Doc Duck
Well-known member
The NJ shots were in difficult backlight and glare. Some were also distant and I couldn't find a better angle or closer or clearer shot at that pond, but I have at least some guesses as to what I saw there. I've also made a guess at the ones I saw on the Bay Trail my last morning in SF, but given how often I'm mistaken I thought I should check with you folks before posting and making a fool of myself. But you folks already know that about me anyway , so here come my guesses:
1) I'm thinking these might be Black-bellied plovers still in breeding plumage, but with that backlight and glare it's hard to see the precise shape of the black belly plumage and white framing or the precise shade of their darker caps, so they might also be American Goldens ...? But I'm pretty sure not European or Pacific Goldens, but I've been wrong many times before.
2) Do I see a slight upturn to the bills on some of these waders, indicating Greater Yellowlegs? But that lighter-bellied one at the back with the broad white supercillium, is that maybe a Spotted Redshank? Can't really tell the leg colors thanks to the backlight and glare.
3) This plover is from the West Coast and in non-breeding plumage. American Golden, perhaps? Or is it Pacific Golden? I have many shots of them, but I think this one was the best.
1) I'm thinking these might be Black-bellied plovers still in breeding plumage, but with that backlight and glare it's hard to see the precise shape of the black belly plumage and white framing or the precise shade of their darker caps, so they might also be American Goldens ...? But I'm pretty sure not European or Pacific Goldens, but I've been wrong many times before.
2) Do I see a slight upturn to the bills on some of these waders, indicating Greater Yellowlegs? But that lighter-bellied one at the back with the broad white supercillium, is that maybe a Spotted Redshank? Can't really tell the leg colors thanks to the backlight and glare.
3) This plover is from the West Coast and in non-breeding plumage. American Golden, perhaps? Or is it Pacific Golden? I have many shots of them, but I think this one was the best.