Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus)

The curved bill helps identify this species. This individual appears to be molting into breeding plumage. I suspect it is an immature bird (first alternate plumage) with fresh solid gray basic-like scapulars overlying more typical black centered breeding feathers. The barring on the underparts is weak and the chestnut ear patch barely evident. This is a long-distance migrant wintering mostly in South America and breeding in the high Arctic, but this species also winters locally in freshwater habitats in Texas.