ML322949401

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Media notes

Note smaller size in relation to nearby Killdeer

Observation details

To say the least this bird was a challenge in identification. In many respects it resembled a Dunlin in basic plumage but their were some differences. This was a medium sized shorebird that was similar to a Dunlin but the longer legs and longer neck gave it a less hunch backed appearance than is typical for Dunlin. At a glance this was a noticeable paler bird than nearby PESAs with light gray upperparts; the bird had a conspiuous whitish eyebrow that contrasted with darker crown. The bill was all black and the overall shape depended on the camera angle or view through spotting scope. It some, the bill seemed evenly decurved with a fine tip- in other angles the bill appeared more straight.; head, neck and sides of breast were finely streaked with a light, smudgy gray; wings appeared to extend just beyond tail tip. We had the bird in view for probably 1/2 hour before something flushed the entire flock of shorebirds and Pete was able to get a photo of the bird in flight showing the diagnostic white rump which would separate from a basic plumaged Dunlin; wings were dark with contrasting white wing stripe bissecting the wing.

Technical information

Model

COOLPIX P900

ISO

220

Focal length

714 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/500 sec

Dimensions

2259 pixels x 1811 pixels

Original file size

686.74 KB