Shorebirds in California Identification (1 Viewer)

daniel31083 · Dec 23, 2011

Hello,

I need your help withe the identification of some birds.

All pictures from August 2011 California Cost near Pismo Beach.

I think the little one (Picture number: OD..546) is a Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), a western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) or a Sanderling (Calidirs alba) or maybe a complete differens species? I don't know.

The second one (OD..573) should be a Willet (Tringa semipalmata), right?

The next one (OD..482) looks similar like the first. But it is an other species

This one (OD...533) is a marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa), right?

Ans the last one (OD..552) I think it's maybe a Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) ?

Thanks for your help.

Best regards
Daniel

daniel31083 · Dec 23, 2011

here are the other pictures.

Stuart Darbyshire · Dec 23, 2011

In the order you have them in terms of pictures, I'd go

1. Least Sand
2. Marbled Godwit
3. SB Dowitcher
4. Semi-P Sand
5. Willet

OlaB · Dec 23, 2011

I'd agree!

Andrew Whitehouse · Dec 23, 2011

Why not a juvenile Western Sandpiper for number 4? Much commoner than Semi-P in California too.

Stuart Darbyshire · Dec 23, 2011

Andrew Whitehouse said:
Why not a juvenile Western Sandpiper for number 4? Much commoner than Semi-P in California too.

I didn't open the thumb - just went on the bill!! Having looked at it again, its quite rufous - not another 30 page marathon!!!!!

Steve Schoech · Dec 23, 2011

Andrew Whitehouse said:
Why not a juvenile Western Sandpiper for number 4? Much commoner than Semi-P in California too.

Isn't the bill a bit heavy and short for Western?

Andrew Whitehouse · Dec 23, 2011

Steve Schoech said:
Isn't the bill a bit heavy and short for Western?

I guess it's on the short end but I'd probably rather go with plumage. The scapulars seem really strongly rufous for Semi-P.

csanchez7 · Dec 23, 2011

I agree with Andrew -- plumage over bill in this shape in this instance. I vote for Western Sandpiper.

Carlos

lou salomon · Dec 23, 2011

such intense reddish scapulars are hardly found in a juv semi-palm, right?

daniel31083 · Dec 23, 2011

hello,

thanks for the discussion.

Maybe the rufous colour in the plumage is from the sunset.

Unfortunatelly I don't have an picture in other light.

Regards
Daniel

Jim M. · Dec 23, 2011

I agree on Western Sand for the fourth photo.

Jim

OlaB · Dec 23, 2011

Not arguing there either.

beakgeek · Dec 23, 2011

Wouldn't there be chevrons on the flanks/sides if it was Western? Never mind I just looked at the time of year of the photo.

daniel31083 · Dec 25, 2011

Hello

thank you all for the help.

Here I have a last photo. Maye someone can help me with identification.

Same place, same month.

Daniel

Steve Schoech · Dec 25, 2011

Lesser Yellow-legs (or greater but I lean toward the former)

Steve Arlow · Dec 25, 2011

Greater Yellowlegs on the latest image posted, The bill is heavy and pale base along at least a third of its length.

fugl · Dec 25, 2011

Greater for me too, on the same basis.

daniel31083 · Dec 25, 2011

THANK YOU for all your help!!

Jane Turner · Dec 26, 2011

lou salomon said:
such intense reddish scapulars are hardly found in a juv semi-palm, right?

Actually they can be,but on the birds with bright upper scaps,the lower ones are too,unlike this bird which has nicely contrasting grey ones. It would be just about impossible in winter plumage though!

Shorebirds in California Identification (1 Viewer)

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