ML643480869

Observation details

Relocated from yesterday and focused on getting usable photos. Scanning and screening through the Semipalmated Plovers it stood out by having a number of features that although not completely diagnostic, were typical for Common Ringed. It also had some features that are usually diagnostic. Since, it was an adult coming into winter plumage, it was less advanced in moult than most of the Semis *Size*: Stood out as being larger than all the other Semis *Head*: Longer forehead with larger white 'front'. Larger headed *Gape-line*: Front mask met at gape of bill, which is a typical Common Ringed Feature *Breast Band*: Very wide, which is a good supporting character *White Behind Eye* : Prominent and large which is also a good supporting character *Eye-ring*: Prominent dark eye, with no orange-eye ring. Many of the Semis had a very faded orange-eye ring, but not completely lacking like this. No boundary between iris and white above eye. No boundary between iris and dark mask. *Bill shape*: Long, thin bill with gonydeal angle. Different from typical short and stubby Semi bill *Bill colour* : Some orange at base, *Plumage colour* Retained more black on mask / breast sides, yet paler and more washed out on crown and forehead.