ML562636481

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Small sandpiper, black legs, toes with webbing. In scope views I was drawn repeatedly to the large amount of prominent heavy contrasting dots/spots and rows of dots (streaks) on the breast and down the sides. That pattern really stood out as did rufous color ears, crown, and shoulder. Out in the field I wasn't sure about this (cold, rain, wind), got some photos to take a better look at home. At home thought about Western Sandpiper which would be very unusual, but Semipalmated Sandpiper would be unusual too at this early date. In the field the bill didn’t seem too long and without much droop at the tip, but looking closely at photos the bill is pretty thin and looks longer with a slight droop. Found by Warren L on April 21 while we both were next to each other looking at Willets and shorebirds. A much better photo by Karl O on April 24 shows more detail than my photos. 100% certain this is the same bird. The pattern, location, and size of spots and streaks on the breast and left side of the bird and the rufous areas is identical in Karl’s and my photos. https://ebird.org/checklist/S134879374

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM +1.4x III

ISO

1600

Focal length

560 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/9.0

Shutter speed

1/1000 sec

Dimensions

686 pixels x 515 pixels

Original file size

196.43 KB