ML623690446

Observation details

I observed at least 7 flocks of the Semipalmated Sanpipers, each consisting of several hundred individuals and a few other species, such as Semipalmated Plover and Pectoral Sandpiper. The Birds were small, around 15 cm in body length. You can see the medium black bill and yellow legs when on the beach and flying. This time of the year, in migration, it is common to see only birds with pale brown and some rufous contours on the dorsal feathers. The birds had light brown on their faces. Wings and dorsal feathers are white. You can appreciate it in the images attached. The birds were flushed and took off when an immature Peregrine Falcon attempted to catch one of them. They performed several maneuvers and flew east into the Jamaica Bay area. Attached are images with the 3 species mixed in the flush flocks. As the Peregrine attempts to hunt, the birds fly low and in erratic movements.