ML361047831

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

***Mega. 1st county record and 9th state record (3rd outside Monomoy). I was scoping the main mud/sand tidal flat when I took a glance to my right and noticed a bright colored Calidris about 30 feet away. I instantly whipped my scope onto the bird and was astounded to see what looked like a perfect Little Stint. During the minutes that followed, I took many pictures, got input from friends, and watched its behavior until I was certain of this ID. Then I stayed on the bird for the next 2 hours on and off until I got scorched out by the sun. Little Stint features include: Calidris with long black legs, long toes, and pointy black bill. More slender than nearby SESA and lacking the webbing between toes (see photos). Rufous tinged coverts, scapulars, tertials, upper breast, neck, and face. Thin breast band, buffy head, and bold extending supercilium. Skyler K. pointed out that it also showed a gape notch which is a solid feature of a LIST/RNST. Didn’t vocalize. All identification points seen in the field and opinions from friends seem to point towards an adult breeding Little Stint. Behaviors were unlike the other shorebirds present. The bird was in constant motion, it would move around at a high pace rapidly picking food off the mud. It was often leaning forward with its tail high in the air. It also distanced itself from the other shorebirds, but would sometimes chase them off. This bird was seen in a sensitive location that is treacherous to access, hence why I have delayed putting out the word. My purpose out here was to complete a quick ISS survey with the goal of making as little impact on the area as possible. This find has been the result of countless hours of searching and predicting for this species. It feels incredible now that all those hours are payed off.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

500

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

2067 pixels x 1326 pixels

Original file size

381.55 KB