Shorebird ID help - New Mexico (1 Viewer)

[SusieRuss]

I found this shorebird at Bosque del Apache a couple of days ago. The third photo shows it slightly behind a killdeer for size comparison. Any help in ID would be much appreciated. TIA.

 

[BAL Land]

I believe you have a Ruff, a really good bird for the area. I’d recommend getting it reported to eBird right away.

 

[birdmeister]

Looks like you've photographed the Buff-breasted Sandpiper that's been seen recently at Bosque del Apache. Browner overall plumage (at this season) and even shorter bill help to separate this one from Ruff.

It's a great bird still, and very out-of-season!

 

[BAL Land]

Whoops, sorry for the false ID…should’ve realized that.