Sandpiper\Yellowlegs in Northern Illinois, USA (1 Viewer)

M

Michael J Lawson

Member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #1

Hello,

I'm looking for help identifying a bird I saw in northern Illinois feeding in the Fox River. My bird book just doesn't give me enough plumage varieties on the Sandpipers so I'm having a hard time positively identifying them (Time for a trip to the bookstore I think).

3 shots of it here: http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1015421

 

Hyrax

Well-known member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #2

Your bird looks like a Spotted Sandpiper. I recommend the Sibley guide by the way.

 

Hyrax

Well-known member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #3

After I posted there a post appeared above mine saying Solitary Sandpiper but it now seems to have disappeared? Anyway I think it probably is a Solitary Sandpiper, going on lack of any super behind the eye and the underwing pattern from pic 1. My bad

 

M

Michael J Lawson

Member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #4

Thanks Hyrax. It does kind of resemble a Solitary in my Stokes guide, but they show it with very brown legs, a solid dark beak, and again only in summer plumage. I'll check out the Sibley guide you recommended on my next trip to the book store.

 

E

Egrets9

Well-known member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #5

looking at the other pics i think its Lesser yellowlegs rather than Solitary Sand

 

Last edited: Sep 13, 2011

The Falcon

Registered Birder

• Sep 13, 2011

• #6

Agree with Solitary Sandpiper.

 

Steve Schoech

Well-known member

Supporter

• Sep 13, 2011

• #7

3rd for Solitary Sandpiper

 

C

csanchez7

Well-known member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #8

It is a Solitary Sandpiper.

Carlos

 

M

Michael J Lawson

Member

• Sep 13, 2011

• #9

Thanks everyone....I'll go with Solitary.