ML192909661
Colaborador
Data
Localização
- Idade
- Não especificado
- Sexo
- Não especificado
Detalhes da observação
***Mega. 5th record for Massachusetts (first for August and first adult in the fall), and one of only about a dozen records for the Lower 48. Initially we viewed a small plover from about 200 m away that was slightly larger than nearby Semipalmated plovers. The back of this plover was clearly a colder, paler gray, and the supercilium was bright white, broad, and extended far beyond the eye. The median coverts were quite worn, causing this individual to appear even paler. We inched gingerly toward the plover within 50 m, at which point we were confident that the bird completely lacked any yellow in the orbital skin, and instead the orbital skin was black. With extremely careful scrutiny, we determined that the webbing (palmation) between the outer two toes was absent or significantly reduced relative to nearby Semipalmated Plovers. At this point we knew it was a dead... ringer. The crown of this bird was particularly pale and useful when comparing to nearby Semipalmated Plovers. The bottom edge of the black lores connected to the bill at or below the gape. The breast band, especially when puffed out, was very thick, obviously much thicker than any nearby Semipalmated Plovers. The bill was longer than on nearby Semipalmated Plovers. The black on the auriculars was more extensive on average than on other nearby plovers, reaching fully all the way back to the posterior end of the auriculars. The black band across the top of the forehead was on average thinner than on nearby Semipalmated Plovers, and immediately posterior to this forehead band was a small pale border. The forehead was extensively white as well. The culmination of these fields resulted in a large, pale plover with a very pale head and sharp black contrasts. The bird vocalized frequently while chasing off intruding Semipalmated Plovers that trespassed on its muddy domain. The main vocalization often was introduced by several short “pip” notes. The main vocalization was a relatively low-pitched, repeating “tou-it tou-it tou-it…” Each phrase rapidly fluctuated between first a low note followed by a high note. These phrases were repeated about 5-10 times until engaging the intruder in an aerial battle. Two short flight calls were heard. We spent about 1.5 hours watching this bird closely. It was highly faithful to a small patch of mud, always returning to the same patch after chasing off intruders. We witnessed easily a dozen chases, for which our plover almost always was successful. A full five minutes was devoted to bathing and preening in the pond. The rest of the time was spent yanking worms from the ground.
Informação técnica
- Câmera
- Microfone
- Acessórios
- Tamanho do ficheiro original
- 102.91 MB