ML617166371

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Originally found on ocean side, north of YMCA Surf Camp, by a researcher. Hours later, found here by Nathan French. On mudflats north of parking lot for Emory. Across from major construction across bay. Likes green slimy stuff just off the water viewed from here: 32.60549° N, 117.12699° W. Hunkers down sometimes in berm by green slime. Also runs quickly and seems to stay in this general area. Mixed in with tons of Semipalmated Plovers but its bill is noticeably black and large, and neckband larger and strong black. We were all on ocean side searching earlier, and NAFR split off for the mudflats, eventually finding it for the rest of us. ------ Add'l notes from Sylvia A: Continuing from earlier this morning; impressively discovered by Kristina W on Imperial Beach and was incredibly re-found this afternoon by Nathan F on the Bay side. Thank you, guys!! :)) Looks just like the nearby Semipalmated Plover (SEPL), but with a longer, thick, all-black bill; thicker breast band; from a side profile, has a thinner, white forehead patch (headlamp), in comparison to the SEPL; and has lighter, less orangey legs than its counterpart. 1806 to 1835 – I jogged over to join the accumulating group of birders on sight, standing on the bike path, overlooking the mudflats. Immediately welcomed by others offering their scope for excellent views, as the little guy was at a distance, chillin’ on a slimy green berm. But not too long after my arrival, it got up and started foraging, zig-zagging along the mudflats at first, but later got the zoomies and booked quick spurts back and forth, along the water’s edge. It eventually made its way with the Least Sandpipers, bathing in the water, preened, and stretched its wings. Also loosely associated with its doppelgangers, the SEPL, but was mostly on its own when the others flushed, and preferred to be on the outer vicinity of any large groups, which was helpful in keeping track of it. There were periods of time, where it would be stationary, hiding behind a berm, its little head peeking out, so it could’ve been overlooked. Special thanks to all those who generously shared their scopes, for the combined efforts in tracking and staying on the bird as other birders were expected to arrive, and for Nathan F, Paul L, and Tom (?) for alerting and/or updating us of their finds and/or search status. Thank you, all!! :))

Technical information

Model

DSC-RX10M4

ISO

100

Flash

Flash did not fire

Dimensions

620 pixels x 416 pixels

Original file size

55.7 KB