SW Florida Shorebirds (1 Viewer)

D

davemangham

Well-known member

• Jan 6, 2008

• #1

I've just returned from a vacation in SW Florida, and for the first time have started to photograph some of the shorebirds.

I'm finding the i.d. of some of these quite confusing, so I'm turning to the experts (all of you out there) in my confusion to attempt to get positive i.d's.

The attached photo was taken on Ft. Myers Beach (Lee County, Florida) in Dec 2007.

My immediate thought is Willet (C. semipalmatus), but I would welcome any correction or comments.

This may well be the first of several requests for help, so thanks in advance for any assistance provided.

Dave

 

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Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Jan 6, 2008

• #2

This is certainly a Willet, as you thought.

 

The Falcon

Registered Birder

• Jan 6, 2008

• #3

Agree with Andrew, Willet.

 

Paul Collins

Well-known member

• Jan 6, 2008

• #4

agreed again.

 

G

goshawk227

Diehard Massachusetts Birder

• Jan 6, 2008

• #5

I would even go as far to say that this looks like it could be a first-winter 'Western' Willet. The long tapered bill, apparently whitish breast, and overall paleness. Aged by the contrast between new and old feathers in the coverts and scapulars.

 

D

davemangham

Well-known member

• Jan 7, 2008

• #6

Thanks all...

...Willet it is!

A question for 'Goshawk' though. What are the chances of getting a 'Western' in SW Florida?

Dave

 

AlexC

Aves en Los Ángeles

Opus Editor

• Jan 7, 2008

• #7

Per Sibley, "Western [Willet] breeds inland and migrates to both coasts, but rare north of New Jersey."

So definite possibility, but in all honesty I, personally, am in no position (from this photo anyway) to compare non-breeding Eastern and Western.