Calidris sp. in Nova Scotia - possible Little Stint? (1 Viewer)

[rb_stern]

A friend of mine, Dave Currie, who is an excellent and experienced birder here in Nova Scotia, asked me to post these pictures here, as he feels that the bird could be a vagrant Little stint. Photographed on 23/10/18 on the rocky shoreline at Eastern Passage, near Halifax. Some of the photos appear to show yellow legs, but he feels that this is the lighting. Any comments and ideas are welcome.

Thanks,

Richard

 

[tom baxter]

It looks like a very typical Semipalmated Sandpiper. Not to downplay the subtlety of the differences. But Little Stint should have a longer rear end and less compact proportion on both ends. Just my two cents, but I can't see any reason to consider Little Stint.

 

[lou salomon]

i agree on adult semipalmated. little stint has longer legs (tibia) and a different bill shape (slightly downcurved and more pointed tip).

 

[jmorlan]

Hi Richard. It's an adult Semip with some traces of breeding plumage, but mostly molted into winter. It probably stands out from the other peeps which are juveniles. Little Stint should have visible primary projection, more pointed bill tip and less dumpy proportions.

 

[rb_stern]

Thanks folks. I'll pass that on to Dave. Richard