pronounced white wing stripe. Upper tail patterned with white and black. This bird appeared dark. Dark chest with white belly sharply demarcated. I got good looks at it before it took off again. Medium length very thin bill. The bird moved off and away from me. Adult female in high plumage.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D7000

ISO

1600

Focal length

300 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/8.0

Shutter speed

1/1250 sec

Dimensions

4928 pixels x 3264 pixels

Original file size

4.41 MB