ML71504431

Age and sex

Adult, Unknown sex - X

Media notes

Size comparison with Killdeer

Observation details

Large Calidris sp., roughly same size as Killdeer with a medium-length bill that drooped slightly. Observed with scope from varying distances, closest about 300 feet. It flew to the far side of the lake and disappeared before we could get any closer. Dull gray-brown upper parts and breast but lacked heavy streaking. In flight, appeared to show dark rump, ruling out White-rumped. After careful observation with scope, and studying Sibley field guide, we think it's either a Sharp-tailed or an unusually unpatterned Pectoral. Many photos and videos taken. UPDATE: After cropping photos to view on a computer, taking screen captures from video, and consulting with a number of experts, including Alvaro Jaramillo and Joe Morlan, we've concluded that this bird is a RED KNOT. The only other likely species based on size, shape, and plumage would be Pectoral Sandpiper. The details supporting the ID of Red Knot and pointing away from Pectoral Sandpiper are: --buffy-pinkish wash that extends all the way to the belly --overall structure, with a very plump body and thicker bill base than Pectoral would show --size almost exactly the same as Killdeer, while all other Calidris species would be noticeably smaller --back coloration too pale and gray for Pectoral --almost all Pectoral Sandpipers found in California are juveniles, and this bird is not --screen captures from video show a pale, grayish rump and tail, which is unique to Red Knot, and eliminates Pectoral --droopiness of bill originally led us away from Red Knot, because field guides all describe "straight bill," several photos found online show that a small percentage of these birds can show some droop near the end of the bill just like our bird shows

Technical information

Model

COOLPIX P510

ISO

250

Focal length

180 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.9

Shutter speed

1/1000 sec

Dimensions

1107 pixels x 1149 pixels

Original file size

723.11 KB