How straight billed is this! (1 Viewer)

Jane Turner

Well-known member

• Dec 12, 2003

• #1

Its definitely an Western Sand...but the bill is as straight as a die!

I've not seen many to know if this is unusual or not.

 

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Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Dec 12, 2003

• #2

Very quirky. Still a looonnggg bill though, and quite thin at the end.

 

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tf1044x

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #3

I Don't think it is that unusual, as they are quite variable.

 

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Darrell Clegg

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #4

Does anyone remember the Semi-p sand many years ago (Suffolk?) that had a very long bill and was actually thought to be a Western for ages? (I think some people may still have it on their list as one!!!!)

Darrell

 

Jane Turner

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #5

That did have a nice bob tip though I believe...

 

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Edward woodwood

Member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #6

seen a few quite similar to this but this one doesn't appear to have any hit of a slight downturn at all - something I haven't noticed (only seen a few hundred or so)

 

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Cuckoo-shrike

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #7

It looks to me like it just may have its head turned , so we are actually looking at the under-side of the bill, making it appear straight. That would, however, make the dark blob which appears to be the eye a dark mark under the chin....

 

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Edward woodwood

Member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #8

well spotted Aquila - you could be right!

 

Binocularface

You've all got one...............!

• Dec 13, 2003

• #9

Darrell Clegg said:

Does anyone remember the Semi-p sand many years ago (Suffolk?) that had a very long bill and was actually thought to be a Western for ages? (I think some people may still have it on their list as one!!!!)

Darrell

Click to expand...

I don't recall this one, but a few years ago (1997 I think?) there was a calidris at Musselborough (East Lothian) that was initially identified as a Semi-P Sandpiper and about two weeks later it was re-identified as a Western Sandpiper from photographs. Luckily the bird was still present allowing birders to see it with this new found knowledge!

 

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Edward woodwood

Member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #10

think it was felixtowe '82 Darrell

 

Jane Turner

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #11

Aquila said:

It looks to me like it just may have its head turned , so we are actually looking at the under-side of the bill, making it appear straight. That would, however, make the dark blob which appears to be the eye a dark mark under the chin....

Click to expand...

It was dead straight from all angles...

 

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tf1044x

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2003

• #12

The Felixstowe bird was thought to have been a Western, but later it was identified as a Semi-P from photo's, yes I saw it.