ML501948111

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

This bird was originally thought to be a Semipalmated Sandpiper, however after further review appears to be a Western Sandpiper. It has a longer, slightly droopy bill vs a short, straight, stout bill of a SESA. I understand there is great variability in bill size of both birds, however SESA is usually smaller and straight. WESA is more gray vs brownish overall of SESA, which this bird appears to be gray and white. WESA would have very little streaking on the breast vs faint streaking on SESA, it appears to have very little to none. SESA has a smaller head, short neck and slimmer appearance, which this bird appears chunkier, with a larger head, better for WESA. WESA also has a whitish face which this bird appears to have. This bird does not have a darker cap, eyebrow or scaly back, eliminating juvenile SESA. WESA would be found later in the year vs SESA. I'm not sure Wisconsin gets SESA in full non-breeding plumage, which this bird is in. I'll include as many photos as I have showing different angles and lighting. Hopefully they will help in the decision.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF600mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4x III

ISO

500

Focal length

840 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/2000 sec

Dimensions

2256 pixels x 1504 pixels

Original file size

1.94 MB