ML337898561

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Upon arrival at the north pond, I first spotted two Killdeer but also noted that they were accompanied by a rather large Calidrid shorebird. After a quick look with binoculars, I realized that I needed to get my scope from the car because the shorebird, which was approximately the same size as the plovers did not look familiar. The short bill and large size made me think Ruff, so I got hopeful. When I returned, the bird was gone. After a few moments of frustration I realized that I was in luck as a large Calidrid was flying around the fields and looked as if it might return. As it flew in, I noticed the characteristic tail pattern which showed a white "U" rather than a white rump patch like a yellowlegs. Sure enough, a scope view revealed that it was a small Ruff, most probably a female due to the lack of alternate male plumage. The dark bill was fairly short and the bird appeared somewhat "dumpy" The bill looked straight, but may have been slightly drooped. The legs looked dark greenish, but mostly just seemed dark. The upper breast looked dinghy grayish and mottled. The lower breast and belly was contrastingly plain whitish. From the distance of ~200' the scapulars and upperwing coverts looked dark with pale edging. In flight the Ruff looked long-winged, but when it perched, the wings did not look long as they showed little if any primary projection. I posited that the bird might be an immature female based on the near complete lack of alternate plumage and small size. Because I had an appointment to keep, my viewing was limited to ~ ten minutes, but I called Louis Bevier to let him know of the bird's presence.

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX730 HS

ISO

80

Focal length

7.5 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/4.0

Shutter speed

1/40 sec

Dimensions

1755 pixels x 1381 pixels

Original file size

531.46 KB